The Pimm’s Cup: A Cool Sip of New Orleans History

In a city famous for bold, boozy concoctions like the Sazerac and Hurricane, the Pimm’s Cup stands out for a different reason—it’s light, crisp, refreshing, and practically made for sipping on a warm Louisiana afternoon. While it may have originated across the pond, New Orleans adopted the Pimm’s Cup as its own, turning it into a beloved staple of spring and summer cocktail culture.

From London to Louisiana

The story starts in 1840s London, when oyster bar owner James Pimm created a gin-based, herbal liqueur served in a tankard as a “digestive.” Known as Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, it was mixed with lemonade (the British version, closer to lemon soda) and garnished with fruit and herbs. It quickly became a genteel favorite, especially at summer garden parties and sporting events like Wimbledon.

The drink crossed the Atlantic decades later, but it was Napoleon House, a historic French Quarter bar and café, that cemented the Pimm’s Cup in New Orleans history. Seeking a lighter, more refreshing alternative to the city’s stronger cocktails, Napoleon House began serving its signature version—Pimm’s No. 1 topped with lemonade and a splash of lemon-lime soda, served over ice with cucumber and citrus.

Why It Fits New Orleans Like a Glove

In a city where heat and humidity can feel like their own season, the Pimm’s Cup became the unofficial warm-weather antidote. It’s flavorful without being heavy, sophisticated without being fussy, and refreshing enough to keep you going through a day of festivals, parades, or just porch-sitting.

Unlike some of our local classics, which can pack quite a punch, the Pimm’s Cup is lower in alcohol—making it the perfect choice for daytime sipping during French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest, or our Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler spring parade.

The Signature Serve

In New Orleans, the classic Napoleon House Pimm’s Cup is a simple but perfect balance:

• 1.5 oz Pimm’s No. 1

• Lemonade (or a mix of lemonade and lemon-lime soda)

• Served over ice in a tall glass

• Garnished generously with cucumber slices, citrus wheels, and sometimes mint

The cucumber isn’t just for looks—it adds a crisp, cooling aroma that makes each sip feel like a breeze off the Mississippi.

A Drink for Spring & Summer in the Crescent City

Whether you’re on a French Quarter balcony, watching the boats on the river, or strolling to catch the next brass band, the Pimm’s Cup is a New Orleans warm-weather essential. It’s a cocktail that invites you to linger, to savor, and to enjoy the moment without rushing.

At our spring parade, when the floats roll and the music flows, the Pimm’s Cup feels right at home—cool in hand, warm in spirit, and forever part of the city’s unique blend of borrowed traditions and homegrown flavor.