In a desperate attempt to find a refreshing cocktail recipe, I was introduced to the oh-so-fruity Pimm’s cup cocktail. Ever since this discovery, on a hot summer day, you can find me sitting in my backyard sipping on this beautifully garnished drink.
Though it is loved by many, it’s not often you find Pimm’s in the liquor cabinet. The Pimm’s cravings often strike without warning, especially when it’s not easily accessible.
If that’s the case, you might be happy to find out that there are several drinks and recipes that can be used as a substitute for Pimm’s.
Pimm’s can be substituted by several other drinks. If you’re in the mood for an alcoholic beverage, Sainsbury’s Pitchers, Tesco Summer Cup, Aldi Austin’s Summer Punch, Sipsmith London Cup, and ASDA Summer Fruit Cup are great substitutes.
A homemade alcoholic recipe can also be used to substitute Pimm’s. Some great non-alcoholic substitutes include balsamic vinegar & lemonade, Ritual Gin Alternative, Wilfred’s Aperitif & ginger beer, and pale ale & kombucha. In baking, you can replace Pimm’s with Plymouth Fruit Cup.
In this article, we will dive into the different substitutions of Pimm’s based on their alcohol content. We will also take a look at how Pimm’s can be served. In addition, we will address some commonly asked questions pertaining to Pimm’s.
Pimm’s Substitutes [Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic]
1. Aldi Austin’s Summer Punch
Aldi Austin’s Summer Punch is a top Pimm’s substitute. That’s all thanks to its similar taste and attractive price tag.
Aldi Austin’s Summer Punch has a fruity, spicy flavor, hints of citrus fruits, and a soft, velvety finish. It is often enjoyed the same way Pimm’s is enjoyed.
It has 17.5% alcohol by volume compared to the 25% ABV of Pimm’s. To serve, pour 25ml (0.85oz) of the punch in a tall glass with ice and top it off with lemonade. Make sure to add some fruit garnish.
2. Tesco Summer Cup
Just like Pimm’s, Tesco’s Summer Cup is a gin-based spirit drink. It is infused with aromatic botanicals and hints of fruits and spice flavors.
Some would say that this summer cup has a bittersweet and tangy flavor. It has 25% alcohol by volume, similar to Pimm’s.
To enjoy Tesco’s Summer Cup, pour 1 part summer cup to 3 parts lemonade into a tall glass with ice. Add slices of orange, cucumber, and strawberries, then stir and serve. It is a refreshing and easy drink.
3. Sainsbury’s Pitchers
In terms of flavor, strength, and even packaging, Sainsbury’s Pitchers is very similar to Pimm’s. However, this drink is more expensive than the two generic varieties we spoke about.
Sainsbury’s Pitchers has a light, sweet, fruity flavor alongside the warmth of the alcohol. It is refreshing and has the right balance between sweetness and spice.
Just like Pimm’s, its alcohol by volume is 25%.
To serve Sainsbury’s Pitchers, mix one part of the drink with three parts lemonade into a tall glass with ice. Add strawberries, cucumber, apple, and mint leaves for the garnish.
4. Sipsmith London Cup
Sipsmith London Cup is another substitute for Pimm’s. This delicate, pale pink drink is known as a more “grown-up” alternative to Pimm’s.
It has a very spicy, fruity, and lemony flavor and scent. Sipsmith London Cup’s refreshing and aromatic gin-based drink is inspired by the ubiquitous cups and punches that were found in 1800s London. It has a 29% ABV, higher than that of Pimm’s.
35ml (1.18 oz) of Sipsmith London Cup can be served in a highball glass with ice and then topped with lemonade. You can garnish your drink with a wheel of lemon.
5. ASDA Summer Fruit Cup
ASDA Summer Fruit Cup is another substitute for Pimm’s. It’s also a fruit-flavored alcoholic drink made with fermented and distilled alcohol.
Some say ASDA’s Summer Fruit Cup has a low-key, sweet fruitiness and prominent herbal flavor, while others say it is just overpowering. It has an ABV of 15%, which is less than the 25% of Pimm’s.
To enjoy this fruit cup, pour 50ml (1.7oz) of it into a tall glass with ice, then top up with lemonade. Garnish it with a slice of orange, cucumber, and strawberry.
6. Best Homemade Alcoholic Substitute
Pimm’s is great to wow your guests with a beautiful drink. But what happens if you have none left in your liquor cabinet?
Don’t panic! There are several recipes you can use to substitute Pimm’s for when the urge strikes you.
The recipe of Pimm’s itself is secret. But several other recipes give you an equally fruity and delicious alcoholic cocktail. In fact, it is ridiculously easy to make it.
