Here’s our pick of drinks to try this summer. Read on to find out more.
‘Four Seas’ by Salcombe Gin
Named after the four seas that surround our island nation, ‘Four Seas’ by Salcombe Gin is a British coastal gin handcrafted to the London Dry standard to support the RNLI, 10% of the net price is donated to the RNLI, so every bottle helps save lives at sea. A celebration of coastal community spirit, it has been distilled with lemon peels smoked over Scottish whisky barrel wood chips, English sea buckthorn harvested in Cornwall, sugar kelp foraged from the Irish sea and elderberries from wildest Wales. It is a smooth, rich and warming gin with a slightly saline finish from the sugar kelp, to remind you of its coastal influence and origin.
Delivering a truly coastal taste experience, it is available in a 70cl bottle, 40% ABV retailing at £39.50 in select Sainsbury’s stores and online at sainsburys.co.uk.
Dutch Barn Vodka
Flavoured vodka is facing a trust crisis. New data from Dutch Barn Vodka, co-owned by Ricky Gervais, reveals that 60% of UK drinkers believe flavoured vodka tastes artificial, packed with sweeteners, synthetic flavourings, and too much sugar. But here’s the twist: 88% say they’d happily drink it if it were made with real, natural ingredients.
Dutch Barn is announcing the news to celebrate the launch of its new Dutch Barn British Raspberry Vodka, a clean, natural and fresh spirit made with real British raspberries and none of the junk that’s giving the category a bad name. One to try this summer!
K’s latest flavour launch: VK Lemon & Lime!
With a sharp citrus twist and a smooth vodka kick, VK Lemon & Lime is the ultimate party-starter, perfect for everything from house parties and day clubbing to summer sessions in the sun. This isn’t just another fruity addition to the range either – VK is shaking things up with its first-ever clear fruity liquid, proving that bold taste speaks for itself.
VK Lemon & Lime | New VK Flavour!
Portofino Dry Gin
Capturing the essence of Portofino through its rich heritage, exceptional craftsmanship and distinct Mediterranean profile, this award-winning gin has a unique blend of 21 botanicals, which are all handpicked from the brand’s sanctuary in Portofino. A delight to look at, this luxurious gin is encased in the brand’s signature turquoise bottle and adorned with a beautifully illustrated label to embody the timeless beauty of Portofino.
Portofino Dry Gin – Shop Online
Double Gold
Double Gold for its signature Small Batch Bourbon (95 points) which is the true definition of small-batch with just 2,750 bottles per run.
Double Gold for its Rye Whiskey (96 points) which is perfect for cocktails and sweeter than most Rye whiskeys due to the high-corn content
Gold for their Barrel Strength Bourbon (90 points) which is a ‘high rye’ bourbon that is both punchy and characterful
Banana Rum
A delicious 40% ABV rum-based drink with tasting notes of natural banana, toasted caramel, and a hint of vanilla. This spirit works perfectly in any banana cocktail, is wonderful mixed simply with ginger beer, or can be sipped neat over ice.
Thai Green Gin
A well-balanced and perfectly rounded 40% ABV gin bursting with aromatic flavours reminiscent of delicious, fragrant Thai spices. With tasting notes of juniper, lemongrass, coriander, kaffir lime, and a subtle hint of red chilli, this gin offers a unique twist on a classic spirit.
The original Hydes Cyder is a lightly carbonated, medium-dry cider with 5% alcohol by volume. It has a light palate and features pronounced apple and citrus aromas, resulting in a full flavour with a long, smooth, and refreshing finish, showcasing bold apple notes.
Hydes Lyte
Hydes Lyte is a premium cider non-alcoholic cider. It is expertly crafted using the original Hydes Cyder as a base and finished using unique methods to create a true cider experience without the alcohol. The result is a lightly carbonated alcohol-free cider with almost identical notes to its alcoholic sibling. Lyte is also an ideal, healthy option, with only 26.64 kcal per 100ml and 62g/L of natural carbohydrates derived straight from the apples.
