I love summer cocktails, mostly because there is such an array of pretty ones to mix up and serve to my friends. I find a signature cocktail is a fun way to begin a dinner party on a festive note. The Pimm’s Cup has to be “the” quintessential English summer libation and a perfect warm weather cocktail. This is a terrific cocktail for July 4th – double or triple it, accordingly, for a crowd.
Inspired by a gorgeous photo of a Pimm’s in a summer issue of Bon Appetit last year, I mixed up a batch, working on an eye-catching garnish. This is a deceptively strong cocktail, so I took a hint from BA and added some ginger beer, my favorite British soft drink. You can substitute sparkling water for the ginger beer, adding just a teaspoon of super-fine sugar.
I used cucumber, the classic Pimm’s garnish, and added some herbs from the garden as well. ย My orange thyme was in flower and the pineapple mint needed pruning. I only wish my Tuscan rosemary had been blooming. Have fun concocting your own version.
Many thanks to Laura of Family Spice for her patient, helpful and inspirational photo tips.
TIP: Buy Pimm’s No. 1, a fruit and herb-infused gin, at most liquor stores. It is a little price-y, about $20, but you can store the opened bottle in your liquor cupboard until your next summer happy hour.
- 1 3-inch piece English cucumber, cut into ½-inch pieces
- ¾ cup Pimm's No. 1
- 3 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice
- ice cubes
- 2 sprigs each fresh thyme, mint and rosemary
- 2 Meyer lemon slices
- chilled ginger beer
- cucumber spears, thyme, mint and rosemary sprigs (garnishes)
- Place cucumber pieces in a cocktail shaker and mash with the end of a wooden spoon.
- Add Pimm's and lemon juice.
- Fill 2 tall glasses with ice and set aside.
- Add ice to Pimm's mixture, cover and shake for 20 seconds. Strain and pour into 2 glasses.
- Add some ice cubes, then a lemon slice and finish with more ice.
- Top off each glass with ginger beer.
- Garnish and serve.
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Okay, now I have to get some Pimm’s and see what the fuss is about! Looks great, Liz! Glad I could help and you were able to understand my ramblings!
Of course – see my cheesecloth?
we may have to include this in one of our Fabulous Fridays
Oh, I hope you do – Mission Hills Liquor sells the Pimm’s #1…Happy 4th!
I’ve never had this drink… seems pretty amazing, but I suppose if I had a full drink someone would have to dial 911 ๐
they go down very easily…
Great photo Liz! Looks very summery, I especially like the herb finish.
Do you enjoy them in London, Jayne?
Pimms is very popular here but not sure if the way it’s served is the same as a Pimms cup. I’ve only tried Pimms once, years ago at the Chelsea flower show.
Interesting – will have to research, Jayne – enjoy the weekend.
Liz, that photo is fantastic. I want to drink this right now!
Wish I could serve you one, Lynda.
Liz! Great photo my friend ๐ Love the white on white, really brings the drink out. I have never made one of these and I really must make one considering my hubby is a brit….we’ll see. I have a houseful right now for the 4th and I am enjoying it for a change!
Hope you enjoy the holiday, Wendy, and try the cocktail…
This is the perfect summer drink! I haven’t had one in years, and used to LOVE them. I love the look of your recipe and will make these this week!!
They were fun to make – and fun to sip on, of course ๐
This is one of the all-time classic summer cocktails. Haven’t had one for years, thanks for reminding me how beautiful they are. PIMMS is on the shopping list!
Great, Steve – I’m sure you will come up with a creative garnish –
Lovely photo Liz! And the drink sounds so refreshing. I might have to try it for our next jazz in the park picnic. Happy summer!
Thanks, Lisa – hope to see you soon.
We are drowning in Sunshine in Los Angeles. I’d call that Pimm’s weather. GREg
Ditto, plus it’s humid – perfect Pimm’s weather indeed.
Oh my gosh! It has been TOO long since I had a Pimm’s Cup! Thanks for sharing, Liz! It looks amazing. Ahh how I miss Pimm’s.
Come on over – I have half a bottle of Pimm’s in our fridge ๐