Pimm's Cup

two pimm's cups sitting on a white bar with strawberries, mint and cucumber scattered around

Quite possibly the poshest cocktail on the planet. 

by Erin Henderson

My first job as a sommelier was at a private racquet club. Of course, tennis was a major draw amongst members (we also offered squash, badminton, and pickle ball.)

The executive chef was a proper Englishman who taught me many things: how to shuck an oyster, make classic steak tartare, and whip up a Pimm’s worthy of his countrymen.

Pimm’s is a gin-based liqueur, ruddy in colour, the 200-year-old recipe top-secret. To make a proper Pimm’s Cup, well, you certainly need Pimm’s, but recipes range (as does the hysteria as to what is “right”) from lemonade, to lemon-lime soda, to ginger beer. A fantastic array of garnish also feature proudly on the drink – some with a basketful of fruit that would rival Carmen Miranda’s hat.

I like the way Andrew taught me: simple and streamlined, a mix of Pimm’s with spicy ginger beer and a refreshing ribbon of cucumber and understated plume of mint.

A Pimm's cup, with mint and cucumber, sitting on a lawn chair with a beach towel and sunglasses in the background
Pimm's Cup

During my time at the racquet club, we slung quite a few of these mahogany cocktails. Wimbeldon or not, Pimm's makes for a refreshing tipple on a summer patio. 

Makes: 1 drink
Bartender level: easy

Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Pimm’s
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • 1 long ribbon of English cucumber
  • 1 sprig of mint
How to Make It: 
  1. Peel off a lengthy ribbon of cucumber.
  2. Into a highball glass, line the cucumber strip along the side. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. Pour in the Pimm’s and top with ginger beer.
  4. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve.

For a Crowd:

Makes: 8 drinks

Ingredients: 
  • 500 ml (2 cups) Pimm's
  • 1000 ml (4 cups) Ginger beer
  • 10-12 cucumber slices 
  • Handul mint sprigs
How to Make It: 
  1. Place the cucumber and mint in a pitcher.
  2. Pour the Pimm's and ginger beer on top and stir to combine. 
  3. Fill rocks or sturdy wine glasses with ice. 
  4. Pour in Pimm's. 
  5. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, if desired. 

 

 

 

 

Hear From Real People!

The Wine Sisters put on magnificent event in Unionville..... They did a superb job, both as Sommeliers and on the PR and overall event co-ordination ... Great job and we look forward to working with you on our event!
You and your team were an absolute pleasure to work with! From the get go, you were very flexible with our needs, communicated in a timely manner, and tailored your services to be exactly what we asked for.
Erin did a fantastic job with our group. We all really enjoyed the day. I have already recommended The Wine Sisters for my company events, as it was such a great experience for us.
I wanted to thank you again for last night. Everyone had a great time, and I received a lot of compliments, on your behalf. You struck a great balance between being informational and entertaining. 10 out of 10.
The unique programs and the tour we did with you was a huge success. Guests really enjoyed the afternoon!
Bravo! You were awesome and I loved the presentation, explanation and selection of wines! I just had to reach out and thank you for a wonderful evening. You two are fabulous – great energy and you really like what you do.  You make tasting wine fun!
Everything was perfect and very personalized! We still talk about experience and how nice it was. Definitely memories our family will treasure forever.
Wow, Emily was absolutely fantastic! She was patient, explained the wines well, and was a delight to work with.

Thank you so much for everything I will definitely use your services again.
 
Everybody had a ton of fun and we very much see this structure as a template we can use with clients and friends in the future.
I’m really pleased with how the event went. Everyone feels really happy with your incredible hosting skills and experience. We all DEFINITELY want to use The Wine Sisters again! Thank you so much!!

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