Hydes Cyder and Hydes Lyte are best served chilled from the fridge or over ice. They are delightful on their own and pair exceptionally well with food, including cured meats, cheese, and a curry! Hydes Cyder and Hydes Lyte are also gluten-free and suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
The Guv’nor
The Guv’nor by Tom Parker Creamery is a luxurious range of ready-to-drink iced coffees that bring a touch of sophistication and nostalgia to your everyday coffee routine – in Original, Caramel and Mocha flavours. Crafted with care and an uncompromising commitment to quality, The Guv’nor range brings you a delightful blend of single-origin Arabica coffee, gently sweetened with raw cane sugar and combined with luxurious, free-range whole milk sourced from small British family farms.
The Guv’nor from Ocado, the online supermarket
MOTH, The UK’s number-one premium canned cocktail brand, recently launched their two newest drinks: Passionfruit Martini and Spicy Margarita
Vinca, the award-winning 100% organic wine company, has launched the UK’s first wines in full-sized recyclable aluminium bottles.
El Rayo the award-winning Tequila rewriting the rules, is shaking up summer drinking with the launch of its new Tequila Tonic ready-to-drink cans.
Luscombe
Bursting with flavour, the new bright and refreshing crush is made with sweet Alphonso mango complemented with delicate peach, a splash of Sicilian lemon and pure Devon spring water. Mango & Peach Crush is available from luscombe.co.uk in a 270ml bottle x 12 (£26.50) or 320ml can x 12 (£26.50). I’ve popped full details below.
Picoso – the brand-new premium spicy soda tapping into the RTD/no-lo category.
Picoso
A must-have for any discerning drinker’s cabinet, Picoso is the ultimate premium RTD: arriving in two fiery flavours: Zesty Lime and Tropical Mango to delight any palate with spice and electrolytes, it utilises top chilli varieties to elevate the unique and unmistakable element of capsaicin whilst supporting natural hydration. Whilst Picoso Zesty Lime is cut with scotch bonnet, sourced from the UK, to deliver a refreshing citrus hit with a lasting warmth of heat, Picoso Tropical Mango is a fruity option, cut with habanero from Mexico with the heat of habanero bringing bold flavours from Latin America.
Bursting with vibrant taste, each flavour strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy – and promises to be a real hit this summer. In a nod to the brand’s Mexican origins, both flavours are delicious when poured over ice with a slice of red chilli or lime (Tropical Mango cut with Habanero Picoso) or a tajin rim (Zesty Lime cut with Scotch Bonnet Picoso).
MOTH, The UK’s number-one premium canned cocktail brand, recently launched their two newest drinks: Passionfruit Martini and Spicy Margarita
The Pathfinder is a fermented and distilled hemp-infused spirit. They have taken the US by storm and recently launched in London.
SUMMER DRINKS TRENDS: Hard milkshakes, anyone?
If you love a creamy, delicious milkshake, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles and inspired by indulgent 1950s style American diner drinks, then you’re going to love this summer’s hottest – and coolest – drinks trend…be warned, though – they’re not for kids!
The two retro fruity flavours – Banana and Strawberry – are blended with vodka, natural fruit flavours, a creamy base and, what’s more, they are naturally vegan friendly, dairy and gluten free, too! The cream liqueurs (15% ABV 70cl) are delicious in boozy milkshakes, chilled mini shots – or even drizzled over ice cream sundaes.
To make a Hard Milkshake, simply add shots of the Lacey’s Vodkashake to 2 scoops of ice cream, top with milk of your choice and blend. Add to a diner-style long glass and top with whipped cream, colourful sprinkles and other toppings of choice for instant Insta-appeal. Or, add to a shot glass and top with whipped cream, sprinkles and cherries for mini “shot shakes” or tiny versions of the boozy milkshake cocktails.
