The sound of ice cubes rattling rhythmically in a cocktail shaker following a barman’s beat, the strained liquid poured into a glass then finessed with a garnish – yep – it’s long past the time to renew our acquaintance with the summer drinks of 2021.
So let’s drink to our newfound freedoms whether in a bar or a back garden and check out our guide below with some tantalisingly tasty choices and the best summer drinks of 2021.
Brand new summer drinks 2021
Discarded Spirits
Discarded Spirits Co. are on a simple mission: to reverse needless waste by reusing traditionally ‘wasted’ ingredients, we can unlock a purposeful new dawn for the spirits industry. These are proper spirits packed full of flavour that challenges the way we use our natural resources.
There are a range of three spirits. A Discarded Cascara Vermouth, a sweet vermouth made from left-over cascara, which is the discarded fruit of the coffee creating a rich, fruity and complex vermouth. The Discarded Banana Peel Rum has notes of liquid banana bread and banoffee made by infusing Caribbean rum (which was used to season whisky casks) with banana peel which is recovered, dried out and fermented, before being steeped in alcohol for two weeks to extract maximum flavour. Finally, the newbie is a Discarded Grape Skin Vodka, complete with 100% recyclable packaging, from glass to cork to label. The base is made by distilling all the parts of the wine-making process that are normally discarded. Smooth and balanced with aromas of green apple, lychee and almond croissant, this vodka is fab in a classic Martini.
From – Discarded Spirits
Price | From £19
Avallen Calvados
Avallen is a floral, fruity, balanced and also a completely natural Calvados with 40 different varieties used from 300 different orchards. Even the labels are made from apples. Produced in the West of Normandy, Avallen is aged for two years in French oak before being bottled with no added sugar. Avallen is a younger, fresher and more apple-filled calvados with the health of our planet at its core. Every bottle made removes 2.73kg of CO2e from our atmosphere (without external offsetting).
From – Avallen
Price | £35
Champagne Laurent-Perrier limited-edition Cuvée Rosé Butterfly Robe
Adorned with beautiful rose gold butterflies, the brand-new robe highlights the importance of protecting the environment and Champagne Laurent-Perrier’s commitment to sustainability. The butterfly is integral to the design as it is emblematic of a preserved and protected natural environment and testament to a vibrant and varied eco-system. Adding an extra layer of indulgence, the Butterfly Robe makes a fab table centrepiece that can be re-used for future bottles too. Encasing the iconic Cuvée Rosé, the light and graceful champagne offers enchanting notes and intense red fruit aromas that can be paired with grilled prawns and red fruit desserts to enjoy this summer.
From – Selfridges
Price | £79.99
Sollasa
We all love an Indian Summer so how about Sollasa, brand new and the first of its kind: a delicious aperitif crafted by experts specifically to complement Indian cuisine. Founders Vishal and Sajag Patel wanted to answer a question that has been asked in Indian restaurants since their establishment: what’s the best drink to pair with Indian food? Every element of Sollasa – from ingredients and flavour, to length and serve – has been designed by leading chefs, mixologists and food scientists to go with Indian cuisine.
Sollasa is an all-natural and refreshing grain spirit at 20% ABV with a blend of orange zest, lime and lychee, with herbaceous notes of mint and basil, the cooling fragrant spice of coriander seeds and cardamom, and a pinch of sea salt. Its signature serve with tonic is 5% ABV and less than 100 calories.
From – Sollasa
Price | RRP £29
The Co-Naissance cocktail at The Savoy
The Savoy have done it again with what could be one of the most sustainable cocktails in Europe using ecoSPIRITSTM – a new low waste, low carbon spirits technology. It brings together Portobello Road Gin in the low-waste ecoSPIRITSTM format that eliminates more than 90% of the carbon emissions footprint associated with the packaging and transport of the handcrafted Portobello Road Gin that is the heart of the cocktail. This is mixed with re-carbonated Champagne and two locally-foraged London ingredients: elderflower from Little Venice and fig leaves from Embankment Gardens next to The Savoy. The name ‘Co- Naissance’ celebrates both knowledge of the past and new beginnings.
