Arugula-Mint Pimm’s Cup

By Rebekah Peppler

Updated May 21, 2026

  • Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell.
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The classic Pimm’s Cup calls for lemonade or ginger ale, lemon juice and Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur, and is garnished with fresh fruit and a generous spray of mint. It’s a simple recipe that encourages many an adaptation. This peppery, springtime take adds a bouquet of arugula, muddled alongside cucumber, mint and citrus. Fresh arugula also makes it into the garnish, increasing the garden-to-glass energy of the final drink. Topping up with ginger ale leans this Pimm’s Cup a bit more toward mild and sweet, though you can riff further by using lemon soda or ginger beer or a combination of ginger ale and lemonade instead.

Featured in: The Key to the Best Spring Drink May Be in Your Grocery Bag

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Ingredients

Yield:1 servings

  • 8 to 10 arugula leaves

  • 2 fresh mint sprigs

  • 2 (¼-inch-thick) cucumber slices (unpeeled)

  • 2 thin lemon slices

  • 1 thin lime slices

  • 2½ ounces Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur

  • Ice

  • 3 to 4 ounces ginger ale, chilled

  • A small batch of mint, arugula sprigs, cucumber slices, lemon and/or lime slices, to garnish as desired

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a cocktail shaker, combine arugula, mint, cucumber slices, lemon slices and lime slice. Muddle until the arugula, mint and cucumber are all smashed and the citrus juices are released. Add the Pimm’s No. 1 and simple syrup. Fill with ice, cover and shake vigorously until chilled, about 15 seconds.

  2. Step 2

    Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass, then top up with ginger ale and stir gently to mix. Garnish as desired.

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    Comments

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    YayaLisa

    Pimm's doesn't taste like gin, so I don't think it's a simple substitution. You could use gin (Hendrick's), omit the lemonade or ginger ale. You'll have an interesting take on a gimlet!

    RudisHuman

    Ok to use "regular" Gin vs Pimm's? Or a Gin liqueur? Either way, what type like London or? would be best (for those who've tasted Pimm's) and what quantities would compare? Thx. Great cocktail idea!

    Charlene

    No, Pimms only, it is not remotely like gin. Do yourself a favor, get some Pimms, the best summer drink of all. Make a glass pitcher full of this and serve to guests, perfect to cool off on a hot day at a cookout, or frankly any outdoor (ideally) lunch or dinner.

    Betsy

    You might want to look at the other recipe in the article, Snap Pea Gimlet. The intro discusses how different types of gin will affect the drink. Pimm's is quite different from gin.

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