Pimms Cup Recipe
Pimms No. 1. Lemon. Cucumber. Strawberry - Black Pepper
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pimms Base
Produce & Garnishes
Optional / For Serving
Method
Prep
Chill
Chill the Pimm's bottle and sparkling lemonade (or chosen mixer) in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the finished drink is bright and cold without over-diluting from ice immediately.
Thinly slice the cucumber into rounds or half-moons. Hull and quarter the strawberries. Slice lemons into thin rounds. Lightly bruise the mint leaves by gently clapping them between your hands or giving them a light slap with the back of a spoon — this releases aroma without shredding.
Build the Pimms Cup (serves 2)
In a large pitcher, add the chilled Pimm's No. 1 (6 fl oz).
Add the sliced cucumber (0.25 cup), quartered strawberries (6), and lemon rounds (2) to the pitcher. Gently muddle the fruit and cucumber 4–6 times with a wooden spoon or muddler just to release some juices and aromatics — do not over-mash; you want texture and flavor, not a puree.
Tear or lightly bruise the mint leaves and add them to the pitcher, reserving a couple of whole sprigs for garnish.
Add plenty of ice to the pitcher or directly to individual serving glasses (about 2 cups ice per glass).
Pour the chilled sparkling lemonade (12 fl oz) into the pitcher over the Pimm's and fruit. Stir gently to combine, lifting fruit so flavors integrate but bubbles remain.
Taste and, if you prefer a lighter drink, top with up to 2 fl oz club soda and stir once more.
Season with coarsely cracked black pepper: sprinkle about 1/2 tsp over the pitcher, stir gently, then adjust — total used approx. 1 tsp. Black pepper should be perceptible as a warm accent, not dominate the cocktail.
Ladle the Pimms Cup into two tall glasses filled with fresh ice. Ensure each glass gets an even share of fruit, cucumber, and mint.
Serve & Notes
Serve immediately while fizzy. Encourage guests to stir their glass occasionally to redistribute flavors. Leftover mixture (without extra soda) can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; add fresh soda and ice just before serving to preserve effervescence.
Adjust sweetness/brightness by choosing a drier or sweeter mixer, adding a splash of simple syrup (to taste) if strawberries are underripe, or more lemon for brightness.