Not only does it taste fabulous but the Co-Naissance Cocktail involves no packaging or ingredient waste, no single use glass and eliminates more than 1.8kg of C02 emissions per cocktail through waste reduction and reforestation.
From – The Savoy
Price | £25
The Beluga Summer Terrace at Harvey Nichols
The Beluga Summer Terrace at Harvey NicholsUntil 5 September 2021, Beluga Vodka will be taking over the Fifth Floor Terrace at Harvey Nichols, creating an oasis in the middle of London. The elegant outdoor space has a glamorous summery feel and an expertly designed a menu of Martinis and highballs like expertly made classic Espresso Martini or Bees Knees – an infusion of Beluga Noble Vodka, Lime Juice and Manuka Honey Syrup. Food wise, our favourite dish was a Sunnyside duck egg, roast baby carrots, garlic yoghurt and sumac beurre noisette.
If you can’t make it to London, Beluga hampers are also available to purchase too. The hampers include everything needed to create the ultimate Espresso Martini at home: one 70cl bottle of Beluga Noble, two Beluga Martini glasses, one bottle of coffee liqueur and one bag of Harvey Nichols coffee beans.
Wimbledon 2021 inspired creations
Champagne Lanson limited edition bottle jackets
To celebrate the return of The Championships, Wimbledon, Champagne Lanson have reveal the latest version of their much-loved Wimbledon inspired bottle jackets. The 2021 design is modelled on the classic tennis polo shirt and will be available in two colours. A pink polo shirt will adorn Lanson Le Rosé – a fruity and delicate champagne sought after for its pale salmon colour and its characteristic freshness, and a navy-coloured shirt will be wrapped around Lanson’s signature Le Black Label Brut – a champagne known for its finesse, freshness and elegance.
Champagne Lanson’s limited-edition bottle jackets will be available this summer at Ocado, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and M&S.
Wimbledon Garden Gin
Just in time for the tennis, Wimbledon Gin is made in small batches, using botanicals that can be found from the hot spot that is Wimbledon Common. Wimbledon Brewery has created a premium dry gin that embodies summer in every single way. Botanical wise, gorse and heather feature heavily which grow in abundance on Wimbledon Common, giving the gin floral notes to balance with the spice of juniper. Distilled with liquorice, lemon and something you may not expect to find, honey made by bees that have harvested nectar throughout the local gardens of Wimbledon. The final note is the Cascade Hops from the brewery, finishing with a smooth clean flavour that is ready for summer.
From – Wimbledon Brewery
Price | RRP £38.50
Summer drinks 2021 – Tequila
Pedro y Juana Maestro DOBEL Tejolote
It is no secret we love our tequila at Luxuriate Life. This elegant, multi-purpose cocktail creation tool is an essential part of any home or professional bar. It pushes boundaries of artistry and craftsmanship to create a celebration of Mexican food, drink, history and culture in the form of a stunning limited-edition tejolote. Pronounced “teh-hoh-LOH-teh”, a tejolote is a kind of pestle that, when combined with a molcajete (mortar), is traditionally used for grinding corn, spices, salsas and guacamole. However, this is no standard tejolote, because the design has also taken influence from a molinillo (a traditional wooden whisk used for preparing hot chocolate since Aztec times) and a citrus reamer. The result is a tool for crafting Maestro DOBEL Tequila cocktails; one end can be used for grinding and muddling ingredients in the molcajete, while the other can be utilised for squeezing fruit juice. Each one comes in a bespoke wooden box and is accompanied by a bottle of Maesto Dobel’s Diamante.
From – Harvey Nichols
Price | £250
Maestro DOBEL Tequila
Maestro DOBEL Diamante is the world’s first Cristalino multi-aged tequila and the result of 11 generations of tequila mastery. This single estate tequila is produced in small batches, double distilled from 100% blue agave, and bottled in Jalisco, Mexico. Maestro DOBEL Tequila is recognised for its superior smoothness and iconic packaging, which includes a modern twist on a vintage apothecary-style bottle. The flavour of this premium tequila is SO smooth and creamy.
