This paper aims to propose a generalized methodology for designing a novel nonlinear energy sink with variable pitch springs. To this end, a generic model of the nonlinear energy sink system providing the nonlinearity of pure cubic stiffness is introduced. Key features of the model include: (i) specifically sizing two variable pitch springs to provide the force polynomial components with only linear and cubic terms; (ii) pre-compressing two springs at the transition point to produce smooth nonlinear force characteristics; (iii) adding a negative stiffness mechanism to counterbalance the linear term. To generate the variable pitch spring, design parametrization is implemented. The type of shape and the pitch distribution adopted for the spring are shown to fit the objective force–displacement function well. To validate the concept, a special sized nonlinear energy sink system is developed. Identification of the force–displacement relation and experiments for the whole system embedded on an electrodynamic shaker are studied. The results show that this nonlinear energy sink can not only output the anticipated nonlinearity, but can also produce energy pumping to protect the primary system in a large band of frequencies, thus making it practical for the application of passive vibration control.