A Pimm’s Cup is two ounces of Pimm’s No. 1 topped with lemon-lime soda, loaded with cucumber, orange, strawberry, and mint, and ready in five minutes flat. It’s genuinely low-alcohol, which makes it an easy choice when you want something festive without anyone feeling wrecked by mid-afternoon. If you’ve never made one, you’ll be surprised how much flavor comes from a bottle you can find at most liquor stores.
The technique that matters
The only technique worth thinking about here is the order you build the drink. Add your ice first, then the Pimm’s, then the fruit — this lets the fruit sit in the liqueur for the thirty seconds it takes you to grab the soda, and that brief contact actually pulls flavor out of the strawberries and cucumber. Pour the soda down the side of the glass rather than straight onto the ice; it keeps the carbonation alive longer so the drink doesn’t go flat before the second sip. Stir once, gently, just enough to combine — aggressive stirring kills the bubbles and dilutes the drink faster than you want.
If something goes sideways
- The drink tastes flat immediately: Your soda was already open and losing carbonation. Use a fresh can or bottle every time — a half-open two-liter sitting in the fridge won’t cut it here.
- It’s too sweet: Lemon-lime soda varies a lot by brand. Swap half the soda for plain sparkling water to dial back the sweetness without losing the fizz.
- The cucumber flavor is barely there: Thin slices release almost nothing. Cut them at least a quarter-inch thick, or lightly press them against the side of the glass with your bar spoon before stirring.
- The mint smells like nothing: Mint bruises easily in transit. Before dropping the sprig in, clap it once between your palms — this cracks the cell walls and releases the oils without tearing the leaves.
- Making a pitcher and it’s gone watery by the time guests arrive: Keep the ice separate. Fill the pitcher with Pimm’s, soda, and fruit, then let guests pour over ice in their own glasses. It holds well for up to an hour this way.
Shopping notes
Pimm’s No. 1 is the one you want — it’s gin-based and what this recipe is built around. Other numbered Pimm’s varieties use different spirit bases and will taste noticeably different, so check the label. It’s stocked at most liquor stores and some larger grocery stores with a spirits section. Lemon-lime soda is straightforward — Sprite or 7UP both work. If you want a slightly spicier, less sweet result, ginger ale is a solid swap and pairs well with the cucumber. Skip the garnish if you’re making this for a crowd on a weeknight — the mint sprig is pretty, but the drink tastes the same without it.
Leftovers and make-ahead
There are no real leftovers once the soda is in — a built Pimm’s Cup goes flat and watery within about twenty minutes. What you can do ahead is prep the fruit and store it in a covered container in the fridge for up to two days; sliced cucumber and strawberries hold fine, and orange slices last even longer. If you’re hosting, measure out the Pimm’s into a pitcher and refrigerate it for up to a day, then add the fruit and cold soda right before serving. That’s the whole make-ahead strategy — it’s a five-minute drink, so the prep is genuinely minimal.
Pimm’s Cup
Equipment
- highball glass
- Bar spoon
- Knife
Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
- 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1 a classic liqueur featuring spiced and citrus flavors
- 4 oz lemon-lime soda can substitute with ginger ale for a spicier twist
- ½ cup ice crushed or cubed
For Garnishes:
- 2 slices cucumber thick-cut for a refreshing aroma
- 2 slices orange thin-cut for citrus brightness
- 2 slices strawberries freshly sliced
- 1 sprig mint freshly picked
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass halfway with ice to chill the drink.
- Pour 2 oz of Pimm’s No. 1 over the ice.
- Add slices of cucumber, orange, and strawberries into the glass.
- Top with 4 oz of lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale for variation).
- Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine the flavors.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig on top.
Notes
- For an extra refreshing twist, try adding a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance the brightness.
- If making for a crowd, scale up the recipe and serve in a pitcher with plenty of ice and garnishes.
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
What does Pimm’s No. 1 actually taste like?
It’s a gin-based liqueur with a flavor that lands somewhere between herbal, lightly spiced, and citrusy — not strongly alcoholic-tasting. Most people who try it expecting something harsh are surprised by how mild and almost fruity it is, which is why it works so well with soda and fresh fruit.
Can I make a Pimm’s Cup without alcohol?
There isn’t a true non-alcoholic substitute that replicates Pimm’s flavor exactly, but a mix of cold black tea, a small splash of orange juice, and a little ginger ale gets you into similar herbal-citrus territory. It won’t be the same drink, but it’s a reasonable mocktail option using the same garnishes.
Is ginger ale or lemon-lime soda better?
Lemon-lime soda is the more traditional choice and keeps the drink lighter and crisper. Ginger ale adds a bit of warmth and spice that works especially well if you find the standard version a touch too sweet.
Do I have to use all the garnishes listed?
No — the drink works fine with just cucumber and a splash of soda if that’s what you have. The garnishes add aroma and a little extra flavor, but they’re not load-bearing; use whatever fresh fruit is sitting in your fridge.
How much alcohol is actually in a Pimm’s Cup?
Pimm’s No. 1 is 25% ABV, and a standard serving uses only two ounces, diluted further with four ounces of soda. The finished drink is genuinely low in alcohol compared to most cocktails, which is why it’s easy to sip slowly over a long afternoon without it sneaking up on you.
