Summertime Drinks – When it’s hot, your drink choice needs to be cool. Here are some really cool drinks that are just perfect for these hot summer days.
A glass of rosé is the essence of summer and now available exclusively at Waitrose, Sweet Caroline (£9.99) is a refreshing Australian rosé crafted for those of us who appreciate a soft, light, and fresh taste. Tasting reveals a lightly coloured wine with aromas dominated by lifted red berry fruits and subtle florals. On the palate, it’s soft, elegant, and rounded, culminating in a refreshingly light and enduring finish. It’s delicious, and despite its name, is pleasantly dry! It’s also only 10.5% ABV.
With Bastille Day having been celebrated this week by our French neighbours, another lovely rosé is this Cellier des Dauphins Côtes du Rhône rosé available from Ocado at £9.25. This rosé has a gleaming pale pink hue and refreshing notes of citrus fruits, summer fruits, and a lingering finish. To fully enjoy any Côtes du Rhône wines this summer, they suggest we keep the 20/20 rule in mind for optimal serving temperatures. For reds, a slight chill is ideal—just pop them in the fridge for 20 minutes. Whites and rosés, on the other hand, should be served cool (but not too cold!), so take them out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving.
A touch of fizz always lifts an event and I was intrigued to try a sparkling Rioja recently. Viña Pomal, one of Spain’s most iconic Rioja brands, has launched its first sparkling wine – Viña Pomal Sparkling Reserva 2020 available exclusively through Majestic. Made under the D.O.Ca. Rioja designation, the launch marks a key milestone for the brand and category and was developed in partnership with Majestic. Made using the traditional method and with 100% Garnacha, Viña Pomal Sparkling is a Blanc de Noirs aged for 24 months. On the nose, it’s fresh and complex, with notes of red berries, white fruit and citrus. On the palate, it is balanced, bright and approachable, with a creamy mousse and a long, elegant finish, making it a perfect gastronomic sparkling wine—ideal for pairing with fish or seafood, or to enjoy on its own. And at £15 a bottle, it’s great value too.
Of course Pimms is the iconic summer fruit cup, invented in 1823 by James Pimm in London. I have two alternative suggestions for you:
Cotswolds Summer Cup – will keep you refreshed as you enjoy the match. It is made with a blend of Cotswolds Distillery’s award-winning Cotswolds Dry Gin and handcrafted Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries, finished with select herbal and spice essences. Rich and fruity with a complex bittersweet finish, it’s delicious mixed with lemonade or ginger ale, cucumber, mint, fresh summer fruits and lots of ice, which all adds up to the perfect long drink on a hot summer’s day. From £26.00 for 70 cl. From Cotswolds Distillery and Master of Malt
Renais Gin is a grape spirit gin from Alex Watson and his sister Emma. Inspired by childhood trips to their family vineyard, Domaine Watson, in Northern France. Renais Gin is made from upcycled wine pressed grapes and infused with rare botanicals and local terroir including linden flowers, cubeb berries and acacia honey. The result is a really delicious gin with floral notes of violets and spring blossom. Best enjoyed sipping over ice as well as mixing in cocktails, Renais suits classics such as the martini, and of course a stonkingly good G&T. From £48.00 for 70 cl. Available online from: Renais Gin and selected UK Waitrose stores and online at Waitrose Cellar
I’ve recently discovered Allora Aperitivo al Limone – a fresh new lemon liqueur (think Limoncello, but cooler, lighter, and brilliantly zesty). It’s from the Italian island of Procida, made with local lemons, has low ABV, and is basically a light and tasty aperitivo. If you’re tired of the rather sticky-sweet Aperol Spritz, this is your new upgrade. Allora is a sun-yellow spirit that taps into the UK’s growing love of spritz culture. Inspired by classic limoncello but made for aperitivo hour, delivering a fresh, bittersweet twist for summer sipping. Made from all-natural ingredients with no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives, it’s also great simply poured over ice cubes and enjoyed as digestif. Already being served in some top spots like Sketch, The Ned, Curzon, Harry’s Bar, BRAT and more, but we can also grab a bottle for £25 at alloradrinks.com, Bayley & Sage stores and Delli.
The Seasoned Gastronome