You don’t have to be watching tennis at Wimbledon to enjoy a Pimm’s Cup, it’s enjoyable any time it’s warm. And though the original English version is made with Schweppe’s Bitter Lemon soda, but there’s several other lemon-lime or ginger sodas that make this cocktail delicious and refreshing on a summer day..
Fever-Tree Bitter Lemon Soda is available in the United States, in higher-end stores. Fine substitutes include 7UP and ginger ale, and in the right amount aren’t too sweet. You may also like the version made with Seagram’s Ginger Ale and the one with Barritt’s Ginger Beer. 7UP tasted a little thin and San Pellegrino Lemon Soda was a little too tart.
No matter what lemon-lime or ginger soda you use, 2½ ounces seems to be just the right amount of mixer.
Pimm’s Cup
- 1½ ounces Pimm’s No.1
- 2½ ounces bitter lemon soda, ginger ale, 7UP, or mild ginger beer
- Thin cucumber slice, for garnish
- Thin slice of orange, for garnish
- A sprig of spearmint, for garnish, optional
- A strawberry, cut in half, for garnish, optional
Fill half of a highball or Collins glass with ice. Pour in the Pimm’s No.1. Gently pour in the soda, ginger ale, or ginger beer. Garnish with the cucumber slice and the orange slice. If you wish, add the two halves of the strawberry and/or the sprig of spearmint.
Pimm’s Cups are often garnished with lemon wedges and green apples along with the cucumber, but it is not recommended here. Barritt’s and Gosling make mild ginger beers that are recommended in this drink. Strong Jamaican-style ginger beer is not recommended.
In New Orleans, Pimm’s Cups are made with 3 ounces of lemonade and a splash of 7UP. It’s worth trying, but not preferred here.
