Pimm’s No. 1 Cup Cocktail for Wimbledon

Anyone for Pimm’s? It is a famous question coined by the liquor company of the same name many years ago. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Pimm’s No. 1 Cup cocktail for the Wimbledon tennis tournament – a refreshing mix of Pimm’s liqueur, clear sparkling lemonade, and fresh fruit.

Although it’s called a ‘cup,’ it is traditionally served in a highball glass – and sometimes in a stemmed glass, rather than an actual cup. This is the true taste of a British summer. It’s Pimm’s O’Clock, as they say!

What is Pimm’s?

The British created Pimm’s as a gin-based liqueur with a fruity flavor featuring a blend of herbs and warm spices. People typically mix it with sparkling lemonade (or lemon soda) and garnish it with fresh fruit. It’s one of the most popular and refreshing drinks in Britain during the summer. Some people make it with ginger ale, though that’s not the traditional preparation.

What does Pimm’s Taste Like?

It is fruity, slightly bittersweet with a delicate herbal finish.

• Citrus-forward: hints of orange, lemon, and maybe a little grapefruit.
• Lightly spiced: subtle notes of cinnamon or clove.
• Herbal: a secret blend of botanicals that gives it a fresh, garden-like quality.
• Fruity and slightly sweet: striking a perfectly balanced taste.

Pimm’s Cup Cocktail History

The history of England’s favorite summer beverage dates all the way back to 1840. The drink was invented by James Pimm at his London Oyster Bar as a digestif (an alcoholic drink served after a meal to aid digestion). Over the years, it has become a global favorite, used in all kinds of summer cocktails.

What is Wimbledon?

Wimbledon is a district outside London that houses the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. This iconic 19-court facility has hosted the world’s most famous tennis tournament since 1877. Its official name is The Championships, Wimbledon, but it is now simply referred to as Wimbledon. It is one of the prestigious four Grand Slam tournaments.

Pimm’s and Wimbledon History

Wimbledon opened its first Pimm’s bar in 1971, and Pimm’s has since become one of the two official drinks of the event (the other is champagne).

Pimm’s, Strawberries and Cream and Wimbledon

Alongside Pimm’s, strawberries and cream are also synonymous with the tournament. There is a rich history surrounding Strawberries and Cream at Wimbledon, which you can read about in my separate post. You could even call Pimm’s the ‘British Sangria’ because of its fruity flavor, heavily garnished with fresh orange, cucumber, strawberry slices, and fresh mint.

During the two-week tennis competition, staff serve more than 300,000 Pimm’s Cups at the dedicated Pimm’s bar – and that number grows every year.

Pimm’s Cup New Orleans

The Pimm’s Cup also has a deep connection to this famous American city. A popular version hails from the Napoleon House, a historic French Quarter bar dating back to the early 1800s. There, bartenders gave the classic British cocktail a distinctly local twist by combining Pimm’s No. 1 with fresh lemonade and a splash of 7UP, then garnishing it with a slice of cucumber. Light, zesty, and lower in alcohol, it quickly became a go-to daytime sipper – perfect for cooling off in the hot Louisiana heat.

The Most Popular British Summer Drink

Even if you’re not a tennis fan, this libation is enjoyed all season long across the U.K. You’ll find many Brits mixing up a large pitcher and opening warm days with a Pimm’s No. 1 Cup in hand the moment the sun comes out.

Lemonade in Pimm’s

The liquid base of this refreshing summer cocktail is made with just two ingredients. However, this little (but important) detail matters: the type used must be fizzy and clear to retain the drink’s classic appearance and avoid cloudiness.

Pimm’s Types

Pimm’s No. 1 denotes the most popular and widely available type, which is gin-based. There are several other varieties, ranging from No. 1 up to No. 6, each made with different base spirits. For example, Pimm’s No. 6 is vodka-based.

Pimm’s Cup Variations

Another summer favorite of mine is a refreshing Pimm’s Strawberry Mint Cocktail. In the cooler months, I love a cozy Pimm’s Winter Cup that’s perfect served warm. Both are must-tries!

Alcohol-Free Pimm’s

While Pimm’s doesn’t make an official alcohol-free bottle, you can easily recreate that iconic “Summer Cup” flavor at home. The secret is using balsamic vinegar (trust me) or elderflower cordial to mimic the complex, herbal bitterness of the original spirit.

The ‘Virgin Pimm’s’ Trick

To make a non-alcoholic version that actually tastes like the real thing, mix these in a large pitcher:

• The Base: 1 liter of high-quality lemonade (like Schweppes or a cloudy version).
• The Secret Ingredient: 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. It sounds strange, but it provides the dark color and the sharp, botanical bite of Pimm’s.
  • Alternative: Use a splash of ginger ale or elderflower cordial if you prefer it sweeter.
• The Garden (Mandatory): Generous amounts of sliced cucumber, strawberries, orange slices, and fresh mint.

Commercial Alternatives

If you’d rather buy a ready-made bottle, there are some fantastic UK-based brands that specialize in this:

• ANON English Garden: Widely considered the best non-alcoholic Pimm’s alternative; it captures those bitter-sweet herb and red fruit notes perfectly. You can find it through specialty non-alcoholic retailers like CaskCartel and The Alcohol Free Drinks Company, which ship to the US, Canada, and Europe.
• Naked Life Wimbledon Spritz: A convenient sparkling version often sold in cans. Available only in the UK, I believe.