Cocktail, New Orleans, Recipes

The Pimm’s Cup: A Refreshing New Orleans Tradition

When most people think of New Orleans drinks, they probably think of the Sazerac or the Hurricane. But there’s another classic cocktail that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike: the Pimm’s Cup.

The Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day in New Orleans. The drink is typically made with Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur that’s flavored with herbs, spices, and fruit juices. It’s mixed with lemonade or ginger beer, and garnished with cucumber, mint, and other fruits.

Photo of Pimm's Cup Cocktail

One of the best places to try a Pimm’s Cup in New Orleans is at the Napoleon House, a historic bar and restaurant in the French Quarter. The Napoleon House has been serving Pimm’s Cups since the 1940s, and their version of the drink has become a local favorite.

At the Napoleon House, the Pimm’s Cup is made with Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade, and 7-Up. It’s garnished with a cucumber slice, a lemon slice, and a sprig of mint. The drink is served in a tall glass filled with ice, and it’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot New Orleans day.

Another great place to try a Pimm’s Cup in New Orleans is at the Carousel Bar & Lounge, located inside the Hotel Monteleone. The Carousel Bar is famous for its rotating bar, but it also serves up a delicious Pimm’s Cup that’s made with ginger beer instead of lemonade. The drink is garnished with a cucumber spear, a lemon wheel, and a sprig of mint.

Overall, the Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that’s perfect for a hot summer day in New Orleans. Whether you try it at the Napoleon House, the Carousel Bar, or another local spot, you’re sure to love this classic New Orleans drink.

Pimm’s No. 1?

Pimm’s No. 1 is a British alcoholic beverage that is typically served as a refreshing summer cocktail. It was first created by James Pimm in the mid-19th century, and has since become a popular drink in the UK and around the world.

Pimm’s No. 1 is made from gin, fruit juices, spices, and herbs, including quinine, which gives it a slightly bitter flavor. It is often mixed with lemonade or ginger ale, and garnished with cucumber, mint, and fruit slices.

Pimm’s No. 1 is considered a classic British cocktail and is often served at outdoor events, such as tennis matches and garden parties. It has become a symbol of British summertime and is enjoyed by many around the world.

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use quality ingredients: Since the Pimm’s Cup has a relatively simple recipe, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Use fresh lemonade, ginger beer, and fruits for the best taste.
  2. Chill the ingredients: Make sure all of the ingredients are chilled before mixing the drink. This will help keep the cocktail cold and refreshing.
  3. Let the flavors meld: To get the best flavor, let the Pimm’s Cup sit for a few minutes after you mix it. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more complex and enjoyable taste.
  4. Experiment with different garnishes: While cucumber, mint, and fruit are classic garnishes for a Pimm’s Cup, you can get creative and experiment with different fruits and herbs to find the combination that you enjoy the most.
  5. Adjust the proportions to your taste: The recipe for a Pimm’s Cup is flexible, and you can adjust the proportions of Pimm’s, lemonade, and ginger beer to suit your personal taste. Some people prefer a stronger Pimm’s flavor, while others prefer a more diluted version.

Glassware

The recommended glassware for a Pimm’s Cup is a tall glass, such as a Collins or highball glass. These glasses are ideal for serving a refreshing and thirst-quenching drink like a Pimm’s Cup, and they can hold plenty of ice and garnishes.

Using a tall glass also allows you to showcase the drink’s vibrant colors and garnishes, which adds to the overall appeal of the cocktail. Make sure to fill the glass with plenty of ice, as this will help keep the drink cold and refreshing.

If you don’t have a Collins or highball glass, you can also use a pint glass or even a mason jar. However, keep in mind that the size of the glass may affect the proportions of the ingredients, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

Overall, a tall glass is the best choice for serving a Pimm’s Cup, as it allows you to fully appreciate the drink’s flavor and presentation.

Pimm’s Cup

Pimm’s Cup

Print Recipe
A refreshing and flavorful cocktail that's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day in New Orleans.
Course Drinks
Cuisine Cocktail
Keyword Pimm’s No. 1
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 300

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1
  • 3 oz lemonade
  • 1 oz ginger beer
  • Cucumber slices
  • Mint leaves
  • Orange slices
  • Strawberries
  • Ice

Instructions

  • Fill a tall glass with ice.
  • Add several slices of cucumber, a few mint leaves, a slice of orange, and a couple of strawberries to the glass.
  • Pour in the Pimm’s No. 1.
  • Add the lemonade and ginger beer, and stir gently to combine.
  • Garnish with additional cucumber, mint, and fruit slices.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of lemonade and ginger beer to your personal taste. Some people prefer a stronger Pimm’s flavor, while others like it more diluted.