The Tall Glass Series: Pimm’s Cup


This bright and refreshing cocktail offers a taste of spring, no matter what the weather.


Pimm's Cup

Named for James Pimm, the English bartender who first produced Pimm’s in 1823, this highly-underrated cocktail with slices of cucumber, lemon and orange complements the bitter and citrus flavours of the gin-based liquor at its core. A dash of soda lends liveliness.

Ingredients:

  • ½ small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • ½ orange, thinly sliced
  • ½ lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Pimm’s No. 1
  • 3 cups light soda (Ginger Ale; Sprite; 7-Up; Orangina; San Pellegrino Limonata, Aranciata or Pompelmo)
  • Mint leaves for garnish
  • Ice

Add slices of cucumber and fruit to a pitcher filled with ice. Add Pimm’s and soda. Stir gently until combined. Pour into glasses. Garnish with mint if desired. Serves four.

Pimm's Cup

To make this recipe for one, simply adjust recipe so that it is three parts soda to 1 part Pimm’s No. 1 with a slice each of the solid ingredients and a mint leaf garnish.

Favour something a little stronger? Add an additional ½ oz of gin (like Beefeater) for each serving.

Tip: Though cucumber and citrus fruits are traditional in a Pimm’s Cup, feel free to substitute in thin slices of any fruit that is in season—from green apple to strawberry. In a pinch, the soda can also be traded for lemonade.