This refreshing summer cocktail is the kind of drink you want to serve at your next garden party.

The annual Wimbledon Grand Slam tennis tournament is as much an occasion to watch some of the world’s best tennis players as well as spotting members of the royal family cheering the matches. And while the main attraction are the many tennis matches played on the 19 courts over two weeks, sipping a refreshing Pimm’s cocktail and devouring a coup of strawberries and cream are integral to the Wimbledon experience.

Getting tickets for the event is actually a tricky process, even for UK citizens as with few exceptions they are offered through a ballot only; and tickets included in a separate ballot for non-UK citizens are limited.

So, if this year you are not part of that lucky few, why not create a little bit of authentic Wimbledon centre court feeling in front of your TV at home?

The events signature cocktail is easy to mix, tastes delicious, and is also low in alcohol. Thus, here you have the perfect, refreshing summer cocktail.

What to know about Pimm’s Cup

The cocktail is made with Pimm’s No 1, a reddish-amber gin-based liqueur created by James Pimm, owner of Oyster Bar in London around 1840. At the time, the liqueur was sold under the name No 1 Cup.

Initially served exclusively at Oyster Bar as digestif, the liqueur quickly gained popularity and from 1851 onwards was also sold as a bottled drink.

Pimm’s remains one of the most popular drinks in the UK, though today most will associate the name with the Pimm’s cocktail rather than the liqueur itself. It was first served at Wimbledon in 1971, and since has become a cherished tradition at the event.

Why you will love this cocktail

This is the perfect summer cocktail. Refreshing, with a balanced flavour profile, tasting slightly spicy and refreshingly tangy, and displaying notes of citrus, juniper and quinine while low in alcohol it will be the easy thirst-quencher at your next garden party.

How to mix a perfect Pimm’s Cocktail

A Pimm’s cocktail consists of Pimm’s liqueur, English lemonade (or alternatively lemon-lime soda), and is traditionally served with cucumber slices, strawberries and mint leaves.

While today many variations of the original cocktail exist, the British proudly stick to the classic one, which is made exclusively with ingredients sourced from the island.

Serves 1

60 ml Pimm’s No 1
120 ml English lemonade (or lemon-lime soda)
cucumber slices, strawberries, and mint leaves for garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add Pimm’s and lemonade and gently stir.

Garnish with few cucumber slices, strawberries and mint leaves.

Do you have a favourite summer cocktail? Let me know in the comments below.