Refreshing drinks to sip all summer long

When the evenings get so light that post-work barbecues can still beat the sunset, you’re going to need plenty of liquid refreshment, be it simple summer cocktails, non-alcoholic alternatives or just an extra special bottle of wine. Switch up your summer drinks list with these clever twists on the classics.

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Shades of sangria

A deep red, orange-spiked jug of sangria is a stalwart of any Spanish holiday, but there’s a whole warm-toned spectrum of jug cocktails that lean on wine for their depth. Dive in! Our sunlounger sangria uses rosé and summer berries, while a fresh Sauvignon Blanc is the base for our fruit rainbow sangria.

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Serve with citrus

It’s a cornerstone of cocktail-making at any time of year, but the bold zing of citrus is especially welcome when the weather warms up. Don’t forget to look beyond lemon and lime, though. Grapefruit-based palomas and yuzu-laced mimosas are joyful additions to your repertoire.

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Investigate vermouth

Let the sunshine in

Botanical-infused fortified wines might remind you of your parents’ drink cabinet, but experts are hailing vermouth as a rising star. The white and rosé versions can be served simply over ice or with tonic for a lower-ABV apéritif, and investing in a quality red vermouth is the secret to the perfect negroni.

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Crack out the kombucha

It’s technically a tangy, sparkling glass of fermented tea, but kombucha is a whole lot more delicious than it sounds, especially now that there are many different flavoured versions available. Naturally complex in flavour, it’s also low in sugar (and even good for your gut) so makes an excellent alternative to alcohol. Try it in this delicious coconut and raspberry jug cocktail recipe.

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Just the tonic

The world of tonic water is awash with aromatic spices, fruit infusions and herbal notes. Try something new and you have an instant upgrade for your favourite gin, vodka or non-alcoholic spirit.

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Mix your syrups

You don’t need to be part of the Robinsons dynasty to realise that cordials are a shortcut to making summer cocktail recipes special. Wherever you see ‘simple syrup’ in a cocktail recipe it can be swapped for a cordial, adding extra fruit and floral notes instantly. And there’s no need to spend your weekends steeping foraged blossoms when the professionals do it better…

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Meet your friend - frosé

Meet your friend - frosé

Of course, a blended cocktail made from frozen rosé tastes amazing: it’s a slushy for grown-ups. This creation had its internet moment almost a decade ago and has been a highlight of bougie garden parties ever since.

Try our frosé recipe

Try a British bottle

With warmer summers come sweeter grapes and the vineyards on our own little island are making wine while the sun shines. English sparkling wine is now very highly regarded, and a summer afternoon is the perfect opportunity to pop your first cork.

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Sip on a spritz

The Aperol spritz is an undisputed summer signifier, but don’t feel shy about experimenting. This campari spritz recipe balances its extra bitterness with fresh orange and rosemary or try our alcohol-free spritz that’s fizzing with florals.

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