A drink that started as a health prescription, the Pimm’s Cup—most often simply referred to as Pimm’s, or a glass of Pimm’s—has been charming the English since its introduction in London in the 1840s.
Since then, its reputation as a healthy tonic may have subsided, but one can understand the initial impulse to name it as such. Traditionally, most Pimm’s Cups are made with lemon, ginger, and a mixture of fruit. Barring the alcohol at its base, this sounds like a winning concoction to me.
Every Pimm’s cocktail begins with a simple base of Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based digestif, fresh lemon juice, and ginger ale. The refreshing taste of the drink alone allows for a number of garnishes and flavor additions, but you’ll want to keep the profile bright. Pimm’s is meant to energize the palate, so everything from strawberries to Navel oranges to cucumbers pairs well with the drink.
A Classic Pimm’s is on the proverbial menu in this feature, with slices of Navel oranges, thinly shaved cucumbers, and fresh mint awakening the senses. It’s a wonderful drink to enjoy as the weather slowly starts to warm in the Northern Hemisphere. Bonus: It’s the kind of drink that will only improve as summer dawns.
As the English say, “Keep calm and add some fruit to your cocktail.” (Or something to that effect.)
2 oz Pimm’s No. 1
½ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Ginger ale, to top
Optional garnishes: cucumbers, thinly sliced, mint sprigs, strawberries, thinly sliced, navel oranges, thinly sliced
Prep Time: 5 mins
Servings: 1
Add Pimm’s No. 1 and lemon juice into a highball glass over ice. Top with ginger ale. Stir briefly to combine.
Garnish with your preferred garnishes. I add a generous amount of cucumber slices, mint, and Navel orange slices. Strawberries and mint are just as delicious! 
