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Classic CocktailsEasyAI Generated Recipe

Pimm's Cup

A quintessentially British summer cocktail featuring Pimm's No. 1 liqueur topped with ginger beer and garnished with fresh cucumber and mint. Light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with herbal complexity.

The Pimm's Cup is summer in a glass—a refreshing British classic that transforms any gathering into a sophisticated garden party. This delightfully complex cocktail combines the herbaceous mystery of Pimm's No. 1 with crisp ginger beer and an abundance of fresh garnishes that make it as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're watching Wimbledon, hosting a summer soirée, or simply craving something uniquely refreshing, the Pimm's Cup delivers that perfect balance of botanical intrigue and effervescent joy that has made it a beloved staple since the 1840s.

5 min
🥃collins
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Pimm's Cup cocktail served in a collins
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AI-Crafted Recipe

This recipe was created by our AI mixologist. It may not be a traditional recipe but should be a delicious interpretation.

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: Fresh cucumber ribbon, orange slice, strawberry, and fresh mint sprig

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Fill a collins glass with ice cubes.

  2. Gently muddle 2 cucumber slices in the bottom of the glass to release their oils.

  3. Pour the Pimm's No. 1 over the muddled cucumber.

  4. Slowly top with ginger beer, leaving about an inch of space at the top.

  5. Gently stir once to combine.

  6. Garnish with the remaining cucumber slice, orange slice, strawberry halves, and mint sprig.

  7. Serve immediately with a straw or bar spoon for mixing.

Flavor Profile

HerbalRefreshingCitrusySpicyFruity

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

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Mixing Glass

Mixing Glass

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Bar Spoon

Bar Spoon

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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

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Muddler

Muddler

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Highball Glass Set

Highball Glass Set

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💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use a high-quality ginger beer with real ginger for the best flavor—avoid overly sweet versions

  • 2

    Muddle the cucumber gently to release oils without creating pulp

  • 3

    Pre-chill all ingredients and glassware for optimal refreshment

  • 4

    Don't skimp on the garnish—it's integral to the drink's character and aroma

  • 5

    Add the ginger beer slowly to preserve carbonation and create natural layering

📜 History & Origin

The Pimm's Cup was created by James Pimm in 1840 at his oyster bar in London's financial district. Originally served as a digestif to accompany shellfish, Pimm's secret recipe combined gin with a proprietary blend of herbs, spices, and fruit extracts. The drink gained popularity throughout Victorian England and became synonymous with British summer social events. The "Cup" refers to the traditional serving method—Pimm's mixed with a sparkling mixer and served with fresh fruit and herbs. During the 1920s, the cocktail became the official drink of Wimbledon and other prestigious sporting events. Today, Pimm's Cup remains a symbol of British summer culture, though variations have spread worldwide. The original Pimm's No. 1 is still the most popular base, though the company has produced numbered variants over the years (Pimm's No. 2 through 6), each with different spirit bases, though most have been discontinued.

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Sake Mojito

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Pimm's Cup taste like?

The Pimm's Cup has a herbal, refreshing, citrusy, spicy, fruity flavor profile. A quintessentially British summer cocktail featuring Pimm's No. 1 liqueur topped with ginger beer and garnished with fresh cucumber and mint. Light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with herbal complexity.

What ingredients do I need for a Pimm's Cup?

A Pimm's Cup requires 7 ingredients: Pimm's No. 1, Ginger Beer, Fresh cucumber, Orange slice, fresh strawberry, Fresh mint sprig, Ice.

How long does it take to make a Pimm's Cup?

A Pimm's Cup takes about 5 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Pimm's Cup?

A Pimm's Cup is traditionally served in a collins, garnished with Fresh cucumber ribbon, orange slice, strawberry, and fresh mint sprig.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Pimm's Cup?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Pimm's Cup by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Pimm's Cup?

The Pimm's Cup was created by James Pimm in 1840 at his oyster bar in London's financial district. Originally served as a digestif to accompany shellfish, Pimm's secret recipe combined gin with a proprietary blend of herbs, spices, and fruit extracts. The drink gained popularity throughout Victorian England and became synonymous with British summer social events. The "Cup" refers to the traditional serving method—Pimm's mixed with a sparkling mixer and served with fresh fruit and herbs. During the 1920s, the cocktail became the official drink of Wimbledon and other prestigious sporting events. Today, Pimm's Cup remains a symbol of British summer culture, though variations have spread worldwide. The original Pimm's No. 1 is still the most popular base, though the company has produced numbered variants over the years (Pimm's No. 2 through 6), each with different spirit bases, though most have been discontinued.