If you’re looking for a refreshing summer serve to sip in the sunshine, look no further than this range of gins, tequilas, Mediterranean spirits and aperitifs, wines and even no and low alcohol options.
The Gins
NEW – Mermaid Zest Gin
Inspired by the Isle of Wight, Mermaid Gin has this week expanded its delicious range with Mermaid Zest Gin. Mermaid Zest Gin is a limited-edition, smooth and refreshing grapefruit and gentle juniper London Dry Gin. Mermaid Zest Gin is produced in harmony with the Island’s coastal elements, using foraged rock samphire and ‘dew of the sea’ wild-foraged coastal rosemary. Mermaid Zest Gin is produced in Seaview at the Isle of Wight Distillery, the first and only distillery on the island. Mermaid spirits are shaped by the distillery’s stunning surroundings and the unique character of the Isle of Wight, all whilst minimising waste using ethically sourced and often locally sourced ingredients to hand-craft a range of smooth yet complex spirits, with a hint of sea air.
Cotswolds Dry Gin
Cotswolds Dry Gin is a full strength gin (46% ABV) blended with nine different botanicals, including local lavender from nearby Snowshill and freshly-peeled pink grapefruit and lime zest. It is non-chill filtered so the oils are retained in the gin, causing a pearlescent cloud to appear when ice and tonic are added, creating the unique ‘Cloudy G&T’.
Pinkster Spritz
Perfect for summer spritzing, the team behind Pinkster Gin has launched Pinkster Spritz, a lower alcohol spirit drink in two flavours, Raspberry & Hibiscus and Elderflower & Raspberry. Made with gin-soaked raspberries left over from producing Pinkster, it is bottled at 24% ABV and is designed to be the ideal base for a light and refreshing spritz.
Aviation American Gin
Aviation American Gin, owned by Hollywood actor and producer Ryan Reynolds, has been voted the world’s highest rated gin and has helped establish a new style of American gin – softer and smoother, with juniper in the background and citrus and floral notes in the front – resulting in a really well-balanced gin that is a great base for cocktails.
The Mediterranean Drinks
Axia
With 30% less calories than Vodka, Axia is an Extra-Dry Mastiha, a Mediterranean Spirit that can be enjoyed in many cocktails such as a margarita, negroni or with tonic. The unique Mastiha aroma is blended with notes of rose, cypress, citrus and bergamot.
ADRIATICO Amarettos are a range of Roasted and Bianco Amarettos, made from handpicked Italian almonds from Puglia. These premium Amarettos are also Gluten Free and Vegan Certified. ADRIATICO is the only Vegan amaretto in the world as the range is lactose free and it is one of the only 100% natural amarettos as it is made from real almonds. Best enjoyed in an ADRIATICO Amaretto Sour or on the rocks.
STARLINO Elderflower
STARLINO Elderflower is uniquely fresh, fruity, green and slightly floral with pear, lychee and tropical nuances. Delicious and all natural, Hotel STARLINO Elderflower is balanced in flavour with notes of pear, lychee and hints of soft sweetness from elderflowers, elderberries and tangy citrus. STARLINO Elderflower is also a great addition to a cocktail and will add a touch of elegance to your garden parties this spring.
Stambecco Amaro
Stambecco is an Amaro crafted in Italy and infused with maraschino cherries plus 30 traditional botanicals, to create a bitter sweet Amaro Liqueur. Stambecco is perfectly balanced and the smooth and fruity spirit can be enjoyed as a shot, over ice or in cocktails such as a Spritz.
The Tequilas
The Butterfly Cannon Tequila
The Butterfly Cannon is a new approach to tequila – the super premium Tequila is made from 100% Agave and is produced in Mexico’s most awarded distillery, Destiladora del Valle de Tequila. The Butterfly Cannon Blue Tequila is infused with prickly pear and clementine, with an unusual natural blue colour which changes colour when a mixer such as tonic or lime is added.
The Butterfly Cannon Tequila RRP: From £28 for a 50cl bottle. Available from Amazon and Master of Malt
NEW – Mijenta Reposado Tequila
Launched last month, Mijenta Reposado Tequila is a super premium, small batch spirit that is carefully crafted with a commitment to environmental sustainability and support for the local community. Mijenta Reposado Tequila is aged up to six months in a blend of American white oak, French oak and French acacia casks. Presenting a more mature and fuller expression with a long finish on the palate, the Reposado possesses a delicate and inviting vanilla nose with notes of bergamot, honey, preserved fruits – such as cherry and pear – and orange blossom flowers, together with a mid-palate of cacao nibs.
The Lost Explorer Mezcal
The Lost Explorer Mezcal is a handcrafted spirit made from 100% agave, cultivated in the sun-soaked Valles Centrales, Oaxaca in Mexico. Harvested in harmony with the elements and in tune with the rhythm of nature, the three uniquely profiled expressions, Espadín, Tobalá and Salmiana, seek to inspire people to celebrate the earth and live curiously, exploring the wonder and diversity of the sacred agave plant.
The Lost Explorer Espadín RRP: £62.50 for 70cl | The Lost Explorer Tobalá RRP: £109.99 for 70cl | The Lost Explorer Salmiana RRP: £140 for 70cl
Cazcabel Coconut Tequila
Coconuts from the Mexican city of Jalisco are prized all over the world and their succulent sweetness is blended with the dry, earthy tones and crisp citrus edge of Cazcabel Blanco Tequila to make Cazcabel Coconut.
The Low and No Alcohol Drinks
Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit
Four Welsh Rugby icons, Shane Williams, James Hook, Lee Byrne, and Mike Phillips have united through friendship to launch Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit: The Spirit of Belonging. Pronounced “Pear-thin” and taking its name from the Welsh meaning of belonging, Perthyn is a low alcohol spirit, full of flavour and perfect for mixing with tonic or in cocktails. Perthyn is a balance of 12 botanicals resulting in a zesty spirit with notes of citrus, cardamon and thyme. Perthyn is an excellent substitute for health conscious individuals who want a low calorie spirit without compromising on taste. Best enjoyed in a P&T when topped up with tonic or mixed into a Lowgroni with Vermouth and Campari.
High Point Ruby Non-Alcoholic Aperitif
High Point Drinks are made in Cornwall and include the world’s first premium non-alcoholic fermented aperitif, High Point Ruby. High Point Ruby is made with natural ingredients taken from the surrounding Cornish countryside and then mixed with Cornish spring water and tea leaves. These botanicals are then infused, fermented and blended to produce an aperitif that is layered in flavours, deep in aromas and complexity. High Point Ruby is a vibrant fermented aperitif and delicious served as a spritz with tonic and ice.
Longbottom & Co Premium Tomato Drinks
Longbottom & Co is on a mission to become the tomato juice brand the world needs and that finally changes the state of the tomato drinks landscape. The range offers consumers two premium, tomato drink varietals: Longbottom & Co Tomato Juice Gently Spiced and Virgin Mary, the first pourable pairs of Mary mixers without the alcohol. Made with the world’s best tomatoes, they are all free from artificial ingredients, GMO’s and vegan-certified, ensuring a perfect pour every time.
Longbottom & Co Tomato Juice – RRP: £15.50 for 12 x 150ml. Available from: Longbottom & Co
Longbottom & Co Virgin Mary – RRP: £18 for 12 x 150ml. Available from: Longbottom & Co and Amazon
