Frozen Pimm’s Cup

By Lidey Heuck

Updated October 10, 2023

  • Nico Schinco for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
20 minutes, plus 15 minutes’ cooling
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes, plus 15 minutes’ cooling
Rating
4(94)
Comments
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A Pimm’s cup is an English cocktail traditionally made with a splash of its namesake (a mildly spiced, fruity, gin-based liqueur), plus a glug of ginger ale, lemonade or lemon soda. Simply called a “Pimm’s” in the United Kingdom, the drink is a summertime favorite, famously sold in the stands at Wimbledon. This frozen version is easy to make at home and is perfect for sweltering summer nights. Lemon simple syrup gives the cocktail a burst of tart citrus without diluting it, and ginger beer provides a nice kick of ginger. Once the drinks are blended, they’ll stay frosty for a surprisingly long time. The herby and fruity garnishes, a nod to the flavors in Pimm’s, are a distinctive and essential part of the drink.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 servings

  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 3 to 4 lemons)

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 8 cups ice cubes

  • 1 cup Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur, chilled

  • ½ cup ginger beer, chilled, plus more for serving

  • Kosher salt

  • Cucumber slices, for garnish

  • Strawberry slices, for garnish

  • Orange or lemon slices, for garnish

  • Fresh basil or mint sprigs, for garnish

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

42 grams carbs; 234 calories; 986 milligrams sodium; 37 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Make the lemon simple syrup: Combine the lemon juice and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir to dissolve any remaining sugar granules. Transfer to a heat-proof container and cool completely before using. (Leftover syrup will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.)

  2. Step 2

    Place 4 cups of the ice cubes in a blender and pulse on low speed to crush them. (It’s OK if they are not completely crushed.) Add ½ cup Pimm’s, ¼ cup ginger beer, ⅓ cup simple syrup and a pinch of salt. Blend on low speed, raising the speed slowly and pausing to stir if necessary, until the mixture is smooth and slushy in consistency (see Tip).

  3. Step 3

    Pour the mixture into 3 tumblers and repeat with the remaining ½ cup Pimm’s, ¼ cup ginger beer, ⅓ cup simple syrup and another pinch salt to make 3 more drinks.

  4. Step 4

    Top each drink with a splash of ginger beer, then garnish with a cucumber slice, a strawberry slice, an orange or lemon slice and a basil or mint sprig. Drinks are best served within 15 minutes, with a straw for easy drinking.

Tip

  • Because every blender is different, frozen drinks take a bit of patience. It’s best to err on the side of blending low and slow, increasing the speed as needed to avoid liquefying the ice if you are using a powerful blender.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
94 user ratings
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Comments

Anson McKim

For those in a hurry PIMM'S mixed with 7-UP or Sprite and garnished with crushed mint leaves, cucumber rind and/or strawberry slices is a simple, extremely refreshing drink.

JM

For those making regular Pimms, At the TJ’s store, they carry sparkling lemon soda or a bubbly French lemonade. Excellent substitutes for the English lemon soda, making sure to splurge on one of those seedless cucumbers….

Meg D

Perfect for days like today when the temps suddenly hit 90’s. Dangerously delicious when you drink it too fast - beware the brain freeze!

ben nicholson

Borage flowers and a cut stem of rhubarb are a traditional part of the garnish. Pimms No. 1 is gin-based, over the years numbers (1-7) for other spirit bases. Now, only No. 1 remains.

JM

For those making regular Pimms, At the TJ’s store, they carry sparkling lemon soda or a bubbly French lemonade. Excellent substitutes for the English lemon soda, making sure to splurge on one of those seedless cucumbers….

Meg D

Perfect for days like today when the temps suddenly hit 90’s. Dangerously delicious when you drink it too fast - beware the brain freeze!

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