Pimm's
Pimm's No. 1 is an English gin-based drink with orange liqueur, herbs and spices. Almost no one drinks it neat: you make a Pimm's Cup with it, using lemonade, cucumber, strawberry and mint. Here you can read what Pimm's is and how to make England's best-known summer drink.
A gin liqueur for mixing
Pimm's was invented in 1823 by James Pimm, who owned an oyster bar in London. He served it there as a drink with meals. The recipe for Pimm's No. 1 is still a secret. All that is known is that it is gin with orange liqueur and a blend of herbs and spices.
At 25% alcohol, Pimm's is lighter than gin. It is intended to be diluted. In England, Pimm's Cup is associated with summer, picnics and garden parties, and especially with the Wimbledon tennis tournament, where huge quantities are served every year. The number 1 refers to the base: Pimm's used to also have versions made with other spirits, such as whisky and brandy.
In brief
Pimm's No. 1
Gall & Gall sells one bottle: the classic Pimm's No. 1, 70 cl. It makes approximately fourteen Pimm's Cups.
Pimm's No. 1
Gin with orange liqueur and a secret blend of herbs and spices. Subtly herbal, with citrus. Reddish-brown in color.
Pimm's No. 1 is gin-based. Read about how gin is made and the different types on our gin page.
Herbal, fruity and slightly bitter
Orange & herbs
Orange peel and soft spices, a little like sweet vermouth.
Bittersweet
Slightly sweet with a spicy, slightly bitter undertone. On its own, it is fairly syrupy; with lemonade, it becomes fresh and light.
Short and fresh
A short finish with citrus and a hint of spice.
Flavor profile of a Pimm's Cup mixed with lemonade. On its own, Pimm's No. 1 is sweeter and more intense.
The Pimm's Cup: how to make it
The Pimm's Cup is simple: one part Pimm's, three parts lemonade, and plenty of fruit and ice. In England, lemonade means a clear, carbonated lemon soda, such as 7Up or Sprite.
A glass of Pimm's Cup
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add a few slices of cucumber, strawberry and orange, and a sprig of mint. Pour 5 cl of Pimm's over it and top up with 15 cl of lemon lemonade. Stir briefly.
Glass: highball glass →A pitcher for a group
Add a generous handful of ice and fruit to a large pitcher, pour in 25 cl of Pimm's and top up with 75 cl of lemonade. This makes a pitcherful for five or six glasses all at once.
Cocktails for a group →With ginger ale
Prefer it less sweet? Use ginger ale instead of lemonade, or half and half. This gives you a spicier, fresher Pimm's.
About ginger ale →Like Pimm's? Try these too
The Pimm's Cup is a true summer drink: fresh, fruity and not too strong. These recipes are in the same vein.
Tom Collins
Gin, lemon, sugar syrup and sparkling water. Fresh and easy.
Hugo Spritz
Prosecco, elderflower, sparkling water, mint and lime.
Gin and tonic
Gin, tonic, plenty of ice and the right garnish.
Sangria
Wine, fruit and a splash of spirits, from a large pitcher.The right glass for Pimm's
A tall highball glass with room for ice and fruit, and a pitcher if you're making drinks for a group. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything you still wanted to know about Pimm's
Is your question not listed? Read more about gin or view our cocktail recipes.
To gin →What is Pimm's (pimms)?
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Which lemonade do you use for Pimm's?
Can you drink Pimm's neat?
Which glass do you use for Pimm's?
Buy Pimm's
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Pimm's online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of October 9, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can find the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; you pay nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.