Ultimate Pimm’s

This ultimate Pimm’s recipe takes the traditional summer cup recipe to the next level. We’ve added a splash of gin and ginger ale to the classic lemonade-based recipe, along with nectarines and cherries, to make the ultimate summer cocktail.

  • History of Pimm’s: Pimm’s was first created in 1840 by James Pimm, who sold the gin-based liqueur at his London oyster bar. The recipe remains a secret but is known to include spices, botanicals and caramelised orange.
  • Classic British summer drink: You’ll often find Pimm’s at garden parties, weddings and barbecues in the UK; it’s a popular drink for daytime celebrations. It’s also known for its association with the Wimbledon tennis tournament, with celebrities often spotted sipping it court-side.
  • The traditional recipe: There are several variations on Pimm’s available for sale, but the most well-known is the No.1, which is used to make the popular Pimm’s No.1 Cup cocktail. This combines 1 part Pimm’s with 3 parts lemonade, garnished with mint, cucumber, strawberries and orange. Plenty of ice is essential, too.
  • How to jazz it up: We suggest adding gin and ginger ale for a punchier flavour, while juicy nectarine slices and summer cherries amp up the fruity factor. Tiny blue, star-shaped borage flowers are a fantastic addition to Pimm’s too if you can find them, adding visual interest and a subtle cucumber-like taste.

Prefer something with a little spritz? Try our Pimm’s fizz made with sparkling wine.

  • 1 large jug
  • Hands-on time 5 min

delicious. tips

  1. To vary things, you could try sliced plums, summer berries, orange wedges, passion fruit pulp or pineapple slices.

    Instead of gin, try Cointreau – it’s much stronger in flavour so be sure to add it bit by bit.

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