Ultra-Refreshing Pimm's Cup Cocktail Recipe

Pimm's Cup may not be too well-known in the U.S., but recipe developer Jennine Rye says, "It is a hugely popular drink in Britain, especially during the summertime." Not only is this aperitif cocktail refreshing, but it is also fairly low ABV as the only alcohol in the drink comes from Pimm's. This gin-baed liqueur is only 50-proof (25% alcohol), so it's quite a bit lighter than 80+-proof spirits such as gin, vodka, or whiskey.

Pimm's Cup recipes sometimes only include lemonade, or sometimes just ginger ale, and there is actually a version native to New Orleans that includes 7-Up. Here, however, Rye is using a mixture of lemonade and ginger ale as she says, "I prefer the drink with a mixture of both to get the tang from the lemonade and the spice from the ginger ale." While this recipe makes an entire pitcher of drinks, Rye says if you just want a single cocktail, mix 1 part Pimm's to 3 parts lemonade or ginger ale.

For the actual cocktail, you'll need Pimm's, ginger ale, and lemonade. Pimm's Cups also typically come loaded sangria-style with half a garden's worth of produce and this one is no exception — here we're going with oranges, strawberries, cucumbers, and mint.

Slice the oranges and strawberries into wedges. If possible, try to make the pieces of both fruits come out to be roughly the same size. While you could chop up the cukes, too, Rye prefers to use a vegetable peeler to shave them into ribbons.

Fill a pitcher half-full of ice, then pour in the cocktail ingredients (the liquids). Stir the ingredients to combine them and chill the drink. Rye cautions, "You will want to stir it gently, though, so you don't take out too much of the fizz."

Crush the mint, then add it to the pitcher along with the fruit and cucumber. Gently muddle these additions along with the mint, then pour yourself a drink.

Rye admits that she sets aside some of the produce to garnish the drinks and make them look extra-pretty. However, she says, "It is normal to just fish fruit from the jug and serve it like that," so this extra step is optional. Take a sip and enjoy the refreshing beverage!