Pimm's Cup

• July 13, 2023
• Cocktails

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.

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.