(updated 14th June 2024). Anyone for Pimm’s? The famous question coined by the liquor company of the same name, so many years ago.  Below, find out all you need to know about the Pimm’s No. 1 Cup Cocktail for Wimbledon. Even though it is called ‘cup’, the drink is served in a highball glass, not a cup. Now THIS is a true taste of a British summer. It’s Pimm’s O’Clock as they say!

Cucumber and orange slices line the sides of a tall cocktail glass

What is Pimm’s?

Pimm’s is a British gin-based liqueur that is mixed with lemonade and fruit, is one of the most popular and refreshing drinks in England during the summer.

The classic combination of a Pimm’s and lemonade enjoyed with strawberries and cream are synonymous to the British tennis tournament, Wimbledon. You could actually call this the ‘British Sangria’ because of its fruity flavor and is garnished with fresh orange, cucumber and strawberry slices along with fresh mint.

A side view of Pimm's with ice and fruit

There is also a rich history surrounding Strawberries and Cream for Wimbledon that you can read about in my separate post.

Bowls of strawberries and fresh cream with a closeup

During the 2 week tennis competition, more than 300,000 of Pimm’s No. 1 Cup Cocktail for Wimbledon will be served and that number grows every year.  In addition to this signature drink, the signature snack is quite simple; Fresh Strawberries and Cream.

A large glass pitcher of a summer cocktail

Even if you’re not a tennis fan, this libation is enjoyed all summer long and all over the U.K. You’ll find many Brits with a Pimm’s No. 1 Cup in hand throughout the summer. It’s just so very traditional in typical English fashion.

Pimm’s Cup History

The history of England’s favorite summer beverage dates all the way back to when it originated in 1840! Invented by James Pimm as a digestif (an alcoholic drink served after a meal to aide digestion). Over the years, of course, it has become a global favorite being used in all kinds of cocktail libations. 

A fruity drink in a pitcher garnished with fresh mint on top

This refreshing summer cocktail is made with just 2 ingredients! However, this little (but big) detail is very important: the lemonade to be used must be fizzy and clear as to retain the look of the drink and not make it cloudy.

Pimm’s No.1 denotes the type used, with this one being gin based and the most popular version around the world. There are a few ranging from this No.1 all the way up to a No.6 which is vodka based.

A tall glass filled with Pimm's No. 1 Cup Cocktail for Wimbledon
What does Pimm’s No.1 taste like?

It is fruity, slightly bitter sweet with a little licorice and delicate herbal finish.

Pimm’s Cup Variations

I also have a Pimm’s Strawberry Mint Cocktail along with a Pimm’s Winter Cup that I like to serve warm. These you must try…

If you’ve made this Pimm’s No. 1 Cup Cocktail for Wimbledon, please leave a comment (or question) below.

Yield: 4

Pimm's No. 1 Cup Cocktail for Wimbledon

A glass of Pimm's No. 1 cup served with strawberries and cream for Wimbledon

Pimm's gin-based liqueur is mixed with clear, sparkling lemonade which is England's classic summer drink.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces/1 1/4 cups/ 300 ml Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur
  • 24 ounces/3 cups/700 ml sparkling clear lemonade
  • Strawberry slices
  • Cucumber slices
  • Orange slices
  • Mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Add ice to a pitcher. Pour in the Pimm’s and lemonade, stir. Serve in highball glasses with ice. Garnish with strawberries, cucumber, orange and mint.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 126Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 3mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 0g

This nutrition calculation is provided by Nutronix that is only a guideline and not intended for any particular diet.