Pimm’s Cocktail Jug for Your Next Outdoor Party
Make a Pimm’s cocktail jug for your next outdoor party. A fresh and delicious boozy punch recipe with strawberries, cucumbers, mint and more. The perfect drink for spring or summer!
Welcome to week two of the OUTDOOR EXTRAVAGANZA! If you missed last week’s blog hop, be sure to check out my tomato sauce garden gift basket, as well as the other lovely gardening ideas from this year’s participants.
This time, it’s all about Outdoor Decorating & Entertaining. Ready to host a spring or summer outdoor party? If so, mix up a big jug of this delicious Pimm’s cocktail.
Several summers ago, we were golfing with friends and I was offered a Pimm’s cup. Excuse me? A what?
As soon as I heard cucumbers, strawberries, mint… I immediately said YES without knowing the remaining ingredients. It was a super hot day, and those first 3 ingredients sounded so refreshing. After my first sip, I was hooked. The English were on to something!
Why You’ll Enjoy Pimm’s
Typically, I stay away from overly sweet or sour drinks. This one is a nice balance between the two. I also prefer its lower alcohol content, which is particularly helpful on a hot day.
And, although I’m not a gin kind of girl (tastes like soap to me), I do enjoy Pimm’s. Maybe it’s the flavour of the herbs in the original Pimm’s No. 1 recipe that agrees with me, not sure. Only the makers know the ingredients and ratios in this gin-based apéritif, so it’s a bit of mystery.
What I do know as far as cocktail jugs go, this one tastes great. Particularly so when combined with citrus, berries, mint and cucumber. Maybe not the traditional way to make Pimm’s, but my take on it.
And for the mix, some sparkling lemonade cut with a bit of soda water is my favourite. I’ve done some experimenting to get it just right and I prefer Pimm’s with soda water. Isn’t it pretty too?
How to Serve Pimm’s at a Party
For smaller groups, I make each Pimm’s cocktail by the glass. Having the produce washed and cut ahead of time makes it easy.
Larger outdoor parties, however, call for a pre-made Pimm’s jug or pitcher where guests can simply help themselves. I guess you could call it Pimm’s punch.
What’s in a Pimm’s Cup?
An ounce (or so) of Pimm’s in a glass, followed by a scoop or two from the jug is all it takes to make this delicious beverage. Of course, the alcohol can be left out for the non-drinkers too. For them, it’s a refreshing option to plain old boring water.
And isn’t it great that it’s a snack too?! I love those kinds of cocktails! You know, get your intake of fruits and veggies ;)
Convinced yet? It’s hard to resist a garden-fresh drink that looks so pretty, right?!
How to Make a Pimm’s Jug
Ingredients
- blood orange
- lemon
- lime
- strawberries
- cucumber
- fresh mint
- ice
- soda water
- sparkling lemonade
- Pimm’s
The full list of ingredient measurements and instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
Pimm’s Jug Directions
- Start by placing the sliced orange, lime, strawberries, cucumber and mint into a large glass canister or jug with lid. Top with ice.
- Slowly pour in soda water and sparkling lemonade.
- To serve, add 1 ounce Pimm’s to a large glass. Top with jug mixture, making sure to get both fruit and liquid. Add more ice if preferred.
Drink Tip: Using a canister or jug with lid will ensure it stays fresher and carbonated for longer. Produce can be prepped ahead of time and placed in refrigerator. However, add ice, soda water and sparkling lemonade just before setting out.
Quick Pimm’s Drink
If you’re looking for something easier, Pimm’s can be mixed with simple ginger ale followed by a squeeze of lemon. You can garnish with any of the fresh produce mentioned in the recipe, or forgo it altogether.
Play around with flavours to come up with your own Pimm’s recipe.
More Refreshing Drink Ideas
- Berry and Mint Green Iced Tea
- Bourbon Mint Lemonade
- Cucumber Basil Mojito
- Honey Strawberry Basil Smash
Featured Comment
From Sheila: “This one is a current household favourite! We toasted the Royal wedding with a refreshing Pimm’s Cup, and it’s been our go-to ever since. We love that you can reduce the amount of Pimm’s without completely changing the flavour. For presentation, this one is just so much fun!”
Pimm’s Jug
Ingredients
- 1 blood orange, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and cut in half
- 1 medium English cucumber, sliced
- 12 fresh mint leaves, torn in half
- 3 cups ice
- 1 liter soda water
- 750 milliliters sparkling lemonade
- 12 ounces Pimm’s
Instructions
- Place orange, lime, lemon, strawberries, cucumber and mint into a large glass canister or jug with lid. Top with ice.
- Slowly pour in soda water and sparkling lemonade.
- To serve, add 1 ounce Pimm's to a large glass. Top with jug mixture, making sure to get both fruit and liquid. Add more ice if preferred.
Notes
- Using a canister or jug with lid will ensure it stays fresher and carbonated for longer. Produce can be prepped ahead of time and placed in refrigerator. However, add ice, soda water and sparkling lemonade just before setting out.
- If you’re looking for something easier, Pimm’s can be mixed with simple ginger ale followed by a squeeze of lemon. You can garnish with any of the fresh produce mentioned in the recipe, or forgo it altogether.
Be sure to pin this delicious patio drink for later!
More Outdoor Decorating & Entertaining Projects
You’re going to love these creative outdoor ideas. Be sure to stop by each participant’s blog and say HELLO!
How to Set a Casual Outdoor Table, French Vintage Style by So Much Better with Age
Raspberry Lemonade Rose Cocktail by Craftberry Bush
Pimm’s Cocktail Jug for Summer Outdoor Parties by Satori Design for Living
Peach Strawberry White Wine Slushie by The Happy Housie
How to Clean and Style a Cotton Canvas Hammock by The DIY Mommy
DIY Farmhouse Serving Tray by Making it in the Mountains
Next Thursday is Outdoor Build-it & Paint Projects. Hope to see you there!
As well, mark your calendars for our big Outdoor Extravaganza wrap-up link party on Friday, May 26th where you can share any outdoor projects new and old.
Thanks for stopping by. Wishing my Canadian friends a happy Victoria Day long weekend!
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This sounds like the perfect Summer drink! I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks, Kristi. It’s nice and refreshing on a hot summer day!
This looks so delicious, Shauna! I was first introduced to Pimm’s when my best friend brought it home from Europe, I’ve never tried it with this recipe. Sounds amazing!!
I can’t believe I only discovered it a few years ago considering it’s been around forever. Better late than never!
I love Pimm’s, this looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it out this summer.
Hugs, Jamie
You have the perfect outdoor spot to entertain friends, so a jug of Pimm’s is perfect. Hope you’re having a great weekend Cheers :)
This one is a current household favourite! We toasted the Royal wedding with a refreshing Pimm’s Cup, and it’s been our go-to ever since. We love that you can reduce the amount of Pimm’s without completely changing the flavour. For presentation, this one is just so much fun!
Yes, the royal wedding seemed to bring back the popularity of Pimm’s Cup. It’s definitely one of my summer favourites!