We don’t want to jinx anything, but we finally seem to be having a spell of good weather which looks like it might be here to stay… for a little while at least. If you’re firing up the barbecue or packing up a picnic this week, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite summer tipples to see you through the sunshine.
With the Olympics in full swing, what better time to pop the cork on a bottle of Nyetimber’s limited edition Team GB Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage bottle. The bottle design is inspired by the movement, fluidity and form of the world of spots and each bottle has been hand-illustrated with Olympic sports, with the ribbons on the bottle representing athletic tracks to symbolise Team GB’s determined journey to Paris 2024. Inside the bottle you’ll find Nyetimber’s signature style of sparkling wine, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier from its 11 vineyards spanning 424 hectares in West Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent. Its’s available now online priced £41.50 and through selected retailers including Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and Berry Bros. & Rudd.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Whispering Angel was the only rosé worth drinking the last few year’s such is its hype. Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of pink wines that are as good as if not better and Folc Dry English Rosé is certainly one of them. As beautifully pale as a Provence but produced in KenT from grapes grown in Kent, Sussed and Suffolk, Folc’s rosé is a delicate, dry wine with fruity flavours (not Jacob’s Creek White Zinfandel fruity though…) of strawberry and cranberry with fresh acidity and a floral finish; just the ticket for sipping in the garden under the sun or pairing with lighter summer bites like charcuterie and cheese, chicken, fish and salads. It’s become a favourite in our fridge in recent weeks; it’s undeniably a rival for any pale Provence rosé. £19.99 from www.drinkfolc.com.
Kombucha may have had a bad rap when it was finding its feet. Lord knows there were some less that tasty varieties out there, but thankfully Remedy came to the rescue. If you’re avoiding the booze or just fancy a refreshing bet that’s alcohol-free, Remedy’s fresh and fruity flavours really are worth trying. We love the Ginger Lemon, with just enough of a kick to be just a little bit tangy. Made with all natural ingredients and no sugar, Remedy brews in small batches for 30 days, so that it is full of organic acids and antioxidants. Find it online at www.remedydrinks.co.uk, priced £18.49 for 12 cans.
Ryan Reynolds launched his American Aviation Gin a few years back, but wife Blake Lively clearly thought she could go one better as her new range of Betty Booze canned cocktails are now available at Whole Foods Market. The brand was founded on a simple idea that what we drink should be held to the same standards as what we eat; as such her drinks are real, uncomplicated and homemade recipes with high-quality ingredients. The result is a range of delicious cocktails using fresh herbs, spices and fruits with flavours such as Sparkling Bourbon with Oak Smoked Lemonade and Sparkling Tequila with Lime Shiso (our personal favourite). A fresh take on the canned cocktail with some truly delicious flavours. Available at Whole Foods priced £11.49 for a four pack.
A refreshing rum cocktail is surely the pinnacle of summer serves, and there's no better pour than those from Ron Santiago de Cuba. The best of the best Cuban rum uses unique sugarcane from the south-east of the island, imbued with minerality from the sea and aromatically sweet. Only the best is juiced to make their molasses that combines high sugar levels, low acidity, and low viscosity, making it perfect for distilling. This fresh nectar is fermented, distilled and charcoal filtered to refine its delicate, dry character. Try their sumemr spritz; Ron Santiago de Cuba Añejo 8 Years Old with salted honey syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice and soda water. Find the full range at The Whisky Exchange, from £22.25.
