The day of love is nigh and whether you're celebrating with a significant other or raising a glass to you, yourself and I, we've got five favourites that are a must for our drinks cabinet.
South Africa is always our first port of call for a crisp sparkling and few do it better than Graham Beck. The brand celebrated its 40th anniversary last year and Cap Classique sparkling wines really are second to none. The Ultra Brut is a beautiful zero dosage tipple (i.e. no additional sugar), and it can only be crafted in exceptional vintages, resulting in an ultra-dry wine that's refreshingly acidic. Beautiful with oysters and seafood - a favourite Valentine's feast - we enjoyed the citrussy opening notes followed by hints of berries, almonds and stone fruit. Available now from Simply Wines Direct on offer at £16.99 per bottle or a case of six is £101.94.
For the ultimate gin & tonic, Isle of Wight distillery Mermaid Gin creates a spectacular London Dry Gin imbibed with sea air, delivering a smooth finish with a hint of the coast in every sip. Made with locally foraged, fragrant rock samphire foraged from the Isle of Wight shoreline, elderflower from local fields and Boadicea hops harvested from Ventnor Botanic Gardens along with English coriander, angelic root, liquorice root, juniper and orris root, this is a bottle packed with local botanicals resulting in a unique flavour. Put your feet up, close your eyes, and imagine drinking it on a summer beach... RRP £41, available from John Lewis, Tesco, Harvey Nichols, M&S, Fenwick and Waitrose and online from www.isleofwightdistillery.com.
Crafted by master distillers in the Spanish town of Jerez, Soberano 5 is a Spanish brandy that's perfect for a Brandy Mule. Aged for five years in Olroso sherry casks (hence the 5 in the name) and produced using copper stills in the same way it's been made since 1913. The brand's master distiller, Luis Trillo Gutierrez, describes Soberano 5 as having fragrant, vinous aromas with sweet notes of toasted caramel on the nose. On the palate, it is elegant & round, smooth, balanced with a long finish and clear influence of Oloroso sherry wine. Available from Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and Amazon, RRP £16.50.
If you've not tried Mirror Margarita you need it in your life; the first clear margarita was born from the much-loved Mexican bar, Hacha, and its just launched a gorgeous gift set available from its online shop perfect for a Valentine's celebration. Crowned the best cocktail in London by Time Out, all you need to provide is the ice and your favourite glassware. The set comes complete with a 50cl bottle of Mirro Margarita Platinu Tequila ready to drink, a pair of stylish handmade coasters, and a silver spoon to mix and serve, along with Habanero Love Corn snacks for a nibble with your tipple. Prepare to be transported to modern Mexico for the evening. £45.
Not a gin fan? It might be time to try a Tio Pepe Fino & tonic. Fondly known as 'bottled Andalusian sunshine' in Spain and while it's perfect simply served over ice, but makes a delicious T&T. The best-selling Fino, is made from 100% Palomino Fino grapes, a variety that thrives in the chalky albariza soil of Jerez. Once in barrel, it is aged for a minimum of 4 years in the solera system where it develops its distinctive savoury, yeasty character, with a completetly dry finish with reminders of almonds, green olives and green apple; a delicious aperitif. £13 from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Amazon and all major retailers. www.tiopepe.com.
