This Summer Pimm’s Cup cocktail is a crisp, cooling drink made with Pimm’s No. 1 and homemade cucumber mint lemonade. It is light, citrusy, refreshing, and ideal for warm-weather sipping.
Pimm’s can be a little mysterious at first glance. It is a gin-based liqueur with a distinctive flavor that works beautifully in easy summer cocktails. Mixed with lemonade, fresh cucumber, mint, and plenty of ice, it becomes the kind of drink that tastes instantly relaxing. This version of a classic Pimm’s Cup is bright, fragrant, and simple enough to make one glass at a time or multiply for a pitcher.
The Pimm’s Cup is closely associated with Wimbledon, much like the mint julep is connected with the Kentucky Derby. Every summer, this cocktail is enjoyed in large quantities in London, especially during tennis season. The traditional drink is already refreshing, but pairing Pimm’s No. 1 with cucumber mint lemonade gives it an extra fresh, garden-inspired twist.
This cocktail is perfect for summer parties, backyard dinners, brunch, picnics, or any afternoon when you want something that feels special without requiring complicated mixing. The cucumber keeps it cool and clean, the mint adds freshness, and the lemon brings the bright acidity that balances the sweet, spiced character of Pimm’s.
Ingredients
A classic Pimm’s Cup is usually made with Pimm’s No. 1 and lemonade, then garnished with fresh mint, orange, strawberries, and cucumber. This recipe keeps the spirit of the traditional drink but uses cucumber mint lemonade for a more refreshing homemade flavor.
Pimm’s No. 1 is enjoyable on its own, but it shines when mixed with citrusy or lightly sweet beverages. Lemonade, limeade, ginger ale, and citrus sodas all pair well with its botanical flavor. In this recipe, the lemonade is blended with fresh cucumber and mint, then strained for a smooth, clean finish. The result is a summer cocktail that feels polished but takes only a few minutes to assemble once the lemonade is ready.
For the best flavor, use plenty of ice and garnish generously. Lemon wedges add color and brightness, cucumber slices make the drink look fresh and elegant, and mint leaves add aroma with every sip. If you are serving this for guests, prepare the cucumber mint lemonade in advance and keep it chilled until it is time to mix the cocktails.
Assembly
Note: Pimm’s once produced several varieties of liquor. Pimm’s No. 1 is the most widely available today. No. 2, which was Scotch whisky based, and No. 5, which was rye whiskey based, are no longer available.
If you enjoy a classic Pimm’s Cup, this cucumber mint lemonade version is a fresh and easy way to make the drink even more cooling for summer. It is simple, colorful, and ideal for serving in a tall glass over plenty of ice.
More Refreshing Cocktails
- Cucumber Margarita
- Gin and Tonic
- Fresh Lime Margarita
- Sparkling Cucumber Mint Gin
Summer Pimm’s Cup
Yield: About 1 quart cucumber mint lemonade. Cocktail recipe is written for one mixed drink.
1 (multiply as needed)
5
5
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1, (1/4 cup)
- 4 oz cucumber mint lemonade, (1/2 cup), recipe follows, or use your favorite lemonade
- Ice, as needed
- Lemon wedges, to garnish
- Sliced cucumbers, to garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, to garnish
Cucumber Mint Lemonade (makes about 1 quart)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, (100 g)
- 2 1/2 cups water, (600 ml), divided
- 1 cup Persian cucumbers, or English cucumbers, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
- 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, (240 ml)
Instructions
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Fill a glass with ice. Add the Pimm’s No. 1, then pour in the cucumber mint lemonade. Add more ice if needed and stir until well combined.
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Garnish with lemon wedges, sliced cucumber, and fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately while cold.
Cucumber Mint Lemonade:
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In a small sauce pot, combine the sugar and 1/2 cup of the water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let the simple syrup cool slightly.
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In a blender, combine the cucumbers, mint leaves, lemon juice, and slightly cooled simple syrup. Puree until smooth.
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Strain the mixture through a fine strainer or cheesecloth. Pour the lemonade into a pitcher, add the remaining 2 cups of water, and stir to combine. Chill until ready to use.
Notes
- You may substitute your favorite homemade lemonade or store-bought lemonade.
- Store homemade cucumber mint lemonade in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Shake or stir well before using.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 17g
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Sodium: 7mg
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Sugar: 15g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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