How To Make The Perfect Pimm’s This Summer

A glass of Pimm's No.1 Cup next to a bottle of Pimm's.

Pimm’s Recipe

The Wimbledon classic serve gets a boost of extra flavour with my twist on Pimm’s No. 1 Cup.

There’s nothing that says British Summertime quite like a Pimm’s. Fruity, citrusy, lightly spiced – it’s the ultimate long drink for sunny afternoons, garden parties, and of course Wimbledon. I’ve loved it for years, and every year I look forward to cracking open a bottle and mixing up the perfect Pimm’s. Whether you’re making a jug of the stuff or just one or two glasses, everyone has their own way of making Pimm’s – over the years, I’ve perfected mine.

What is Pimm’s?

I’ll admit, I didn’t always know what Pimm’s actually was. I remember years ago sitting in my university campus bar, soaking up the sun at the end of term, holding a glass of Pimm’s and asking my friends, “Wait…what even is this?”

Turns out, it’s a gin-based drink, sometimes described as a liqueur. Perfect for a gin lover like me, it makes complete sense why it’s always been a favourite drink of mine. Pimm’s has become synonymous with British summer celebrations – think Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, and the Henley Regatta. Traditionally, it’s served with lemonade (or a lemon-lime soda), ice, and a generous mix of fresh fruit. Everyone has their own “perfect Pimm’s” method, but here’s my take on this classic long drink.

How to make the perfect Pimm’s

On the back of every Pimm’s bottle, you’ll find a very straightforward recipe for the perfect Pimm’s: 1 part Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, 3 parts lemonade. And look, it’s good. But, personally, I prefer my Pimm’s a little stronger than their signature serve. After a bit of experimenting, I landed on my own slightly stronger, fruity twist on the classic.

Cocktail Hour: How To Make The Perfect Pimms - Female Original
Cocktail Hour: How To Make The Perfect Pimms - Female Original

Pimm’s Cocktail Recipe

The classic Pimm’s No. 1 Cup recipe, but a little stronger.

Ingredients

  • 75ml Pimm’s No. 1
  • 150ml Lemonade (I use 7UP Free)
  • 3 slices of cucumber
  • 10-15 mint leaves (chopped)
  • 2 strawberries, quartered
  • Plenty of ice

Method

Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes, then add chopped mint leaves, cucumber and sliced strawberry. Pour the Pimm’s over ice and fruit and top with 150ml of lemonade. Serve and enjoy in the sunshine!

Top tip: if you’re making a jug of Pimm’s, just follow this simple rule: 1 part Pimm’s, 2 parts Lemonade.

Serves: 1 person

Cocktail Hour: How To Make The Perfect Pimms - Female Original

More recipes to try at home

Spritzes and serves to experiment with at home this week.

48 thoughts on “How To Make The Perfect Pimm’s This Summer

  1. I have never had Pimms before and the addition of cucumber sounds cooling, so I want to try this before all the heat is totally gone from my slice of the world. I love that you went out and found out what is in the drink you love and made it the way you like it; I would rather enjoy one good drink too over a couple weak ones. 🙂

    1. It’s such a refreshing drink that’s perfect in the hot weather. It’s gotten much cooler here in the UK over the last week but I can still see myself making a Pimms and lemonade for at least a few more weeks. It’s just too good to let go of haha! 🙂

  2. That looks so incredibly refreshing! I’m not much of a drinker but this looks great and I’ve heard that Pimms is a lot of people’s favourite alcoholic drink. I need to give it a try soon 😛

  3. Wimbledon and Pimm’s is the only way to spend your life in July. I’ve been drinking Pimm’s forever and I had no idea that it was gin based either!! That’s interesting. I hated gin when I was younger but I still enjoyed Pimm’s. And I totally agree, stronger is better. I hate the watery ones you get sometimes if you order a jug somewhere x

    Sophie

  4. I love pimms! I could drink it all year round! Great post, I also didn’t know it was Gin based so that explains a lot because I love that to.

    You’ve inspired me to make some for tonight now x x

  5. Ooh I love a pimms! I actually never thought about what was in it either you know! I haven’t had a pimms in a long while but it is a great summer drink. Reading this has made me want a glass of pimms tonight, as it’s a Friday and all that! xx

  6. Oooh! It has been ages since I had Pimms! So good, love that you share some delicious cocktail and alcoholic recipes hehe. I love that the perfect drink is easy to make. I am the same when it comes to stronger drinks!! I really need to up my game with these citrus!! Thanks for sharing!

    Nancy ✨

    1. Glad you enjoyed reading! One stronger drink will forever be better than a few watered down ones! 🙂

  7. I can’t remember the last time I had Pimms, it was years ago. But I could just drink one right now. Your post has inspired a trip to the shop tomorrow!

  8. Hi Faye. Thanks for this, perhaps we may have one or two more sunny days to enjoy a Pimms before Winter arrives ….

    I’m definitely with you – fewer strong drinks are preferable to lots of weaker ones.

    1. I’m on a mission to find an Autumnal Pimms recipe – I’m not quite ready to give it up yet haha! 🙂

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