Watching Wimbledon is as much about taking part in the classic Wimbledon food traditions as it is watching the tennis. And whatever you choose to eat, you simply HAVE to accompany it with a Pimm’s Cup Cocktail. It’s such a Wimbledon classic, and so easy to make.
Wimbledon Food Traditions
Having been brought up in Britain, you might think I knew all about Pimm’s, but I didn’t. It’s very much an English tradition, particularly towards the South, so I didn’t discover it until I headed South as a student.
Summer in London, however, can hardly go by without a glass or two of a Pimm’s Cup Cocktail, and it is definitely essential, alongside other Wimbledon Food Traditions such as English tea sandwiches and strawberries and cream when watching the Wimbledon tournament.
Pimm’s Cup Cocktail or Pimm’s and Lemonade
I was lucky enough to go to Wimbledon one year and it was a fantastic experience. Yes, we saw some great tennis, but there’s also just such a great sense of history and Englishness as you walk around the grounds. And yes, you can buy Pimm’s there.
However in the UK, we don’t actually call it a Pimm’s Cup Cocktail as in the US, but instead is typically called “Pimm’s and lemonade” since lemonade is the name for Sprite or 7UP in the UK. Confusing, I know, but there’s nothing confusing about how tasty and easy a Pimm’s Cup Cocktail or Pimm’s and Lemonade is.
How to make the Perfect Pimm’s Cup Cocktail (Pimm’s and Lemonade)
It’s really as simple as this to make a Pimm’s Cup Cocktail:
- Fill a high ball/collins glass with ice
- Add your garnishes – I recommend sliced strawberry, cucumber, lemon and mint
- Pour in the Pimm’s No 1
- Top up the glass with Sprite, 7UP or you can use ginger ale.
What is Pimm’s
Pimm’s No 1 is a gin-based spirit that’s full of herbal flavors, so despite only being two ingredients, this cocktail has a much more complex flavor. It’s a little lighter than most spirits and the flavor is very refreshing, which makes it perfect to sip on a sunny day.
So whether it’s to get in the Wimbledon spirit or just to try something different this summer, hunt down some Pimm’s and make this classic Pimm’s Cup Cocktail. It’s incredibly easy, and perfect summer sipping.
**** PIN Pimm’s Cup Cocktail to save for later ****
Pimm's Cup Cocktail
Ingredients
- ice to serve
- 2 slices cucumber
- 1 strawberry sliced
- 2 slices lemon
- 4 mint leaves
- 1 1/2 oz Pimm's No 1
- 3 oz sprite or 7UP, ginger ale
Instructions
- Fill a collins/high ball glass most of the way with ice. Add in the cucumber, strawberry, lemon and mint as you go, reserving a slice of strawberry and lemon for garnish.
- Add the Pimm's No 1 to the glass then top up with Sprite (or 7UP/ginger ale). Decorate the glass with the reserved strawberry and lemon slice.
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