From – Harvey Nichols
Price | £70
Summer Drinks 2021 – WINE
In vino veritas (In wine there is truth) – Alcaeus
Chateau Musar
Musar grapes grow in the Beqaa Valley, a fertile sunny valley at an elevation of 1,000 metres. The first producer in Lebanon to achieve organic certification for its vineyards in 2006, this beautiful and superb value wine should be enjoyed this Christmas. It is deceptively powerful with a vibrant acidity and fresh, soft red fruit flavours and a very long, spicy finish. Great for many summer dishes involving mushrooms.
Lebanese wine goes well with great Lebanese food. Massis, the established Lebanese restaurant in Sheldon Square, Paddington is championing a mezze-focused offering with a few twists. The menu is designed to be shared and features a selection of well-loved Lebanese dishes. They have all our favourites and some new concept dishes such as slow cooked pulled beef, tempura fried calamari and seabass chunks in a spicy sauce with turnip pickles and avocado spinach.
The grill menu comprises Shawarma (Tender slices of marinated roast lamb, chicken or both); Shish Taouk (Chargrilled skewered cubes of marinated chicken breast with a homemade slaw and crunchy garlic); Kafta (Chargrilled marinated minced lamb skewers with a hint of spice) as well as the succulent Grilled Octopus and Grilled Soujouk (Spicy Armenian sausages with tahini sauce). Book a table here.
noblegrape.co.uk
£32.99
Crosstown Pimm’s Sorbet & Gusbourne Float Kit
Nothing says summer like Wimbledon and Pimm’s. Available until 11 July, A pint of Pimm’s Sorbet + a bottle of Gusbourne’s English Sparkling Rosé sorbet can be delivered to your door to create a delicate and refreshing float. They also have a fun Game, Set, Match Selection Box – A selection of 35g sharing cookies in packs of eighteen or thirty-six, or a six pack of doughnuts + the choice between a pint of Pimm’s Sorbet, Strawberries & Cream and Coconut & Passion Fruit Ripple ice cream + the option of adding Hard Seltzer’s by SERVED, Fix8 kombucha, Mondo Brewing Company and Forest Road Brewing Co craft beer, St. JOHN Wines, Gusbourne, and six Dash Water
From – Crosstown
Price | £59.95 Available 28 June – 11 July for delivery across Greater London and Cambridge.
Château Minuty rosé
This Summer, Château Minuty – the leading Provence rosé in St Tropez – will transport you to French Riviera with just one sip of their cuvées the Minuty 281, Minuty Rose Et Or and Minuty Prestige. Château Minuty rosé is summer in a glass. Minuty 281 comes in a stunning bottle and provides intense notes of peach that are perfectly complemented by the crisp and refreshing flavours of melon. The grapes – which are all harvested by hand – come from a clonal selection of the estate’s finest Grenache vines. They are planted in twenty-five-year-old coastal vineyards, which are sustainably farmed.
From – Hedonism
Price | £63.80
Rutas de Cafayate
Rutas de Cafayate, is a red wine made for the summer from one of the most prestigious wineries of Argentina. Situated 1,750 metres above sea level in the Salta desert, the renowned Cafayate winery is one of the highest wine regions in the world and has been producing Argentinian wine since 1850. Born in one of the highest wine regions in the world, its extreme desert conditions are what gives Rutas de Cafayate its smooth yet characterful flavour. Deep purple in colour with hints of plum and strawberry on the nose and the subtle touch of wood, its structure and silky tannins offer good concentration and balance on the palate. This makes it a great match for a wide array of summer dishes including cheese, grilled meat, charcuterie and roasted aubergines.
From – Sainsbury’s
Price | RRP £8
Hattingley Valley 2020 Chardonnay
From its birth as a farm diversification project back in 2008, Hampshire-based Hattingley Valley has grown into one of the leading wineries in the UK. Launching their first-ever still white wine, this new release is pale lemon in colour with a soft green hue. Think citrus, blossom and grapefruit aromas with a hint of honey and pear – a clean and fresh wine with a creamy texture for alfresco drinking and entertaining.