A great homemade substitute for Pimm’s involves the addition of several alcoholic drinks together. Specifically, it needs 3: red vermouth, gin, and curaçao. For the gin, make sure it has a 40% alcohol strength.
If you’re not familiar with red vermouth, vermouth is a fortified and aromatized wine. The red vermouth is sweet, and it originated in Italy.
Curaçao is a liqueur infused with the flavors of the dried and bitter peels of the laraha fruit. Laraha is a citrus fruit that grows on the Dutch island of Curaçao.
If you’d like, you can replace the curaçao with an orange or a dried bitter orange peel.
Homemade Pimm’s Substitute Requires:
- Equal parts gin and red vermouth with a half part curaçao.
- Mix them for about an hour before serving.
- This will allow the flavors to settle. After the short wait, use it as you would use Pimm’s and enjoy.
7. Balsamic Vinegar & Lemonade
I know what you’re thinking. Vinegar? Yes, this is not a typo. An alcohol-free substitute to Pimm’s is a recipe that contains balsamic vinegar and lemonade.
Similarly, as you would serve alcohol-containing summer cups, grab the tall glass and fill it with ice. Pour 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and orange juice with 5 ounces (148 ml) of lemonade.
Add fruits, such as strawberries, orange slices, lemon slices, and a couple of mint leaves. It is best to let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes in the fridge. Then, garnish as you like and enjoy.
8. Ritual Gin Alternative
The base of the Pimm’s most people enjoy is gin. To replace this base in an alcohol-free version of Pimm’s, you can use a gin alternative such as Ritual Gin Alternative.
You can use this gin as you want with fruits and lemonade to get a Pimm’s substitute. It is best to experiment with the quantities and ingredients to see what’s best for you.
Ritual Gin Alternative adds sweetness to the drink and is great for making mocktails.
9. Wilfred’s Aperitif & Ginger Beer
Another zero-alcohol substitute to Pimm’s could be made by combining Wilfred’s Aperitif with ginger beer. Wilfred’s Aperitif is a crafted blend made from distilled natural rosemary, bittersweet orange, rhubarb, and clove.
Mix one-part Ginger Beer with half-part Wilfred’s Aperitif in a tall glass filled with ice to make this alternative. Squeeze a lemon or lime and place slices of lemon and ginger on top.
10. Pale Ale & Kombucha
Alcohol-free pale ale, kombucha, and fruity soda can be combined to make an alternative for Pimm’s. Pale ale is a well-known top-fermented, hop-forward beer, and kombucha is a fermented and slightly effervescent sweetened green or black tea drink.
Mix equal parts alcohol-free pale ale, kombucha, and fruity soda in a tall glass with ice. Add garnish to the top and enjoy your alcohol-free Pimm’s substitute.
Best Substitute For Baking
Pimm’s isn’t only for drinking! Some people like to get creative and use this well-loved drink to make a Pimm’s flavored dessert.
You will find a lot of cake recipes online that embrace the taste of Pimm’s. Making a Pimm’s drizzle for a cake is pretty simple.
You’ll need about 150 ml (5 oz) Pimm’s mixed with 100 ml (3.4 oz) of water and 3 tablespoons of sugar. If you don’t have Pimm’s, consider trying the substitute mentioned below or in this article.
11. Plymouth Fruit Cup
Plymouth Fruit Cup is a fruity liqueur full of zesty orange notes and cinnamon spice. It has a slightly bitter edge, yet a refreshing taste and an ABV of 30%.
Plymouth Fruit Cup can be used as a substitute for Pimm’s when you want an exceptional boozy fruit punch in your dessert. For this substitution, use Plymouth Fruit Cup as you would use Pimm’s.
What Is Pimm’s?
Pimm’s is a British summertime classic. It was invented in London during the 1840s by a man named James Pimm.
This drink is an alcoholic drink with either a gin, vodka, or brandy base. It is a fruity drink with bitter herbs and citrus, usually referred to as a fruit cup in the US.
A fruit cup is a spirit or fortified wine-based drink with an ABW between 10% and 30%. It is infused with spices and herbs and is often lengthened with a non-alcoholic liquid, such as ginger ale, lemonade, 7-Up, or apple juice.
It is usually served with plenty of ice and a beautiful fruit garnish.
There were six different kinds of Pimm’s at one point that varied by their base. The most popular is the Pimm’s Number 1 that is based on gin.
If you’ve ever tried Pimm’s, it was probably No. 1 as it is the main ingredient in most Pimm’s Cup cocktails. Pimm’s is usually mixed with lemonade and served in a highball glass with garnish.
The Difference Between Pimm’s & Aperol
Many people start stocking up on their favorite alcoholic beverages when hot weather approaches. Pimm’s isn’t the only drink people gravitate to.
