**Wimbledon-Inspired Gin Infused With Centre Court Grass Seeds Launched Ahead of Championships**
As the world readies itself for the much-anticipated Wimbledon Championships, a unique creation has burst onto the scene, capturing the spirit – quite literally – of the iconic tournament. In a bold new move, London-based distiller Sipsmith has released a limited-edition gin crafted using real grass seeds taken directly from Wimbledon’s Centre Court, marking its five-year partnership with the world-famous tennis event. The timing coincides with the main draw’s return to SW19, where players such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev prepare to battle it out for this year’s coveted title.
Unveiled just days before the start of the tournament, the “Top Seed Gin” stands out not only for its tennis heritage but also for its innovative approach to distilling. Sipsmith, known for its classic London Dry Gin, has taken things a step further by incorporating authentic Centre Court grass seeds into the botanical blend. The result is a gin described by the brand as a tribute to both sporting greatness and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Former Grand Slam champion and beloved sports broadcaster Sue Barker was on hand to launch the gin at an exclusive celebration, underscoring its strong ties to tradition and excellence. “Top Seed Gin perfectly captures the essence of Wimbledon: a celebration of tradition, excellence, and innovation. It’s a winning blend that celebrates skill and craftsmanship, both in tennis and in distilling,” said Barker as she helped to debut the spirit.
Sipsmith’s co-founder Sam Galsworthy underscored how the new release reflects the enduring connection between the distillery and The Championships. He said, “It’s an honour to launch this creation alongside the legendary Sue Barker. Our partnership with Wimbledon has always been rooted in shared values of excellence, heritage, and dedication to craft. With Top Seed Gin, we’ve bottled the spirit of Centre Court – quite literally.”
One nod to Wimbledon’s exceptional legacy is the gin’s carefully chosen alcohol content: it stands at 41.03% ABV, a subtle homage to Centre Court’s 103rd anniversary this year. While this level of detail may escape casual gin fans, it speaks volumes about the brand’s attention to history and tradition.
Those keen to sample this limited spirit will find it offered in a special “secret serve” at Wimbledon’s Pergola Bar during the tournament. The signature cocktail blends Top Seed Gin with cloudy apple juice, elderflower cordial, a splash of Supasawa or lime juice, and soda, creating a truly summery refreshment designed to toast the tennis season. In another nod to the event’s traditions, those who order the Top Seed cocktail at the bar will also receive a bag of the same Centre Court grass seeds used in the gin’s making, inviting fans to grow their own piece of Wimbledon at home.
For gin enthusiasts and tennis fans unable to attend in person, access to this exclusive spirit is more elusive. Top Seed Gin is available solely to members of Sipsmith’s “Sipping Society”, a members-only club run by the distillery. Prospective members can join through the Sipsmith website or by visiting their Chiswick distillery, ensuring only the most devoted followers gain a taste of this one-off creation.
The announcement from Sipsmith marks a creative blending of British sporting culture and distilling expertise at a time when interest in both craft spirits and world-class lawn tennis reaches its annual peak. By merging these two iconic elements, the distillery both honours its longstanding partnership with Wimbledon and offers a novel experience for fans eager to raise a glass in celebration.
While strawberries and cream will undoubtedly remain Wimbledon’s traditional treat, the addition of this unique gin to the festivities promises to become a topic of conversation, merging the world of luxury spirits with the time-honoured traditions of the tennis court. Whether enjoyed courtside or at home, Top Seed Gin sets a new precedent for how fans and connoisseurs can experience the Championships.