From – Hattingley Valley
Price | £19.50
Cune Barrel Fermented Blanco 2019 / Cune Rosado 2020
If you are looking for a wine suitable for vegetarians and vegans, then this might be it. A rich and creamy, soft fruit style white Rioja that is full of elegance and charm. With immediate citrus character on the palate, this wine benefits from fermentation in cask which rounds out the flavours – a reminder of how good white Rioja can be. Or if you prefer pink for the summer, the Cune Rosado 2020 from the same producer is a very appealing pale, dry Rosé made from Viura and Tempranillo and Garnacha.
From – Waitrose / Coop
Price | £9.99 / £8.50
Sharpham Brut Sparkling Blanc
From South Devon, Sharpham Sparkling Blanc is a broad and rich traditional method English Sparkling Wine produces from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. It is driven by orchard fruits, lemon and warm pastry from the lees aging. The palate has a fresh and linear acidity with a soft mousse which pairs well with fish and chips or calamari.
From Sharpham Wines
Price | £25.50
Graham Beck Brut Rose NV
Graham Beck’s sparkling wines are some of South Africa’s finest and most highly prized. Deliciously dry yet bright and brisk on the palate, subtle notes of strawberries and raspberries abound with fine oyster shell minerality. Grapes are hand selection from the limestone-rich vineyards on this prestigious estate and this sparkling wine is crafted using the Cap Classique (champagne) method. Make sure this is a staple in your cellar as the price is definitely right.
From – South Africa House of Wine
Price | £16.99
Vinicola Serena Tenuta Berni Prosecco Rosé 2019
A vibrant rosé Prosecco from Tenuta Berni who have been making wine for over 100 years. Made from Glera and Pinot Noir grapes, this is far from all fruit and no trousers and is a very refined prosecco. Dialled back bubbles, lemon, pear and raspberry for your nose with great texture and a touch of cream on the close. It’s a fizz for any occasion but is at its best shared with friends in the sun, enjoyed with asparagus-wrapped prosciutto and other picnic goodies.
From – hometipple.com
Price | £12.71
Summer Drinks 2021 – GIN
“Without gin, there would be no martinis, and that’s a scenario too troubling to contemplate sober.” – Dr Pretorius
Linlithgow Distillery LinGin
Born from a long-held desire to revive the rich spirit-making industry in the ancient Royal Burgh of Linlithgow, the Linlithgow Distillery was established in 2017. The stunning bespoke bottle featuring elements that depict the town’s most iconic landmarks, as the West Lothian distillery looks to diversify into the whisky industry. Created by Italian glass experts Vetroelite, the unique design of the Lin Gin bottle uses a striking jade colour that stands out on the drinks trolley. LinGin is a classic London Dry style gin – using a maceration technique and direct one-shot distillation with the botanicals present in the mix at all times during the distillation pro-cess. No other flavourings, colourings or sweeteners (either natural or synthetic) have been added either during or after the distillation process.
From – Linlithgow Distillery
Price | £38
Seven Crofts
In our opinion, the best gin to create a world class martini. This small batch hand distilled dry gin from Ullapool has notes of perfumed forest fruit and spicy hints of coriander and pink peppercorns giving it a long, warm finish. Seven Crofts was born after 96 different recipes and is a blend of seven botanicals including juniper, coriander, pink peppercorns, cubeb, cardamom, angelica and fresh lemon peel. The bottle is also super sleek and sexy.
From – Highland Liquor Company
Price | £40
Sipsmith
Just in time for Wimbledon, here’s a top spin served by Sipsmith – a new Strawberry Smash Gin added to their range of handcrafted gins. As the tournament’s official gin partner, they’ve blended Wimbledon strawberries with seasonal English mint, layering those flavours onto the original London Dry Gin base with its citrus and juniper notes. Expertly blended and refined, the Strawberry Smash Gin is a tempting and refreshing Championship winner.
