Instructions
- Fill a wine goblet with ice.
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour 1 oz vodka, 1 oz gin, and 4 oz lemonade into the ice-filled wine goblet.
Stir Gently:
- Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and a cherry for an extra touch of elegance.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing vodka gin lemonade mix.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Pimm's Cup itself dates back to the mid-19th century in London, created by James Pimm. It quickly became a staple of British summer, garden parties, and sporting events. The 'Turbo' variation is a more modern, informal evolution, likely emerging in the late 20th or early 21st century as bartenders and drinkers sought to add more punch to the traditional low-ABV cooler.
This drink belongs firmly in the cooler or long drink family, a close relative to the classic Pimm's Cup. What sets the Pimm`s Turbo apart is the addition of a significant spirit component, typically gin. While a standard Pimm's Cup relies solely on Pimm's No. 1 Cup as its alcoholic base, the Turbo version introduces another layer of alcoholic complexity and strength, making it a more potent highball.
You would typically find or serve a Pimm`s Turbo at casual outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or any sun-drenched occasion where a refreshing yet potent drink is desired. It is less about a fancy cocktail bar and more about backyard parties, poolside lounging, or a relaxed pub garden. It is a social drink, often made in pitchers for easy sharing.
What it tastes like
The Pimm`s Turbo offers a complex, refreshing flavour profile. You get the distinct spiced, citrus, and herbal notes of Pimm's No. 1 Cup upfront, complemented by the crisp, juniper-forward bite of gin. The lemonade adds a sweet and tart effervescence, while the fruit garnishes infuse a fresh, seasonal dimension, ranging from cucumber coolness to strawberry sweetness and orange zest.
With 2 oz of Pimm's (25% ABV) and 1 oz of gin (40% ABV) in a 7 oz drink, the Pimm`s Turbo typically lands around 12-14% ABV before dilution from ice. This places it roughly on par with a strong wine or a double IPA, making it significantly more potent than a standard lager. It is a refreshing long drink that carries a solid kick, so pace yourself, especially when the sun is blazing.
The technique
Building a Pimm`s Turbo is straightforward. Combine Pimm's No. 1 Cup and gin directly into a tall glass, such as a highball or a large Pimm's jug, filled with plenty of ice. Top with lemonade or ginger ale, then gently stir to combine the ingredients. The key is to keep it very cold, so make sure your ice is fresh and plentiful. Serve immediately.
The single most important technique tip is layering your garnishes thoughtfully. Do not just dump them in. Arrange cucumber ribbons, orange slices, and berries along the inside of the glass before adding ice and liquid for a visually appealing drink that also infuses flavour as you sip.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Pimm's No. 1 Cup
- Use
- Genuine Pimm's No. 1 Cup, no substitutes.
- Skip
- Avoid any generic 'fruit cup' liqueurs. They lack the specific herbal and spiced complexity.
- Why
- Pimm's No. 1 is the defining ingredient, a proprietary gin-based liqueur with a unique blend of botanicals and fruit essences. It provides the essential character.
Gin
- Use
- A London Dry Gin that is crisp and juniper-forward, like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Gordon's.
- Skip
- Steer clear of overly floral or citrus-heavy gins that might clash with Pimm's profile. Barrel-aged gins are also a no-go.
- Why
- Gin is the 'turbo' element, adding alcoholic strength and a complementary botanical base that marries well with Pimm's. It provides backbone without overpowering.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Pimm's Royal
- Champagne topper
- For a truly celebratory version, top your Pimm`s Turbo with Champagne or Prosecco instead of lemonade. It adds a dry, effervescent sparkle and a touch of luxury.
Pimm's Turbo with Ginger Ale
- Spicier kick
- Swap the lemonade for ginger ale to introduce a spicier, more aromatic note that complements the botanicals in both Pimm's and gin. It offers a drier finish.
Pimm's Turbo with Aperol
- Bitter orange twist
- For a slightly bitter, more complex orange profile, add a splash of Aperol alongside the Pimm's and gin. It deepens the fruitiness and adds a sophisticated edge.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Find a different drink. There is no true substitute for its unique flavour profile.
Try a dry white rum or a clear unaged brandy for a similar spirit kick, though the botanical profile will differ.
Use ginger ale, club soda with a lemon wedge, or a mix of lemon juice and simple syrup topped with soda water.
Any large glass will do, like a pint glass or a large wine glass. The key is volume for plenty of ice and garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Pimm`s Turbo?
A Pimm`s Turbo typically contains Pimm's No. 1 Cup, gin, and a lemon-lime soda or lemonade, garnished generously with fresh fruit and cucumber.
How is a Pimm`s Turbo different from a Pimm's Cup?
A Pimm`s Turbo adds a significant measure of gin to the traditional Pimm's Cup recipe, making it a stronger, more potent long drink.
What kind of gin should I use?
A classic London Dry Gin works best, one that is crisp and juniper-forward. Think Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Gordon's.
What garnishes go with a Pimm`s Turbo?
Common garnishes include cucumber ribbons, orange slices, strawberries, mint sprigs, and sometimes apple slices or lemon wedges.
Is a Pimm`s Turbo a strong drink?
Yes, with the addition of gin, a Pimm`s Turbo is considerably stronger than a standard Pimm's Cup, often comparable in ABV to a strong wine.
Can I make a Pimm`s Turbo in a pitcher?
Absolutely. It is an ideal pitcher drink. Just scale up the ingredients and add ice and garnishes to the pitcher right before serving.
What mixer works best?
Lemonade is classic, but ginger ale offers a spicier alternative. You can also use a lemon-lime soda for a sweeter, more effervescent drink.
Is Pimm's a gin?
Pimm's No. 1 Cup is a gin-based liqueur, meaning it contains gin but is also infused with a proprietary blend of fruit extracts and spices, and is lower in ABV than straight gin.
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