Name: Ginger & Mezcal Pimm’s Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 Cocktails
Ingredients: For the Cocktail; 2 ounces Pimm’s No. 1; 2 ounces mezcal; 1 ounce ginger liqueur; 1 ounce fresh lemon juice; Ice cubes; 1 bottle ginger beer (my favorite brand is Reed’s for its extra ginger kick!); 2 candied ginger slices; 2 sprigs of rosemary

Ginger & Mezcal Pimm’s Cocktail

This ginger Pimm’s cocktail gets a smoky upgrade with mezcal and fresh lemon juice. Finish it off with fizzy ginger beer and a scorched rosemary sprig for a refreshing, bold drink, perfect for any summer party.

Yield: 2 Cocktails
Prep Time: 5 minutes 5 min
Cook Time: 5 minutes 5 min
Total Time: 10 minutes 10 min

Ingredients

For the Cocktail

For the Garnish

2 candied ginger slices
2 sprigs of rosemary

Instructions

Combine the Pimm’s No. 1, mezcal, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, and some ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and shake hard until your hands feel cold.
Add ice to 2 highball glasses and divide the cocktail mixture into each glass.
Top with ginger beer.
Scorch the rosemary sprigs over a flame.
Garnish each cocktail with a piece of candied ginger on a cocktail pick along with the scorched sprigs of rosemary. Cheers!

View Mary's Tips

Ginger & Mezcal Pimm’s Cocktail — Did you make this recipe?
Tag @mary.disommaon Instagram.

Ingredient Tips

Pimm’s No. 1 is a gin-based liqueur made in England. It is infused with fruit juices and spices. First mixed up by oyster bar proprietor James Pimm in 1859, the official Pimm’s recipe is still a secret—according to Royal Wine Merchants, only 6 people know how it’s made. This unique spirit has a warm, herbal flavor with hints of orange, spice, and botanicals.

One of my favorite things about Pimm’s is that it’s not too sweet. That means it makes a wonderful base for summery cocktails with citrus or fizzy mixers like ginger beer. Pimm’s floral, fruity, and spiced flavor profile also pairs beautifully with lemon, berries, cucumber, and herbs.

Some people compare Pimm’s No. 1 to sweet vermouth, but the Pimm’s definitely has a lighter, fruitier profile. There really is nothing like it! But if you can’t get your hands on a bottle right now and you’re looking for a good substitute, read on.

Preparation + Preservation Tips

I’ve never had any trouble finding a bottle of Pimm’s No. 1 when I wanted one. But If you’re in a pinch, here are a few substitutions you can try. It’ll help to understand what Pimm’s tastes like first: Pimm's No. 1 is a gin-based spirit with a unique blend of botanicals, spices, and caramelized orange. It's fruity and a tiny bit bitter.

One blend of spirits that will offer a similar flavor profile to Pimm’s is a homemade blend with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and a citrus liqueur like Curaçao or Grand Marnier. Some people have had good results using Campari, vermouth, or Lillet Blanc (which my friend Cheri Oteri and I use in our Blackberry Spritz recipe)!

Rosé Blackberry Spritz Recipe with Cheri Oteri➝

I recommend pairing this cocktail with charcuterie, finger sandwiches, grilled veggies, or shrimp dishes. It’s also great all by itself—call your friends and enjoy one together this week!

Extra Tips

Traditionally, a Pimm’s Cup is topped with lemonade—but if you want a spicier finish like I do, use ginger beer. It adds more depth, especially with the mezcal. You could also try ginger ale for a milder version or stick to sparkling lemonade if you want something on the sweeter side.

Koval Ginger Liqueur White Chocolate Truffles➝

Ginger Cakes to Remember➝