From – Sipsmith
Price | £29
Highclere Castle Gin
Probably better known as Downton Abbey, Highclere is England’s oldest gin distillery. For fans of a more classic London Dry then Highclere Castle Gin is produced with botanicals from the namesake Estate. The addition of oats provides a wonderfully soft finish to this award-winner. A pedigree gin through and through and the winner of 21 prestigious gold and platinum awards with a score of 96 points.
From – HighclereCastleGin.com
Price | £39.99
The Cotswolds Distillery
Cotswolds Dry Gin is a delectable blend of nine different botanicals including local lavender from nearby Snowshill and freshly peeled pin grapefruit and lime zest. Due to the high volume of botanicals used, their gin creates a beautiful pearlescent cloud to appear when ice or tonic is added. Or try their Cotswolds No I Wildflower Gin for a true taste of summer – a blend of cornflowers, lavender, orange and rhubarb root layered over London Dry Gin.
From – Cotswolds Distillery
Price | Cotswolds Dry Gin – £34.95 / Cotswolds No 1 Wildflower Gin – £34.95
Agnes Arber Pineapple Gin
Agnes Arber Pineapple Gin was awarded Best Flavoured Gin of 2021 by The Gin Guide. Named in honour of botanist Agnes Arber, the first woman to receive the Gold Medal of the Linnean Society dedicated to the study of natural history, the Arber gin range is a convergence of nine herbs and fruits, distilled together in Langley Distillery’s copper gin stills. The flavours of pineapple and mango are added post distillation delivering a big pineapple flavour beautifully balanced with the crisp freshness of the citrus-led core gin.
From – Amazon
Price | £27.50
Hernö Gin
Hernö Dry Gin is a round and smooth London dry gin, with a juniper character, fresh citrus notes and a floral complexity which makes the gin very enjoyable on its own and worthy of the title Swedish Excellence.
Using eight carefully selected botanicals from around the world, all are certified organic. Juniper berries from Hungary, Coriander seeds from Bulgaria, Hand-peeled Lemon, Lingon berries from Sweden, Meadowsweet from the United Kingdom, Black Pepper from India, Cassia from Indonesia and fresh Vanilla from Madagascar.
From – Master of Malt
Price | £31.45
Mermaid Gin
From the Isle of Wight’s only distillery, comes Mermaid Gin, hand-crafted using 10 ethically-sourced botanicals. With the freshness of lemon zest and a hint of the sea from rock samphire, this gin is a good base for cocktail creation. Mix with elderberry cordial and green tea for a summer cooling Gin & Tea cocktail.
From – Isle of Wight Distillery
Price | £36.70
Summer Drinks 2021 – VODKA
There are no absolutes in life, only vodka – Mick Jagger
Grey Goose
This French little beauty has become one of the UK’s favourite vodka brands. Sourced from winter wheat from the breadbasket of France mixed with natural spring water, Grey Goose forms the base of a classic Vodka Martini that James Bond himself would be proud of. Mix with Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth over ice with a splash of orange bitters, and enjoy shaken not stirred.
From – Sainsburys
Price | £35
Hepple Douglas Fir Flavoured Vodka
This single botanical spirit draws its flavour from just one ingredient: the needles of the Douglas Fir trees that surround the distillery in the Northumberland hills.
The needles are harvested in early summer and then by applying the unique Hepple Spirits triple distilling system; they have created a spirit of exceptional freshness and purity. A surprising explosion of refreshing pine and sweet ripe melon, with undertones of grapefruit zest. Serve simply with tonic over ice and garnish with melon for a refreshing summery drink.
From – Hepple Spirits
Price | £35
Ciroc
Celebrate summer with the limited edition CÎROC Summer Citrus. Available just for the warmer months, it’s delightful neat over ice. Crafted with five times distilled vodka made from fine French grapes, CÎROC Summer Citrus is infused with natural flavours to create a zesty taste. With notes of orange, citrus and hints of lime zest.