Aperol, a trendy Italian spirit, is another favorite summertime beverage.
Aperol, one of the many drinks in the aperitif category, is traditionally enjoyed before meals. Today, people are consuming this drink at any time due to its alcohol content of 11%. That is much lower compared to the 25% ABV of Pimm’s.
Aperol is an orange-red liquor that is made from rhubarb, bitter and sweet oranges, and many different roots and herbs. It tastes just as you’d expect; it has a zesty orange flavor with herbal hints harmonized with a touch of vanilla.
Pimm’s has more of a subtle spice and citrus fruit taste.
People enjoy Aperol in the form of an Aperol Spritz, a very Instagram-worthy drink. This drink is made by mixing 1 part Aperol with 1 part Prosecco and a splash of soda.
Like Pimm’s Spritz, it is poured into a wine glass full of ice and garnished. The garnish of Aperol Spritz is usually a slice of orange.
How To Make A Pimm’s Cup Cocktail?
Has all this talk about Pimm’s ignited your cravings for a Pimm’s Cup cocktail? Pimm’s Cup cocktail’s bubbly and fruity refreshing taste is perfect for sipping on a sunny day.
The making of this cocktail is effortless. So, grab your Pimm’s number 1, and let’s get started.
If you’re going for the classic recipe, you’ll need Pimm’s number 1, English-style lemonade that is clear and carbonated (you can use fresh lemonade if you don’t have any), and garnish. The garnish is usually composed of apple, lime, orange, cucumber, and sprigs of fresh mint.
For this recipe, you’ll need to use 1 part Pimm’s to 2 parts lemonade. Mix them up in a highball glass filled with ice. Add your garnish and enjoy.
You might find some people that add or replace the lemonade with ginger beer. With lemonade, your fruit cup will be a bit tarter but still refreshing.
Ginger beer, which is less spiced than ginger ale, complements the spicing of the fruit garnish. How you make, your cocktail is up to you.
Other Ways To Use Pimm’s
There are several alcoholic twists on the original Pimm’s cup cocktail. For example, some people ditch the lemonade and combine Pimm’s with sparkling wine.
This adds something extra to special occasions but note that this drink will be stronger than the original. You can keep the lemonade with sparkling wine and Pimm’s.
This combination makes a drink called Pimm’s Spritz. You’ll need to combine 50ml (1.7oz) Pimm’s, 75ml (2.5oz) lemonade, and 25ml (0.85oz) sparkling wine in a wine glass full of ice. Finally, garnish your drink with cucumber and mint.
For fancier occasions, some prefer to use champagne instead of lemonade. This drink is called Pimm’s Royale.
In a champagne flute, pour 25ml (0.85oz) of Pimm’s and top it off with champagne. Then, garnish it with strawberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Alcohol Is Pimm’s Made From?
There were, at one point, six different kinds of Pimm’s. They varied by what they were based on. Not all varieties are still made today.
The original, and the most popular one, is Pimm’s number 1, which has a gin-base. Pimm’s number 2’s base was Scottish whiskey, number 3’s was brandy (aka Pimm’s Winter), number 4’s was rum, number 5’s was rye, and number 6’s was vodka.
What Is Pimm’s Flavor Or Taste?
Pimm’s has a taste of spice and citrus fruit that is subtle. A Pimm’s Cup tastes fruity and sweet.
It is bubbly from the sparkling lemonade and a bit herbal from the Pimm’s No. 1. There is a mix of both sweet and somewhat bitter herbal flavors.
What Are Some Cheap Pimm’s Alternative?
Several of the previously mentioned substitutes will save you money. In addition, most of the recipes are more affordable substitutes.
As for the store-bought alternatives, Aldi’s Austin’s Summer Punch and Tesco’s Summer Cup put up a good fight when it comes to the price.
They can sometimes be found for half the price of Pimm’s. The rest of the store-bought substitutes mentioned in this article are also more affordable than Pimm’s.
Final Thoughts
Pimm’s is an alcoholic drink, usually with a gin base. It is a fruity drink with bitter herbs and citrus.
It is often combined with lemonade and served with lots of ice.If needed, it can be substituted with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic alternatives.
Alcoholic substitutes include Sainsbury’s Pitchers, Tesco Summer Cup, Aldi Austin’s Summer Punch, Sipsmith London Cup, and ASDA Summer Fruit Cup. A homemade alcoholic recipe can also be used to substitute Pimm’s.
There are also non-alcoholic substitutes, such as recipes that contain balsamic vinegar & lemonade, Ritual Gin Alternative, Wilfred’s Aperitif & ginger beer, or pale ale & kombucha. In baking, you can replace Pimm’s with Plymouth Fruit Cup.
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My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.