Place a large glass pitcher or bowl in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes so the vessel is cold. Measure out 200 ml Pimm's No.1 (or the No.102 equivalent) and, if you want a stronger drink, 50 ml gin; keep both chilled.

Pour the chilled Pimm's (and gin, if using) into the cold pitcher. Stir gently to combine.

Add 600 ml chilled lemonade to the pitcher and stir slowly to integrate. Taste for strength — if you prefer a lighter, more effervescent drink, add up to 150 ml chilled soda water and stir gently once more.

Fruit & Garnish

Prepare fruit and herbs while ingredients chill: thinly slice half an English cucumber (about 0.5 cup of slices), hull and quarter about 6–8 medium strawberries, slice half an orange and a quarter lemon into rounds. Gently clap mint leaves between your palms to release aroma.

Add the prepared cucumber, strawberries, orange and lemon slices to the pitcher. Toss gently to distribute the fruit through the mix. Reserve a few slices/strawberries and mint sprigs for individual glasses as garnish.

Fill individual serving glasses with ice cubes (about 1/2 cup ice per glass). Ladle Pimm's mixture over the ice, making sure each glass receives some fruit. Top each glass with a mint sprig and a piece of reserved fruit.

Serve immediately, and encourage guests to stir gently as they drink to keep fruit distributed. Leftover mixture can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; add fresh soda water and ice when serving again.