ONE of the nation’s favourite sporting events, the Wimbledon Championships (June 24 to July 7) is a marvellous excuse to swing into action and rally friends for some post-match parties.

British number one Andy Murray will be hoping to build on his success at last year’s final, and what better way to wish him well than with a refreshing long drink made with Bulldog London Dry Gin (£24.99, 70cl, Waitrose)?

The slick black bottle with its studded neck collar evokes Britishness and shows far more finesse on the mouthfeel than you might expect from such a butch design.

A pedigree puppy on the palate, it’s silky smooth, juniper dominant with exotic aromas and contains dragon eye, almond, lavender and poppy amongst other botanicals.

CUCUMBER COOLER

50ml Bulldog Gin, 15ml elderflower cordial, 4 basil leaves, 1/4 cucumber, soda water

Muddle cucumber in a cocktail shaker. Add a scoop of ice, then the Bulldog, elderflower and basil. Shake vigorously and strain into a highball glass over ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber.

Synonymous with summer soirees and manicured lawns, Gordon’s London Dry Gin is putting its name back up in lights with Gordon’s Crisp Cucumber (£15.49, 70cl, supermarkets nationwide). The original gin has been blended with cucumber and when it’s mixed with Fever Tree’s new Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic Water (£1.69, 50cl, Waitrose), and garnished with cucumber, expect a deliciously feisty mouthfeel balanced by a hint of hedgerow.

A delightful ruby pink, Croft Pink Port, Portugal (£11.99, 75cl, The Co-Operative) has an instant advantage with its tutti-fruity crisp flavours and can be enjoyed chilled from the fridge, or in a Pink Jasmine punch. Made using equal amounts of Croft Pink and cold jasmine tea, serve over ice with diced strawberries for the perfect match with extra strawberries and cream.

To mark its 25th grand slam as the official champagne sponsor, Champagne Lanson has launched a range of limited edition neoprene bottle sleeves to win over the crowds. Sporting white and pink aertex shirts with the Wimbledon logo and a fluorescent tennis ball on the zip, the corresponding sleeves will keep Lanson Black Label Brut NV, France (£33.99, Sainsbury’s) and Lanson Rose Label Brut Rose, France (£33.99, Sainsbury’s) perfectly chilled for longer.

Pinot noir dominant, Lanson Black Label Brut is rich and toasty with excellent freshness and is a great partner for shellfish; while Lanson Brut Rose is dry and elegant with subtle red berry fruits, delectable as an aperitif.