How to Make a Pimm's Cup - Classic Cocktail of Wimbledon

The Wimbledon tennis finals are this weekend, and there couldn’t be a finer time to enjoy a Pimm’s Cup, Wimbledon’s “official cocktail”. It’s sweet and fruity and refreshing…just the sort of lighthearted cocktail that’s perfect for summer. You can make them by the glass or in a pitcher for a group of friends. They are packed with summer fruits, cucumber, and mint. The name comes from the liqueur used in it, Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur with a secret recipe dating back to the 19th century.

I was first introduced to a Pimm’s Cup when I ordered one with my lunch at the Simon Pearce restaurant (at their flagship store) in Quechee, Vermont. Since then, it’s been a summer regular for our family. We make them for ourselves. We serve them to summer houseguests. Recently, as Dave had just spent a very hot afternoon doing yard work, I set up for sunset cocktails in the backyard and made them for the two of us.

They’re ideal for summer days because they are pretty no-fuss…going together in just minutes. Thirst quenching and like a sip of summer in a glass! Enjoy!

Pimm’s Cup

cucumber, sliced

lemon, sliced

orange, sliced and halved

strawberries, sliced (plus for garnish)

fresh mint (opt.)

Pimm’s No. 1

lemon juice

ginger ale

Ice

To make one drink:

In a highball glass (12 oz.) place: 2-3 slices of cucumber, two slices of lemon, two slices of orange, several slices of strawberry, and mint (opt). Into glass, pour 2 oz. Pimm’s No. 1 and one ounce of lemon juice. Top with ice cubes. Fill to top with ginger ale. Garnish with fruit slices, as desired.

Tips:

The recipe can be doubled, tripled, or made in a batch in a pitcher.

Feel free to be creative with the fruit...add fresh cherries, lime slices, etc.

The alcohol content can be adjusted to suit taste. I frequently make mine with half the alcohol and more ginger ale. Or eliminate the Pimm’s No. 1 altogether and just use lemon juice and ginger ale for a non-alcoholic version.