This winter Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing seasonal spin on a popular summertime drink. It’s Pimm’s no.1 mixed with brandy, vanilla, and maple syrup and topped with ginger beer. It’s easy to make, fun to sip, and it’s ready in just 5 minutes!
Warm up on cold winter days by wrapping your hands around a hot toddy or a spiked apple cider .
This winter, Pimm’s Cup is everything I love about the classic drink, with a cozy, cold-weather twist. It’s inspired by the old Pimm’s No. 3 (sometimes called Winter Cup), a brandy-based version with notes of caramel, citrus, and spice. My take keeps that same light, bubbly feel but layers in warming flavors like maple syrup, vanilla, ginger beer, and a hint of cinnamon that feel right at home this time of year.
I make it by stirring Pimm’s No. 1 with brandy, vanilla, and maple syrup over ice, then topping it off with spicy ginger beer for a little fizz and bite. The brandy adds a mellow fruitiness, the maple brings gentle sweetness, and the vanilla ties everything together in a way that feels smooth and inviting. It comes together quickly and uses ingredients I almost always have on hand.
And just like any good Pimm’s Cup, the garnishes are half the fun. I load the glasses up with orange and apple slices, cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and cinnamon sticks—basically whatever looks festive and smells amazing. It’s a great make-for-a-crowd drink, perfect for winter happy hours or cozy gatherings, and guaranteed to brighten even the darkest stretch of the season.
Best garnishes for a winter Pimm’s Cup
Pimm’s cups are known for being well-garnished, so don’t hold back! Here are a few of our favorite seasonal garnish ideas to get you started:
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or mint
- Citrus slices or wedges like orange, lemon, or lime
- Apple or pear slices
- Slices of fresh or candied ginger
- Warm spices like cinnamon sticks or whole star aniseSkewers of cranberries or maraschino cherries
Popular winter cocktails
Looking for more inspiration? Check out all of our cocktail recipes !
Maple Bourbon Sour
Brandy Mulled Wine Recipe
Maple Old Fashioned
Classic Hot Toddy
Winter Pimm’s Cup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Pimm’s No 1
- 1 ounce brandy
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 3 ounces ginger beer , or ginger ale
- orange slices, apple slices, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries , to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a jar or cocktail mixer halfway full with ice. Add the Pimm’s, brandy, vanilla, and maple syrup and stir well. 2 ounces Pimm’s No 1, 1 ounce brandy, 1 tablespoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Add ice, and any garnishes you want inside, to a highball glass.
- Pour the Pimm’s into the glass and then top it with ginger beer and as many garnishes as you can. 3 ounces ginger beer, orange slices, apple slices, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries
