If you’ve ever attended a summer garden party in the UK or watched the Wimbledon tournament on TV, you’ve probably heard of the Pimm’s Cup. It’s light, citrusy, and steeped in British tradition. But you know me—I love putting my own spin on the classics. That’s how this smoky ginger Pimm’s cocktail recipe was born.
What the heck is a Pimm’s cup?
A Pimm’s Cup is a classic British cocktail made with Pimm’s No. 1—a fruity gin-based liqueur with notes of spice—and lemonade or ginger ale. Served over ice and garnished with cucumber, mint, and fresh fruits, it’s a light and refreshing drink that’s popular in summertime throughout the UK.
I added mezcal to my recipe to give the drink a rich, smoky undertone. For the ginger, I went all-out with ginger beer and a splash of my favorite ginger liqueur by Koval Distillery. Instead of the cucumber and mint that usually goes into a Pimm’s cup, I topped my version off with candied ginger and a scorched rosemary sprig. Dramatic and fragrant, this is truly a cocktail to remember!
What is Pimm’s and what does it taste like?
Pimm’s No. 1 is a gin-based liqueur made in England. It is infused with fruit juices and spices. First mixed up by oyster bar proprietor James Pimm in 1859, the official Pimm’s recipe is still a secret—according to Royal Wine Merchants, only 6 people know how it’s made. This unique spirit has a warm, herbal flavor with hints of orange, spice, and botanicals.
What flavors pair well with Pimm’s No. 1?
One of my favorite things about Pimm’s is that it’s not too sweet. That means it makes a wonderful base for summery cocktails with citrus or fizzy mixers like ginger beer. Pimm’s floral, fruity, and spiced flavor profile also pairs beautifully with lemon, berries, cucumber, and herbs.
What alcohol is similar to Pimm’s?
Some people compare Pimm’s No. 1 to sweet vermouth, but the Pimm’s definitely has a lighter, fruitier profile. There really is nothing like it! But if you can’t get your hands on a bottle right now and you’re looking for a good substitute, read on.
What if I can’t find Pimm’s No. 1?
I’ve never had any trouble finding a bottle of Pimm’s No. 1 when I wanted one. But If you’re in a pinch, here are a few substitutions you can try. It’ll help to understand what Pimm’s tastes like first: Pimm's No. 1 is a gin-based spirit with a unique blend of botanicals, spices, and caramelized orange. It's fruity and a tiny bit bitter.
One blend of spirits that will offer a similar flavor profile to Pimm’s is a homemade blend with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and a citrus liqueur like Curaçao or Grand Marnier. Some people have had good results using Campari, vermouth, or Lillet Blanc (which my friend Cheri Oteri and I use in our Blackberry Spritz recipe)!
Ginger Beer vs. Lemonade
Traditionally, a Pimm’s Cup is topped with lemonade—but if you want a spicier finish like I do, use ginger beer. It adds more depth, especially with the mezcal. You could also try ginger ale for a milder version or stick to sparkling lemonade if you want something on the sweeter side.
What food pairs well with a Pimm’s Cocktail?
I recommend pairing this cocktail with charcuterie, finger sandwiches, grilled veggies, or shrimp dishes. It’s also great all by itself—call your friends and enjoy one together this week!
More Recipes Using Koval’s Ginger Liqueur
Smoky Ginger Pimm’s Cocktail Recipe with Mezcal and Lemon
This ginger Pimm’s cocktail gets a smoky upgrade with mezcal and fresh lemon juice. Finish it off with fizzy ginger beer and a scorched rosemary sprig for a refreshing, bold drink, perfect for any summer party.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the Pimm’s No. 1, mezcal, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, and some ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and shake hard until your hands feel cold.
- Add ice to 2 highball glasses and divide the cocktail mixture into each glass.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Scorch the rosemary sprigs over a flame.
- Garnish each cocktail with a piece of candied ginger on a cocktail pick along with the scorched sprigs of rosemary. Cheers!