From – getitinkd.com
Price | £41.99
Beluga Noble Vodka
From the heart of Siberia comes the Russian Beluga Noble Vodka created from malted wheat and pure water from Siberian Artesian wells. The strict system of purification and filtrations followed by a 30-day “resting” period, guarantees the purity and ultimate quality of this smooth, full-bodied vodka. Its complex velvety texture and delicate notes of cereal with a touch of citrus, white pepper and honey makes Beluga Noble a great foundation for cocktails and a must for any home bar.
From – Waitrose
Price | £36.95
Summer Drinks 2021 – SAKE
Sake from The Japan Centre
Japan Centre, the UK’s premier Japanese Food Hall, is marking its milestone 45th birthday by hosting a series of virtual cooking classes, interactive workshops, along with running special offers, and even acompetition giving two people a chance to win a trip to Tokyo. Their sake collection is vast with everything from refreshing sparkling sake, creamy and sweet nigori unfiltered sake, standard sake, premium junmai daiginjo and more.
At Japan Centre Panton Street in London, they have one of the few sake sommeliers in the UK who has selected some of the best sakes, from the finest breweries to be imported directly from Japan, creating one of largest ranges of sake in the UK. If you have any questions about sake, how it is made or which bottle to buy, Naoyuki and the team at Japan Centre are the experts to go to.
Miyoshino No Sakura Umeshu / Torotoro No Umeshu
If you are brave enough to turn to sake, then Miyoshino No Sakura Umeshu is easy drinking and fun and is great turned into a spritzer for a long summer drink. It has a crisp and elegant nose, remaining sweet and creamy on the palate. Cherry blossom and red plum with hints of fragrant sea breeze pervade the nose and there is a lot of subtle depth to the finish showing plenty of sweet fruit. Alternatively, Torotoro No Umeshu won the Platinum Medal at the 2019 London Sake Challenge and is well paired with a Caesar Salad or lighter game dishes.
From – Umeshuya
Price | £35 / £40
Summer drinks 2021 – RUM
“Drinking rum before 10am makes you a pirate” Granger Smith
Market Row Botanical Rum
Impressively awarded a silver medal in this year’s International Spirits Challenge 2021 for Rum & Can Spirits, Market Row Botanical Rum from the newly established Brixton Distillery Company makes the perfect Hibiscus Daiquiri. Offering a contemporary and powerful twist on this classic cocktail, the handpicked botanicals of Kenyan black tea, Nigerian hibiscus and Asian red rose petals became to the fore in this popular drink. Enjoy on National Daiquiri Day on 19 July 2021.
From – Brixton Distillery Company
Price | £34
Bacardi Carta Blanca
Well, the family firm of Bacardi probably needs no introduction as they created the world’s most awarded rum back in 1862 in Cuba. Their Bacardi is probably one of the best-known bases for a cool Summer Mojito. Expect a zesty, yet sweet and refreshing drink. Garnish with fresh mint and add a couple of raspberries or two.
From – Amazon
Price | £23.49
Goslings Family Reserve
The Gosling’s Family Reserve was once produced exclusively for members of the Gosling family (as the name suggest), but never fear, they have since decided to share this fantastic top-quality rum from Bermuda. Each bottle is hand labelled, dipped in wax, packed into boxes and stamped. The rum was given a Double Gold Medal at the 2005 San Francisco World Spirit Competition. It is left resting in oak barrels, ageing until it has acquired an extra luscious taste so is considered by some to be the ultimate sipping rum, much like a rare Scotch or Cognac.
From – Master of Malt
Price | £53.95
Aluna Coconut
If the taste of coconut rings your bell, then Aluna Coconut rum is a sublime blend of rums from Guatemala and the Caribbean, with natural toasted coconut and coconut water and a fraction of the sugar found in other brands allowing the flavours to flourish. Suitable for vegans and those following a gluten free diet, Aluna Coconut can be enjoyed with a variety of mixers, sipped neat over ice, or mixed with coconut water and pineapple juice to make a healthy and delicious twist on a Pina Colada.
