In the true manner of ladies who lunch, last night I was introduced to the sophisticated and truly fabulous Pimms. After an interesting mix up where I thought Pimms was a beer (I am not that uncultured), a catch up with the girls became a delightfully grown up evening that included cucumber, salmon, strawberries and hummus – just not in that order. In honour of this, thought I might include a little history lesson with the recipe – given that I thought Pimms was a beer (seriously, don’t ask), chances are there are a few of you who don’t know about this wonderful beverage either.

So, Pimm’s is a drink, most commonly consumed in Britain, particularly Southern England. It is one of the two staple beverages served at Wimbledon and other events of prestige, it’s alternative being Champagne. I’m told lot’s of older ladies used to enjoy it on a hot summer afternoon at country clubs the world over – very cosmopolitan!

Pimm’s was first produced in 1823, by James Pimm, a farmer’s son from Kent who became the owner of an oyster bar in the City of London. Pimm created the beverage which is a gin-based drink containing quinine and a secret mixture of herbs, as an aid to digestion (sound familiar, Coca-Cola?) and by 1851 the drink was popular enough to go into full scale production.

Enjoy it on a sunny Sunday afternoon on a balcony or in a garden with your girlfriends – be sure to wear something fitting for a garden party or your tennis whites!

Ingredients (serves 4)
• 4 cups ice cubes
• 1 lemon, cut into thin slices
• 160ml Pimm’s No. 1
• 125ml lemonade, chilled
• 125ml ginger ale, chilled
• 1/2 Lebanese cucumber, cut into thin strips

Method
1. Place 1/2 the ice into a 1-litre capacity jug. Add lemon slices. Pour in Pimm’s, followed by lemonade and ginger ale. Stir with a swizzle stick to combine.
2. Divide remaining ice among four tall glasses. Place a piece of cucumber in each glass then fill with cocktail. Serve.

Of course, a drink of this nature needs a fitting array of delicate finger food – we enjoyed salmon on pumpernickel, avocado wrapped prosciutto and an enviable hummus dip, followed by grapes, strawberries and the most divine little chocolates.

Gather your girlfriends and frock up – ladies who lunch is the new black.