Lacey’s Vodkashake are £12 per 70cl bottle and the Strawberry and Banana flavours are available from selected B&M stores nationwide.
Find out more at www.laceysvodkashake.com or follow on Instagram at @laceysvodkashake
Baileys Toffee Popcorn
Introducing Baileys Toffee Popcorn, the ultimate treat that mixes buttery aromas with the sweet creaminess of Baileys to create a blockbuster flavour. This limited-edition launch is the perfect addition to your summer plans – whether it’s sitting in the sun with friends or a movie night in when the British weather doesn’t get the memo that it’s summer!
Baileys’ also created a new serve to compliment the new flavour’s buttery, sweet taste: Baileys Toffee Popcorn Milkshake Cocktail! Just blend milk, ice cream and Baileys together until you have your favourite milkshake consistency, swirl some toffee sauce around a tall glass, then pour in your milkshake, and top it off with a swirl of whipped cream, some toffee sauce, and a handful of popcorn!
SLY DOG Rum
The multi award-winning premium rum brand, has secured investment to turn up the volume on its mission: modernise rum and ditch the tired pirate clichés once and for all.
SLY DOG blends premium Caribbean rums from handpicked distilleries in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic aged for up to 3 years. SLY DOG Spiced Rum combines secret spices to deliver a smooth, warming taste with a soft sweetness. Meanwhile, Stoned Fruit meticulously infuses the rum with juicy peach, papaya, apricot and pink peppercorn. Both offer the perfect balance, whether enjoyed straight or in a cocktail.
For more information, visit here
Clean T
The Paloma’s combination of fresh grapefruit, lime, and tequila creates a crisp, refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm weather. It’s light and not too heavy on the palate, making it a go-to for casual sipping during summer afternoons or evenings. Its balance of tartness and sweetness is also a major draw, offering a refreshing alternative to more syrupy cocktails.
Clean T is available from www.clean.co for £16
Papa Salt Coastal Gin – £39, available at Tesco
Created by Josey McNamara, Tom Ackerley, Margot Robbie, Regan Riskas, and Charlie Maas, Papa Salt is a smooth, citrus-led gin that shines in warm weather cocktails. From a classic Gin & Tonic to a Bright & Breezy Spritz or bold Papa’s Salty Negroni, this is your summer staple.
Purchase link here.
Fever-Tree x Papa Salt Blood Orange Gin Spritz – £2.90, available at Sainsbury’s and Waitrose
Fever-Tree has teamed up with Papa Salt – Australia’s bestselling new gin co-founded by Margot Robbie – to launch Blood Orange Gin Spritz, a vibrant ready-to-drink can made for long summer days.
Purchase link here
Villa Maria has launched its first wine in a can: Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is now available from Sainsburys, Morrisons and Tesco, RRP £3.75 each.
Vibrant, zesty and delicious, 200ml cans of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc are perfect for picnics, barbecues, or enjoying at home without the need to open a full-sized bottle.
Clarendelle Bordeaux Rosé
Équilibre, Élégance, Complexité. The ethos of this legendary château sings through in this exquisite, dry rosé. An elegant blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it’s a top-end pink from some of the best winemakers in Bordeaux. This gastronomic rosé has a fruity, fragrant personality, blended with harmony and elegance.
Price: From £17.99
Stockist: Clarenedelle Bordeaux Rosé is available to purchase here.
The wine is also available to purchase at La Cave du Château wine shop in Paris.
Napa Valley Chardonnay AVA Robert Mondavi Winery 2021
Robert Mondavi Winery Chardonnay, RRP £66.00
This expressive Chardonnay from the Robert Mondavi Winery blends fruit
from the cool, clay loam soils of Carneros with the richness of the Stags
Leap District. A touch of Chardonnay Musqué adds a delicate floral
flavour to the wine’s vibrant character.
Napa Valley Chardonnay AVA Robert Mondavi Winery 2021
Our Wines, Red, White and Rosé Wines | Robert Mondavi Winery
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