Pimm's Cup

Pimm’s Cup: a long, low-alcohol British pour

This is a garden drink rather than a bar drink. Pimm’s No. 1 is a gin-based fruit cup at around 25% ABV, amber-red and gently bitter with citrus, spice and a hint of cucumber. Lengthened with lemonade or ginger ale over a lot of ice it lands near the strength of a light beer.

Pimm’s Cup measures in ml and oz

The house ratio is one part Pimm’s to three parts mixer, in a tall glass packed with ice and fruit.

Cloudy British-style lemonade is the traditional mixer and gives a softer, sweeter drink. Dry ginger ale adds a gingery bite, and ginger beer makes it spicier and less sweet. Use a full-sugar version.

Building it in the glass

Fill a tall highball or pint glass to the top with ice cubes, pour in the Pimm’s and top with the mixer. Stir once from the bottom up with a bar spoon to mix the liqueur through without losing carbonation. Add the cucumber, strawberry, orange and mint after the liquid so they sit against the glass.

Alcohol strength and calories

At 50 ml of Pimm’s No. 1 with 150 ml of lemonade, the finished drink is roughly 6% ABV, a little less once the ice melts. A single serve carries about 165 kcal and around 12 ml of pure alcohol.

Cucumber, and why it matters

Cucumber is the signature of the drink: a long thin ribbon or three thin slices, unpeeled, from a firm, fresh fruit. Do not muddle it, or the glass turns green and vegetal.

Substitutions and named variations

• Ginger ale or ginger beer — the spicier alternative to lemonade, and the standard mixer in many pubs.
• Sparkling lemonade — adds carbonation and acidity; use a dry one.
• Pimm’s No. 6 — the vodka-based cup, lighter and more floral, same garnish.
• Pimm’s Royale — topped with sparkling wine instead of lemonade; drier, stronger, more festive.

Common mistakes and fixes

• Not enough ice. The drink needs a full glass to stay cold and keep its fizz.
• Warm mixer. Chill the lemonade and the Pimm’s; nothing else cools the drink down.
• A heavy hand with Pimm’s. Going 1:2 makes a syrupy glass rather than a stronger one.

When to serve one

Serve it at a summer barbecue, a picnic or a garden party, made by the jug. It pairs with light, salty food: cucumber sandwiches, cold roast chicken, sausage rolls, prawn cocktail, quiche, salted crisps.

Pimm’s Cup FAQ

What alcohol is in Pimm’s No. 1?

Pimm’s No. 1 is a gin-based fruit cup, amber-red and moderately sweet, at around 25% ABV. The other numbered cups use different spirit bases, such as vodka or rum.

Is a Pimm’s Cup made with lemonade or ginger ale?

Both are traditional. Lemonade is the classic English mixer and gives a sweeter drink; ginger ale adds a spice note that works well with the cucumber.