From – Aluna Coconut
Price | £25
Summer drinks 2021 – other spirited delights
Empirical
Empirical is a self-described “flavour company”, seeking to fully explore the complexities of all the ingredients it works with. First and foremost a distillery, it now has a full portfolio of spirits which continues to grow and evolve, whilst recently launching the first of its ‘Provisions’ food line. When it comes to alcohol, Empirical doesn’t pay attention to the boxes that spirits are usually categorised into (whisky, tequila, vodka etc). Instead, they upend these conventions by taking a “flavour-first” approach – they view alcohol as a carrier of flavour. The taster pack is a good way to discover Emprical and includes Ayuuk (a smoked Pasilla Mixe spirit), The Plum, (a plum kernel and marigold blend(, and Fuck Trump and His Stupid Fucking Wall with habanero spirit.
From – Empirical
Price | €42 (taster pack)
Wild Turkey
From the Bluegrass capital of America – Kentucky – Wild Turkey has brought its first-ever guided tasting for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voiced by legendary distilling family, the Russells. This experience offers a new way for bourbon lovers to learn about the bold, award-winning liquid from those who know it best. From learning the basics of whiskey to refining your palate, just say to Alexa, “Alexa, enable Wild Turkey Tasting” to be virtually transported to the Wild Turkey Distillery and five of its boldest Whiskeys.
From – Amazon
Price | from £23.95
H by Hine VSOP Cognac
A blend of over a dozen Grande and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie with the youngest in the blend being aged for at least four years, this H by Hine VSOP is floral, creamy with notes of vanilla and apple blossom. Supple and rounded, this innovative cognac was created in collaboration with, and for, bartenders and is the ideal Cognac to use in cocktails. Try it in a Sidecar or French 75, it is also deliciously refreshing in a Hine-ball; mix 50ml of H by Hine with ginger ale in a tall glass full of ice and garnish with a zest of orange.
From – Master of Malt
Price | £34.90
Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire
Cuvée du Centenaire is both a timeless and modern liqueur, available in limited quantities. With a superb amber appearance tinged with hints of copper, Cuvée du Centenaire presents a rich aroma of candied orange, subtly fused with hints of spices. The fine and complex flavour of candied oranges combined with the exceptional cognac blend works well when served neat or on the rocks.
From – The Whiskey Exchange
Price | £123
Summer drinks 2021
Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Fina Sherry / Gonzalez Byass Nectar Pedro Ximenez
Sherry has seen a surge in sales during lockdown over the past year and the delicious, fortified wines from the house of Gonzalez Byass, one of the most renowned and celebrated Bodegas across Spain, can be traced back to 1835.
Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Fina Sherry is especially popular which is unsurprising given it is the world’s bestselling Fino. Deliciously crisp, fresh and uncompromisingly dry, its best served chilled, straight from the fridge.
The brand’s other sherry, Gonzalez Byass Nectar Pedro Ximenez is ideal for enjoying with a dessert either on its own or poured over vanilla ice-cream or with dark chocolate. It is made with 100% Pedro Ximenez grapes, jam-packed with sweetness. True nectar of the gods.
From – Waitrose Cellar / Master of Malt
Price | £10.49 / £19.10
Summer drinks 2021
Tequila Rose
Shake up your cocktails this summer with Tequila Rose – a silky smooth pairing of strawberry cream and the thrilling bite of tequila. It has a strong taste of fresh, wild strawberry with a slight kick coming in from the tequila which gives this liqueur some balance – not too sweet to drink straight, ready for cocktails or adult milkshakes – you can even use in baking! For an ultra-cool Colada Fresca however, mix one part Tequila Rose with one part Coconut Rum over ice.
From – Drinksupermarket
Price | £12.00
Summer Drinks 2021 – Lower Alcohol and no Alcohol
Pinkster Spritz
With reduced alcohol and lower calories, the folks at Pinkster Gin have launched the Pinkster Spritz, just in time for the summer. Available in two flavours – Raspberry & Hibiscus and Elderflower & Raspberry, made with gin-soaked raspberries left over from producing Pinkster – it is designed to be the ideal base for a light and refreshing spritz at just 40 calories with a zero alcohol mixer.
