How to make Pimms punch

Pimm's punch is a quintessential summer drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot day. This classic British cocktail features Pimm's No. 1 Cup, a gin-based liqueur that is mixed with lemonade and a variety of fresh fruits and herbs. The result is a refreshing and flavorful drink that is perfect for outdoor gatherings, summer dinner parties, barbecues, or simply enjoying with friends.

Do you know how to make Pimms properly? If you are from the UK or have ever been here in the summertime, I imagine you have. Bars and social events are full of it, with hoards making a beeline towards the ubiquitous red and white logo. The first Pimms of the summer is a ceremonious affair, and as the weather starts to get warmer, you can feel it getting closer and closer. With Spring crawling on indefinitely, I decided to dedicate some time to research Pimms and create a guide on how to make Pimms, so I was fully prepared for summer when it arrives, and you can be as well! Make these Vodka Greyhound Frozen Cocktail Popsicles as well if you are making this Pimm's for a crowd.

Jump to:

• What is Pimms?
• Ingredients notes
• How to make Pimms
• What fruit goes in Pimms?
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top tips for making the perfect Pimm's and lemonade recipe
• FAQ
• More cocktail recipes
• Recipe Card

What is Pimms?

Pimms was born in 1823 when James Pimm, a farmers son from Kent, began serving it in his oyster bar in London. He offered it as a tonic made from gin and botanicals, apparently as a digestive, and named it Pimms No.1 Cup. It is brown in color, and whilst there were originally other variations, these have now been phased out. Pimms is now owned by Diageo.

Ingredients notes

1. Pimm's: I used about a glass (250ml).
2. Lemonade is an essential component in this Pimm's punch; it adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the drink and helps to compensate for the bitterness of the Pimm's.
3. Cucumber: thinly sliced, with the skin left on, Cucumber adds a refreshing and crisp taste to the drink and also helps to balance the sweetness of the other fruits.
4. Strawberries: calyx removed, sliced. Strawberries add a sweet and fruity flavor to the drink and also add a beautiful pop of color.
5. Apple: The apple should be cored and sliced thinly or cut into thin wedges. Apples add a slightly tart flavor to the drink; they also add a nice crunch to the drink.
6. Orange: sliced into thin rounds, with the peel left on. Oranges add a sweet and zesty flavor to the drink and also add a beautiful pop of color.
7. Mint leaves: Fresh mint leaves should be washed. Indeed, mint adds a refreshing and slightly spicy flavor to the drink, which complements the zestiness of the orange and the slight bitterness of the Pimm's.
8. Borage flowers: Borage flowers are optional, but they can be added as a garnish to the Pimm's punch. Borage flowers have a slightly sweet flavor and a beautiful purple-blue color, which adds a decorative touch to the drink.

How to make Pimms

Essentially, making Pimms is very easy as you just mix it with lemonade (the clear or sparkling lemonade). However, to do it properly, you have to also add all the garnishes that produce the well-known sight of the colorful jug stuffed with fruit, flowers, and herbs. The following can all be used in Pimms, with quantities depending on how much space you have in your jug. Therefore, I recommend using a big jug that can contain it all as it then doubles up as a snack, and you can eat everything too. Fruit soaked in Pimms is delicious.

Instructions

1. Cut or slice everything up, leaving the berries, leaves, and flowers whole. It can help to do this in advance and store it in Tupperware so that you don't have to laboriously start coring apples every time you want a refill. You can, of course, pick and choose your favorites from this list, but again, using a big jug means you don't have to leave anything out if you don't want to.
2. Now Pimms is quite weak, so it is served as a standard double shot of 50ml / 2 oz. The rule of thumb is one part Pimms to three parts lemonade.
3. Add your ice and fruit/herbs/flowers to the jug and then measure out your Pimms and lemonade. If you're feeling really fancy, you could make a Pimms Royale which is topped up with champagne instead, but it's best to make that directly in the glass or you'll have a froth problem.

What fruit goes in Pimms?

1. Cucumber
2. Strawberries
3. Apple
4. Orange
5. Mint leaves
6. Borage flowers

See the recipe card for quantities.

I hope you enjoy your Pimms summer! Show me your photos on Instagram so I can see them. If you're in search of a different summer drink, why not try this English Summer Cocktail recipe too?

And no, before you ask, this post is not sponsored by Pimms (although, hi Pimms I'd love to work with you if you're into it, lol). This post does contain some affiliate links, though, which means I may receive a small commission if you click on any links and make a purchase. This will come at no cost to you as it is paid by the retailer, and I am not paid to promote particular products. These are all things I use myself and personally recommend.

Equipment

Shop this LSA jug to make your own Pimms at home this summer

Storage

Store the Pimms fruit in the fridge and use it within two days.

These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.

Top tips for making the perfect Pimm's and lemonade recipe

1. Chill all ingredients before making the punch: This will help to ensure that the punch is refreshing and cold, which is especially important on a hot summer day. You can chill the Pimms, lemonade, and any fruit or herbs you plan to use in the punch.
2. Don't over-dilute the punch: While it's important to dilute the Pimm's with lemonade and other ingredients to create the perfect balance of flavors, be careful not to overdo it. If the punch is too diluted, it will lose its signature flavor and may not be as enjoyable to drink.
3. You can add some cucumber vodka to this Pimms recipe if you want to up the ante even more.

FAQ

More cocktail recipes

Recipe Card