Summer weather calls for long cold drinks, and a Pimm’s Cocktail fits the bill perfectly. I made the ice balls by using a reusable ice cube tray and added some dried flowers and herbs to each hole before adding the water. This makes any cocktail look really lovely, as well as adding a subtle flavour as the ice melts.
Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Pimm’s Cocktail ♥
Memories of a Pimm’s Cocktail
Travelling way back to September 2000, I spent an entire day with a Pimm’s Cocktail in my hand. Not the same one to be fair, but always a cold one. One of my friend’s was getting married, and the bridal party spent the day getting primped and preened. To ensure we stayed ‘hydrated’ we sipped on plenty of liquid refreshments. Whenever I see a Pimm’s Cocktail my mind turns to this day, and to my friend. I have the most beautiful oak liquor cabinet, and when I bought it I made sure to fill it up with what my friends drank. Included in this were two types of Rum, several bottles of whisky and bourbon and Pimm’s. Most of these bottles moved with me to Gordons Bay in 2001, and some are still there!
Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is a gin based liqueur, first produced by James Pimm in 1823. Now owned by the Diageo Group, this is typically used to make cocktails, and punches. It is dark reddish-brown in colour and has hints of spice and citrus notes. Typically, a Pimm’s Cocktail would be served with lemonade, but I made mine with gingerale, as I prefer the sharp taste. This drink has to be garnished, and the more the merrier. You can use apples, cucumbers, oranges, lemons or strawberries for the fruit component. And mint or borage for the herbs. I think borage flowers would be most pretty in this drink.
More to make and drink
Other than the typical cocktail, this liqueur can be mixed with champagne to make a Royal Cup. And in winter one could create a drink with warm apple juice or cider. If in Scotland, Irn Bru is used in place of the lemonade and is served without garnish to make a Glasgow Garden Party. Change up a traditional gimlet by using Pimm’s to make a Pimmlet. Or make a version of a mojito, by muddling limes and adding soda water.
Take a look at this inspiring recipe for ♥ Pimm's Cocktail ♥ from Lavender and Lime #LavenderAndLime Share on X
Click on the links for conversions and notes.
Pimm's Cocktail
Ingredients
- 200 mls gingerale
- 90 mls Pimm's No. 1
- 7.5 mls lime juice
garnish
- 1 large ball of ice, optional
- 1 cucumber strip
- 1 strawberry, trimmed
- 1 sprig mint
- ½ slice of orange
- ½ slice of lemon
Method
- Place the gingerale, Pimm's, and lime juice into a glass and use a swizzle stick to combine
- Add the ice, cucumber, strawberry, mint, orange and lemon and enjoy straight away
See the links below for blog posts I published on March 20:
- 2022: The Devil’s Sea
- 2020: Maltagliati
- 2019: Bellavista Country Place
- 2017: Meringue Rocky Road
- 2016: Black-Eyed Susans
- 2015: Simple Tips To Help Keep Your Home Spotless
- 2014: Honey Nougat And Apple Butter Cake
- 2013: Eating And Sleeping At Spier
Heavens Tandy -you are taking me a lifetime back! During weekends here especially, one always had a tall glass of Pimm’s (never called ‘cocktail’ in Oz!) in hand from about 10am to the time for ‘proper drinks’! Endless fun memories ’cause one always drank it in a crowd! I’m a purist – always lemonade, couple of very thin long slices of cucumber, a fair amount of mint and sometimes a tad of lemon! Haven’t thought about it for years . . . oh, our glasses used were usually far taller and narrower . . .
I chose this glass for its shape, but mostly here it is also served in a long glass. I presume the time for ‘proper drinks’ could have been Gin O’Clock first, and then aperitifs at sunset?
I love your version with ginger ale instead of lemonade!
Thank you Shashi 🙂
When I still drank alcohol, gin-based drinks were my favourite. I like the idea of using herbal or floral ice cubes.
Thank you, and I am partial to the ice cubes without any alcohol being needed 🙂
I’ve never had one but it sounds good to me with lemonade or ginger ale.
Hope you try one!
Pimm’s are so good! Refreshing and delicious!
that describes them perfectly 🙂
Five o’clock = Gin o’clock 🙂 ! Actually, I love G&T but when with friends – somehow I never reach for hard liquor on my own, just a glass or three of wine with lunch or dinner . . . oh, I do keep a bottle of cognac in the cupboard for a thimbleful if ‘needed’ 🙂 !
Haha, Dave’s ex mother-in-law would have said 12 O’clock 😉
I don’t drink anymore and i’ve never had a Pimm’s (I think) but this does sound very refreshing! Love all the garnishes.
sherry
I shall have to try and create a virgin version for you 🙂
Your Pimms looks so refreshing and beautiful Tandy. I haven’t had a Pimms for over 20 years, when we were on teacher Exchange in England for 12 months. A perfect drink for our summer too.
It would be ideal for the Aussie summer 🙂
It’s always different commenting on my phone. That was me Tandy, Pauline (Happy Retirees Kitchen.)
Hi, your name and email always comes up 🙂
What a great idea to put flowers in with the ice cubes. That does look pretty. I haven’t had a Pimm’s cup in a long time, but I remember really enjoying it. With warmer weather coming up, I’m going to have to revisit that.
Thanks for the visit Pattie, and hope you enjoy the cocktail when summer rolls around 🙂
Sounds really refreshing and I love trying something new…well, it’s new to me anyway!
Hope you do try this!
You know I’ve always been curious about Pimm’s. I’ve heard about it, of course. And seen it in stores. But I’ve never actually tried it. This sounds so refreshing, I think I’ll finally take the plunge once the weather warms up a bit more…
You could make some interesting cocktails for the summer Frank 🙂
I’ve never had Pimm’s but i like the citrus-y garnish!
sherry
Thank you!