PIMM’S O’CLOCK?

It’s that time of year when we celebrate warming up for Wimbledon. When it’s made right, a Pimm’s tastes utterly delicious. But as with all simple cocktails, it’s easy to get it wrong for the silliest of reasons.

“When making a Pimm’s, don’t go overboard on mint - or scrimp on the strawberries, and always make sure you’ve got enough cucumber and oranges. The garnish is the finishing touch to a perfect glass of Pimm’s,” says Elly Martin, senior brand manager at Pimm’s.

And with Pimm’s No 6 Vodka Cup being served alongside the original Pimm’s gin-based No 1 Cup for the first time at Wimbledon, here’s some ideas to help you swing into action.

1. Pimm’s No 1 Signature Serve

Ingredients: 50ml Pimm’s No 1 Cup (£12 from £15, now until July 10, 70cl, Ocado), good quality lemonade, 2 sliced strawberries, 2 orange wheels/wedges, 2 slices of cucumber, 1 sprig of mint

Method: Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the Pimm’s, strawberries, orange and cucumber. Stir slowly and top with lemonade. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a paper straw.

2. Pimm’s No 6 Signature Botanical Serve

Making its debut at the tennis championships this year, Pimm’s No 6 Vodka cup was originally launched in 1964 as the sixth expression in the Pimm’s range.

Light and crisp on the palate, with vibrant notes of citrus fruit and freshly cut herbs, it was designed as the perfect accompaniment to oysters.

But if oysters aren’t your thing, pair a Pimm’s No 6 cup with strawberries or a cucumber sandwich - perfect for a British summer’s day and just how it will be served at Wimbledon.

Ingredients: 50ml Pimm’s No 6 Vodka Cup (£23, 70cl, Harvey Nichols), botanical tonic water (we recommend Fentiman’s), a ribbon of cucumber.

Method: Fill a glass with ice. Add the Pimm’s, top with tonic and stir slowly. Garnish with a ribbon of cucumber.