SOME things never change - Wimbledon once again ushers in the summer next week with the reassuringly familiar sounds of racquet on ball, the ping of Hawk-eye and the plaintive moaning of the Brits as they capitulate in the first round.

The tennis, Test matches, Ascot... traditions that are synonomous with summer, just like Pimm's!

Although it has changed a bit over the years, Pimm's remains a warm weather favourite.

It used to be stronger, for instance, but now its 25 per cent abc probably chimes in with our health conscious times.

Pimm's is basically a punch, or fruit cup. James Pimm created the original at his London restaurant in the 1840s using liqueurs and fruit to disguise the taste of the gin, which could be pretty rough in those days.

Pimm's gin-based No 1 was the first commercially produced version and in the cocktail-making heyday of the 40s and 50s there followed a whisky-based No 2, a brandy-based No 3, rum-based No 4, rye-based No 5 and vodka based No 6.

Only no 1 and the vodka based No 6 are now available.

If all you need is a fairly pleasant, though slightly sweet and averagely alcoholic party drink, Pimm's and lemonade or ginger ale, a sprig of mint and a cucumber, and you're away.

However, if you fancy something a bit more interesting and challenging, why not make your own?

The basic ingredient of Pimm's, apart from the gin or vodka, is orange curacao, a widely available liqueur which is also very popular in cocktails.

Lemonade, or ginger ale adds the fizz and lots of ice is essential. Apart from that you are on your own.

A splash of vermouth perhaps, some Angostura bitters, oranges, lemons - all you need apart from that is the summer.