Words by Simon Difford
When Wimbledon kicks off the British summer has officially begun. Cue hordes of tennis fans making their annual pilgrimage to sit on Aorangi Terrace in the rain, eat strawberries and quaff champagne/English sparkling wine.
Yes, it's Wimbledon! Nothing says "Wimbledon" quite like strawberries. And over the next two weeks, 1600 catering staff will churn out incredible quantities of them - nigh-on 30 tonnes, or over 2 million berries, enough to stretch 40 miles when laid end-to-end.
Fans as we are of both strawberries and champagne, we are getting in the swing of the sporting summer by serving up these 'Wimbledon' cocktails, many of which feature both strawberries and champagne.
Courtside
Fruity, floral and vodka laced - enough to forget about the rain. Our recipe is topped with soda water but be decadent and splash on some champagne.
Game Set Match
A Sweet Manhattan with amaro as well as bitters. A winning combination!
Gin & Tonic
The classic English highball. Great any time of the year but brilliant on a summer afternoon/evening.
Wimbledon Martini
Dating back to the 1990s when anything in a 'v' shaped glass was termed a Martini, this remains an essential cocktail for the tournament due to being rum-laced strawberries and cream.
Jayne Mansfield
A perfect combination of champagne and strawberries named after the glamorous Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield.
Strawberry Martini
Another "Martini" from the 1990s but it's still tasty today. A perfect serve whilst watching Wimbledon on the telly.
Strawberry Margarita (Frozen)
Slightly sweet but yummy with an interplay between tequila, rich strawberry and tart fresh lime.
Strawberry Daiquiri (Frozen)
A Strawberry Mivvi for grown-ups.
Strawberry Lemonade
An English summer in a glass.
Strawberry on Acid
Fruity, slightly sweet strawberry, balanced and made interesting by vodka, balsamic vinegar and a tingle of black pepper.
Strawberry Aviation
Just as the name suggests, an Aviation with fresh strawberry replacing the usual parma violet floral notes of crème de violette.
Rossini
Being Italian, this strawberry-flavoured cousin of the Bellini is usually made with prosecco but for Wimbledon perhaps champagne is more appropriate – or even an English sparkling wine.
Strawberry Fields
A refreshing vodka-based strawberry cocktail with lemon juice balanced by honey. Drops of balsamic and a dusting of black pepper add interest.
Strawberry Blonde
Vodka-laced real lemonade - another perfect Wimbledon serve.
Strawberries & Cream
There's a subtle hint of chocolate in this gin-laced Strawberries and Cream.
Pimm's Cup (classic Pimm's)
You've not properly experienced an English summer until you've drunk one of these whilst sheltering from the rain.
Difford's Fruit Cup
My attempt to improve upon the Pimm's Cup above. I much prefer it.
Fruit Cup Spritz
A light summery spritz with flavours reminiscent of Pimm's.
Strawberry & Balsamic Mojito
A fruity twist on the classic Mojito.
Oddball Manhattan Dry
Not as oddball as it sounds, the Chartreuse combines harmoniously to make this Manhattan an Oddball.
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