Unlike the classic Pimm’s Cup, this Pimm’s Sundowner is a straightforward cocktail that doesn’t need elaborate garnishes. It’s served over ice for a refreshingly light drink to enjoy at the end of the day.
I don’t drink often because I’m a lightweight, but Pimm’s is my favourite liqueur and I enjoy a simple Pimm’s cocktail now and then. The Sundowner is one of the easiest: just four ingredients and a few moments to put together, yet it delivers a bright, slightly fruity drink that’s perfect after work or on a warm evening.
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love this cocktail
- Ingredients and substitutions
- How to make Pimm’s Sundowner
- FAQs
- More Pimm’s recipes
- Pimm’s Sundowner Recipe
Why you’ll love this cocktail
- This recipe uses only four ingredients and takes just minutes to assemble.
- No shaker or special cocktail tools are required — just a glass and a spoon.
- The drink is bright, refreshing, and easy to sip, especially on warm afternoons or at sunset.
Ingredients and substitutions
Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below. Here are a few notes to help you choose ingredients and swap things if needed:
- Pimm’s No. 1 – a gin-based liqueur with warming spices and botanicals. It provides the drink’s distinctive character; substituting a plain gin will change the flavour significantly.
- Orange juice – freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best zest and brightness. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but avoid heavily processed varieties for the best taste.
- Apple juice – fresh apple juice keeps the drink light and slightly sweet. If you don’t have fresh juice, choose a high-quality, not-from-concentrate bottle.
- Lemonade – fresh lemonade is ideal if you enjoy a tangier finish; a bottled, lightly sweetened lemonade works well for convenience and balances the citrus notes.
How to make Pimm’s Sundowner
Add ice to a small glass. Pour the Pimm’s, orange juice, apple juice, and lemonade over the ice. Stir gently to combine, taste and adjust balance if needed, then garnish with an orange slice or wedge if you like. Serve immediately while cold.
I adapted this style of drink years ago from a classic Pimm’s suggestion. The original called for fresh lemon juice with a dash of sugar syrup; I prefer lemonade for a milder lemon character and easier prep. The result is a balanced, easy-to-drink cocktail that shows off Pimm’s herbal profile without dominating the juices.
FAQs
A sundowner is traditionally an alcoholic drink enjoyed at the end of the day, often around sunset. It’s a casual, relaxing way to mark the transition from work to evening.
No. Pimm’s later released a bottled Sundowner that features different fruity notes such as raspberry and redcurrant. This recipe uses the classic Pimm’s No. 1 and produces a different, more citrus-and-apple-forward flavour.
More Pimm’s recipes
- Classic Pimm’s Cup
- Apple Pimm’s Cup
- Cranberry Pimm’s Cup
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Pimm’s Sundowner
A simple Pimm’s cocktail that’s easy to make and served over ice for a bright, refreshing sip.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Serves: 1
Ingredients
- 1 oz Pimm’s No. 1
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 oz fresh apple juice
- 1 oz lemonade
Instructions
- Make fresh orange and apple juices with a juicer, or use good-quality store-bought fresh juices.
- Fill a small glass with ice cubes.
- Add the Pimm’s, orange juice, apple juice, and lemonade to the glass.
- Stir gently to combine. Garnish with an orange wedge if desired and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Serving: 115 g, Calories: 100 kcal. Nutrition information is an approximation and provided for guidance only.
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