From – Pinkster Gin
Price | £28
Spirited Euphoria
The ‘Edi & T’ is an alcohol-free alternative for that much-loved ‘G & T moment’ – it won’t intoxicate you but it will help you unwind. It’s light and refreshing, just as a G & T should be and ideal for anyone looking to feel good, without feeling bad the next day. Edi’s Spirited Euphoria replaces the effects of alcohol thanks to its unique blend of hemp, cannabidiol (CBD), nootropics and adaptogens, which trigger feelings of pleasure and relaxation without the downsides of alcohol.
From – Edispirits
Price | £39.99
Wild Life Botanicals
Wild Life Botanicals® is a pioneering sparkling wine that is set to raise the bar by introducing the exciting new concept of #BubblesWithBenefits®. Ultra-low inn alcohol yet ultra-high in goodness, this English bubbly is lovingly crafted in Cornwall and infused with an uplifting elixir of vitamins, minerals and botanicals each chosen for their health-giving properties. At less at 35 calories a glass and very reasonably priced, it’s definitely worth tracking down a bottle … or three. It’s also available in Blush.
From – Wild Life Botanicals
Price | £15
NINE ELMS No.18
Specifically designed to complement good food, NINE ELMS No,18 is a high-quality, versatile, non-alcoholic alternative from London-based Nine Elms. The first in a series of releases from the brand, it takes the juices from four different varieties of berry and botanical infusions from 20 different flowers, herbs and spices. Sip it neat alongside a good meal or mix with a dash of tonic with a twist of orange for a refreshing spritz. It’s bright and vibrant with a refreshing acidity.
From – Master of Malt
Price | £16.95
BRITA Flow Water Filter Tank
If you are a purist at heart, then only water will do for your summer drinks 2021 list and the BRITA Flow Water Tank will give you great tasting filtered water, day in, day out. It filters over eight litres of water whilst being designed to fit snugly in all fridges. The Flow has a tap attached which means you can open the fridge and fill your glass with ease, cutting down on bottled water easily without worrying about living in a hard water area. It even reminds you when to change your water filter! How cool is that?
From – BRITA
Price | £52.50
Summer Drinks 2021 – Ready made cocktails
Tom Savano
If you prefer to drink a cocktail prepared by the experts, then the award-winning Tom Savano is an independent craft cocktail delivery company which supports small batch distillers and sets the gold standard for cocktails delivered to your door.
Their English Garden Lychee Martini is deliciously floral yet complex and strong. This cocktail layers the irresistible sweetness of lychee with organic English elderflower vodka, and their own signature blend of dry Italian vermouths. Winning numerous awards for their products, what’s not to love? Open and pour.
From – Tom Savano
Price | £27
NIO Cocktails
Enjoy ready-made letterbox cocktails delivered directly to your door with NIO Cocktails. Founded by Italian cocktail lovers Alessandro Palmarinwho and Luca Quagliano, NIO is an acronym for ‘Needs Ice Only’. Enjoy NIO’s Vodka Sour – a refreshing bittersweet blend of Ketel One Vodka, organic citric acid, Toschi liquid sugar and a dash of water for a tangy flavour that hits the spot. Just tear open the packet and pour into a glass over ice and enjoy.
From – NIO Cocktails
Price | £39 for six
Primo Aperitivo Negroni
Created with sharing in mind, Primo Aperitivo takes inspiration from the traditional Italian Aperitivo; a social moment of life to be enjoyed with good company over a tasteful cocktail. Housed in an exceptionally stylish deep navy bottle with a striking gold label, the Primo Aperitivo Negroni is exclusively handcrafted in Italy by Aperitivo experts, using only the finest of ingredients including a bespoke blend of dry gin, vermouth and bitter aperitif to create a unique and balanced flavour.
From – Ocado
Price | £25.99
Featured image courtesy of Château Minuty. All other images courtesy of the brands featured.