Homemade Pimms, why?...it's worth it!

Homemade Pimms

Makes 1litre

360 ml (121/2 fl oz) gin (Tanqueray is best)

180 ml (6 fl oz) sweet vermouth (Punt e Mes is ideal, but Martini Rosso will do)

60 ml (2 fl oz/l/a cup) Grand Marnier

12 dashes Angostura Bitters

6 thumb-sized knobs of ginger, peeled and finely grated

3 tablespoons light muscovado

zest and juice of 3 lemons

1 litre (35 fl oz/4 cups) chilled Traditional Lemonade

1 litre (35 fl oz/4 cups) chilled sparkling water

cucumber, orange and lime and mint sprigs, to garnish

summer berries, to serve (optional)

Combine all the ingredients, except the garnishes, in a small punch bowl or jug, with loads of ice and stir well. Finish with slices of cucumber, orange and lime, sprigs of mint and some summer berries if you wish.

Serve in long glasses or even recycled jam jars,  with extra ice and swizzle stick