It only seemed right to write about this today – the last day of Wimbledon, when we’ll see if Andy Murray can do it again.
I have fond memories of sitting with my mum, a big tennis fan, watching year after year – hearing her disappointment when I happened to support Pete Sampras over Michael Stich. Sorry mum.
Now, it’s opportune moments that I watch it. With mum gone, it’s lost a bit of it’s appeal. But given today features the British Grand Prix, and Wimbledon Final, and I’m laid up with a broken foot, I’m going nowhere.
But what does all this have to do with gin, I hear you ask? Well in the case of The Wingfield, quite a lot. The Wingfield is named after the pioneer of British Lawn Tennis, Major Walter Clopton Wingfield. Major Wingfield was one of those experimenting with a lawn version of tennis in the 1860s. Changes in technology such as vulcanised rubber offered an opportunity to develop the original game into something more accessible.
Wingfield patented a ‘New and Improved Court for Playing the Ancient Game of Tennis’ and began marketing his game in the spring of 1874 – selling a boxed version that included net, balls, rackets and instructions. Tennis in a box.
It became popular with the aristocracy, and in 1875 a meeting took place to create a universal set of rules for tennis, and the Major’s court and scoring method were adopted. In 1877 the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) launched the Wimbledon Championship, and though some of Wingfield’s rules were removed, he is still considered a vital part of the modern game.
To celebrate this, The Wingfield has been created. An aperitif, blended to a secret recipe from a small batch London Dry Gin, cucumber, pink grapefruit, elderflower and other fruits and spices.
Of course, I had to try for myself.
On it’s own, it’s perfectly drinkable – sweet, gently earthy with a good kick of citrus and florals. A couple of cubes of ice in a short glass, and you could happily sip all afternoon – after all the ABV is only 23% – so it’s perfectly approachable.However, it becomes the perfect summer drink with the addition of soda or a little fizz. Refreshing, cool, clean. It’s a bit of an antidote to the fruity nature of Pimms, or the bitter notes of Aperol.
Harvey Nichols have used it to create their Cocktail of the Month at all their bars (including OXO) – The Wingfield Spritz, and it’s the Wimbledon Cocktail at all Hix bars in The Wingfield Daisy.
But I have a treat for you. I’ve been given a bottle to give away to one of you, so you can try it for yourself! So, without further ado:
GIVEAWAY KLAXON
a Rafflecopter giveaway
GOOD LUCK!
Terms and Conditions
This giveaway is open to residents of the United Kingdom only.You must be aged over 18 to enter.The competition is open from 10 July 2016 and will close on 18 July 2016, after which the draw will take place and the winners notified (within 24 hours).There are no cash alternatives, or alternative prizes on offer. The decision is final and will be drawn via the Rafflecopter widget.I will contact the winner by both email and via Twitter as long as both are detailed in the entry comment.Should there be no response from the winner within 72 hours, the draw will be remade and an alternative winner selected.You will be disqualified for not fulfilling the Rafflecopter instructions, all entries will be checked.
With thanks to The Wingfield for both the bottle to sample, and the bottle to give away!
Sounds perfect for today – love the photo with the daisies too 😉
OOOO not tried this one, love trying new gins! Chin, chin! 🙂