The perfect Pimm’s recipe for summertime sipping

Pimm’s has become as synonymous with British Summertime as picnics in the park, barbecued burgers and Wimbledon – but do you know how to make Pimm’s properly? We spoke to experts to find out how to get your Pimm’s just right, whether you prefer the classic recipe or want to try something new.

What is Pimm’s made of?

Pimm’s is a gin based spirit first invented in the mid 19th century. The Pimm’s recipe is a secret but according to the brand the drink’s ingredients are: ‘herbal botanicals, caramelised orange and warm spices.’

The Pimm’s recipe we all recognise and love is known as the Original Pimm’s No 1. (There have been different versions of Pimm’s in the past including the vodka-based Pimm’s No 6, and ones with different flavour profiles, such as the Pimm’s Sundowner, with flavours of raspberry and redcurrant). If you’re looking to buy off-brand, the product to look for is called ‘Summer Cup’, which many supermarkets and a fair few high-end distilleries now produce their own versions of.

What can I mix with Pimm’s?

The Original Pimm’s No 1 is traditionally topped with fizzy lemonade such as Schweppes or can be made using ginger beer. A Pimm’s Royale is made using Champagne instead of a soft drink.

This classic drink is going to be our go-to cocktail for all our upcoming summer celebrations!

How to make Pimm’s – serves 1

50ml Pimm’s No 1
150ml sparkling lemonade, chilled
Fresh mint leaves
Chopped strawberries
Orange slices
Chopped cucumber
Plenty of ice

Fill your highball glass with ice, pop in the mint and chopped fruit, pour in the Pimm’s, top with lemonade and stir.

To make up a pitcher for a larger crowd, use the same method as above, this time with a handful each of the chopped fruit, cucumber and mint leaves. Keep the ratio to one part Pimm’s and three parts lemonade, and make sure to pour the chilled lemonade into the jug slowly to avoid a frothy head of foam.

How to make Pimm’s with a twist

We spoke to bartenders and mixologists around the UK to find out how they enjoy a glass of Pimm’s with a twist.

Pimm’s Spritz

Take your Pimm’s to the next level with a Pimm’s No. 1 Spritz. In a wine glass filled with ice, add 50ml Pimm’s No 1, followed by 75ml lemonade and 25ml sparkling wine. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and cucumber slices for a refreshing take on a classic.

Serve Pimm’s with Champagne

Known as a ‘royal cup,’ or ‘Pimm’s Royale,’ adding Champagne instead of lemonade is exactly what Jane Peyton, founder of School of Booze would do. However she recommends serving this concoction in a smaller glass because the alcohol level is higher.

Use different herbs

Don’t feel as though you have to stick to just mint, Matt Ottley, Head Bartender at the Salt Room in Brighton tells us. Instead he recommends trying different herbs and muddled spices for a new flavour experience. His favourite for Pimm’s are:

Basil, strawberry and black pepper
Sage, apricot and fennel
Rosemary, raspberry and pink peppercorns
Herbs like thyme and lemon balm

Add Appletiser

Richard Wood, Head of Spirit & Cocktail Development at the Duck and Waffle, says Appletiser goes brilliantly with Pimm’s.

“It’s a perfectly delicious alternative to lemonade,” he said. “It’s best mixed in a large wine glass with a couple of halved strawberries, a sprig of mint and a slice or two of apple. Garnish with an apple fan for a true taste of Summer with a lovely aromatic lift.”

Top it off with cider

“My Pimm’s with a twist would have to be gingerbread syrup, lemon juice and apple cider, all served in a big schooner glass,” says Bar Soba mixologist Faye Woodcock.

Enjoy with some cherries

“Add cherry juice and some whole cherries themselves into the mix for a delicious twist to traditional Pimm’s,” says Sam Metcalf, Front of House Manager at Waitrose Cookery School. “I also suggest adding a shot of Disaronno to turn this cherry Pimm’s into a punch!”

Add a drop of gin

“For years now, we’ve always added a touch of gin to our Pimm’s to enhance its flavour,” says Simon Gamble, Two Birds Spirits Creative Director.

“Dry gin gives the drink more personality, boosting the botanical flavours and giving it an aromatic flair while keeping to its British roots throughout the Summer season.”

Turn them into ice lollies

Scott Stevens, chief mixologist at Bar Soba loves making Pimmsicles in the Summer. He adds all the classic ingredients and then freezes them for the perfect cool down on a hot day.

Throw elderflower cordial into the mix

“I love to serve Pimm’s with sparkling elderflower cordial or liqueur, a slice of cucumber and a spring of mint,” says Samantha Russell from The Cock and Bottle in Notting Hill.

Use whisky

If you’re wanting to liven your Pimm’s up a little, Grant Neave, Brand Ambassador for Monkey Shoulder recommends adding a measure or two of whisky.

“The citrus notes in Pimm’s marry perfectly with whisky especially when it’s mixed with ginger ale and a few slices of orange,” he tells us. “To ramp up the spiciness replace the ginger ale with ginger beer for the perfect punchy Pimm’s cocktail.”

Change to tropical fruit

“To give a unique twist I switch the usual Summer fruit to some more tropical fruit,” says Alex Rowland, bar manager at St Tudy Inn in North Cornwall. “I also like to add a splash of Pedro Ximenez Sherry giving the Pimm’s a really delicious sweet sticky finish, or a measure of El Dorado Rum 15 year old which will give it a refined dry caramel finish.

And if you fancy cooking with Pimm’s instead?

The fruity, minty, sweet flavour of Pimm’s No.1 makes it a great addition to a wide range of sweet treats – here at Good Housekeeping we’ve turned it into a scone-topped strawberry cobbler, a creamy trifle, refreshing ice lollies, a fruit-topped cheesecake, picnic-perfect cupcakes and a celebratory loaf cake.