Homemade Pimm’s Liqueur

I have to admit that I’ve always been a sucker for a classic Pimm’s Cup. They go down easy and they’re super pretty, usually because the drink is decorated with an elaborate fruit garnish. It practically qualifies as a cocktail and a snack, and snacks are A-OK with me!

The problem with making these at home is that I never have Pimm’s in my liquor cabinet because it’s kind of a one-trick-pony. The great news is that you probably have most of the ingredients to DIY your own Pimm’s if you have a semi-decent stocked bar at home.

Related: Aperol Spritz (For One) and 40 Fun Cocktails to Make At Home

Homemade Pimm’s

1 naval orange
10 oz. gin
7 oz. sweet vermouth
3 1/2 oz. orange liqueur (like cointreau or a triple sec)
2 oz. campari or aperol
1 teaspoon dried bitter orange peel

Wash and slice the naval orange, leaving the peel on. Place the orange slices in a glass jar and then pour in your gin, vermouth, orange liqueur, campari and bitter orange peel.

The bitter orange peel is optional in this recipe and that will most likely be the only ingredient you will have to go out and buy.

It is so worth it though because it really makes your homemade concoction most closely match to the original Pimm’s and it is very inexpensive. I found it at a craft beer/brew store close to where I live, but you can also find the one I used here.

Seal the jar and shake. Let sit for 24-72 hours.

Strain out the oranges and dried orange peel using a fine mesh sieve.

Pour into a glass bottle or back into your jar and store at room temperature. This will keep for up to a year.

Now you can make a Pimm’s Cup! Pour 2 oz. of your homemade mix into a highball glass with ice and top with lemonade and ginger ale or Sprite. I like to top it with ginger beer sometimes too.

I am over the moon with this homemade version of Pimm’s! It was so easy to make, and I’d probably double up on the recipe next time just because the shelf life is so long.

This is great to have on hand when you’re having a few friends over and you don’t want to spend too much time making cocktails in the kitchen. You can also make this beforehand for a party and add it to a punch bowl with ice.

Easy and delicious! I hope you try homemade Pimm’s yourself this summer and don’t forget about the elaborate fruit garnish! xo –Natalie