Pimm’s Cup Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate refreshing and fruity cocktail to brighten up any gathering, then this Pimm’s Cup Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh cucumbers, juicy strawberries, fragrant basil, and zesty lemon, all harmoniously blended with Pimm’s No. 1 and sparkling Limonata, this drink is a summer classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re lounging in the garden or hosting a lively get-together, this Pimm’s Cup Recipe brings that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and herbal notes in every crisp sip.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential — each one adds a unique layer of freshness, brightness, and texture to the cocktail that makes this recipe stand out. From the sparkling zing of Limonata to the fragrant basil leaves, every item plays its part to make this drink irresistibly vibrant.

• Sanpellegrino® Limonata (2 cans, 330 ml each): The sparkling lemon soda provides a bright, citrusy fizz that livens up the whole drink.
• Pimm’s No. 1 (1 cup): The star ingredient, lending a rich mixture of fruity and botanical flavors that defines this cocktail.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (½ cup): Adds tangy brightness to balance the sweetness and deepen the citrus profile.
• Cucumber, thinly sliced (1 cucumber): Offers a cooling freshness and crisp texture that is essential for the classic Pimm’s Cup.
• Strawberries, quartered (8 strawberries): Bring bursts of fruity sweetness and lovely color to the drink.
• Fresh basil leaves, torn (8 leaves): Infuse a subtle herbal aroma and complexity that is both unexpected and delightful.
• Lemon slices (for garnish): Gives a beautiful finishing touch and an extra hint of citrus aroma on serving.

How to Make Pimm’s Cup Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Liquids

Start by pouring the two cans of Sanpellegrino Limonata, the cup of Pimm’s No. 1, and freshly squeezed lemon juice into a large pitcher. This trio forms the bright and bubbly base of your Pimm’s Cup Recipe that’s packed with vibrant citrus and botanical notes.

Step 2: Add Fresh Fruit and Herbs

Gently stir in the thinly sliced cucumber, quartered strawberries, and torn basil leaves. These fresh ingredients not only add beautiful pops of color but also infuse the drink with layers of cooling and aromatic flavors that make each sip delightful.

Step 3: Let the Flavors Meld

Allow the mixture to stand for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets the fresh fruits and herbs mingle with the fizzy, flavorful liquids, creating a harmonious blend that tastes even better once all the flavors have married together.

Step 4: Serve Over Ice

Fill four highball glasses with ice cubes to keep the cocktail refreshingly chilled. Pour the mixture evenly into each glass, making sure to distribute the cucumber, strawberries, and basil among them. This not only tastes amazing but looks gorgeous too.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Add a slice of lemon on the rim or floating on top of each glass. The garnish is the final touch that enhances both the presentation and the citrus aroma as you take your first sip of this classic Pimm’s Cup Recipe.

How to Serve Pimm’s Cup Recipe

Garnishes

While lemon slices are traditional and fresh, feel free to get playful with additional garnishes like a sprig of mint or edible flowers for a touch of elegance. They elevate the visual appeal and add subtle layers to the aromatic profile of your Pimm’s Cup Recipe.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs wonderfully with light and flavorful foods. Think cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon canapés, or a fresh garden salad. The crisp, citrusy notes of the Pimm’s Cup Recipe complement a variety of summer bites and keep the overall vibe fresh and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Pimm’s Cup in mason jars or crystal highball glasses for a charming twist. Adding colorful reusable straws or cocktail picks with fresh fruit can turn this classic drink into something party-ready and Instagram-worthy. Presentation matters, and with this recipe, it’s easy to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have some Pimm’s Cup Recipe left over, store it in the fridge in a sealed container or pitcher. It’s best consumed within 24 hours to enjoy the freshest fruity and herbal flavors before the fresh ingredients lose their crispness.

Freezing

Due to the sparkling soda and fresh fruit components, freezing this cocktail isn’t recommended. The texture and flavor of the berries, basil, and cucumber would suffer, and carbonation will be lost — best to enjoy it fresh.

Reheating

This is a cold cocktail meant to be served chilled, so reheating is not applicable here. Instead, prepare fresh batches as needed and keep everything nicely iced for the perfect serve.

FAQs

Can I use a different citrus soda instead of Sanpellegrino Limonata?

Absolutely! While Sanpellegrino Limonata adds a uniquely bright and natural lemon flavor, you can substitute with any good-quality lemon soda or sparkling lemonade. Just be mindful of added sugars and flavors that might alter the classic taste.

Is Pimm’s No. 1 the only type of Pimm’s I can use?

Yes, Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is the traditional base for this recipe and has the ideal botanical blend. Other types like Pimm’s No. 3 or No. 6 have different flavor profiles better suited for other cocktails.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Pimm’s Cup Recipe?

You sure can! Simply skip the Pimm’s and use extra lemon soda or a mix of lemon juice and herbal iced tea to capture some of the botanical complexity. Fresh fruit and herbs should remain, as they contribute so much to the character of the drink.

How important is the resting time for the flavors to meld?

Letting the drink sit for 10 minutes allows the fresh ingredients to infuse the cocktail with their aromas, resulting in a more flavorful and balanced drink. You can skip this if you’re in a hurry, but the resting truly enhances the experience.

What’s the best glassware for serving the Pimm’s Cup Recipe?

Highball glasses are classic and perfect, offering plenty of room for ice and garnishes while showing off the vibrant colors. However, feel free to get creative with mason jars or any tall glass that can hold ice and liquids comfortably.

Final Thoughts

Making the Pimm’s Cup Recipe is such a joyful and rewarding experience that anyone can master. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and packed with fresh flavors that turn an ordinary day into a celebration. Once you try it, this cocktail will become your go-to for warm days, happy occasions, or simply to treat yourself. Cheers to delicious moments!

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