WITH the weather warming up and the days gradually becoming longer, the plans to meet friends and loved ones after work or on the weekends are becoming more regular. So what better way to welcome in Spring than to get yourself a new bottle to pop open with friends or loved-ones, and sit in your blossoming surroundings enjoying the new tastes on the market.
Bird In Hand
Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
£15.15 – buy here
Having had to hibernate during the winter months, the excitement of the return of rosé is very much amongst us. Capturing the flavours of Australia’s Adelaide region, Bird In Hand’s version of this pink classic is made predominately using Pinot Noir grapes to create a bold flavoured wine that plays with that refreshingly fruity taste – perfect for the first BBQ of the season.
Beesou London
All Natural Bitter Aperitif 11%
£29.99 – buy here
On a mission to save the bees and become the drink of the season, Beesou’s all-natural unique summer aperitif combines ethically sourced British honey from the Cotswolds with a blend of natural botanicals to create something that encapsulates the countryside in the summer. Gaining its bright yellow colour from safflower extract, this bittersweet drink has notes of cinchona bark, chinotto, bitter orange, pink grapefruit and of course honey – what’s not to love!
The House of Suntory
Roku Gin
£35.00 – buy here
A combination of six Japanese botanicals with a further eight traditional botanicals, this award-winning gin is created with the utmost attention to its taste as each flavour is individually distilled. So, if you’re looking for something to treat yourself with, this addition to your drinks cabinet is a must.
Sprigster
Sparkling Botanical Infusion
£15.00 – buy here
Made as a non-alcoholic alternative, this 100% natural Fizz is the result of a tasteful concoction of ingredients found in the classic English garden at Pythouse Kitchen Garden. Both organic and promising no added sugar or extra nonsense, this delightful infusion provides a dry, refreshing drink without the fear of a hangover.
The Equiano Rum Co.
Equiano Light
£34.50 – buy here
Continuing to challenge the ideas surrounded by rum, Equiano’s Light is a meticulous thought-through blend of lightly aged Caribbean molasses rum that is infused with African fresh sugar cane juice rum – bringing together the best of both worlds. Founded by majority BIPOC as well as being female owned and led, this purchase is a no-brainer for those who enjoy Daiquiris or Pina Coladas.
Emile Wines
Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2021
£15.50 – buy here
Female-founded and based in London, Emile Wines has grown in popularity for creating accessibly priced house wines to enjoy in the comfort of your home. Having created a close long-standing relationship with Guy Allion, one of Touraine region’s favoured domaines, this white wine is a dependable favourite and ideal for dinner parties.
Decem
Apertif
£29.95 – buy here
Too much of anything is never a good thing, and so Decem’s line of lighter alcohol options helps prolong the fun and also helps avoids the negative effects of alcohol. Their Apertif is ideal for sunset drinks as this special combination of botanicals offers you a mouthful of bittersweet notes as complex hues of woody flavours are met with a harmonious symphony of floral characters.
Wines by Kylie Minogue
Prosecco Rosé
£12.00 – buy here
Despite best being known for her pop-icon status, Kylie Minogue’s venture into wine has been equally as fruitful as her hits. Coming from Gambellara in Italy, this sparkling Prosecco balances fruity notes of strawberry and raspberry with floral hints, making this pale pink bottle the ideal drink for enjoying Spring in the garden.
Agua de Madre
Water Kefire Elderflower & Apple
£21.60 (6 bottles) – buy here
Naturally alcohol-free and with the bonus of containing billions of live cultures to aid in gut health, this sparkling water kefir is utterly delicious and promises to hydrate you as the weather gets warmer. Enjoyed on its own or alternatively as a healthier mixer for your cocktails!
Entre Vinyes
Pet Nat Rosé 2021
£20.00 – buy here
If you’re after a versatile bottle to enjoy, this Pet Nat Rosé is the one for you. Dry and full of grip with its bold acidity, the Garnacha grapes used in this wine were picked from Penedes, an area south of Barcelona and pressed and fermented twice. Described as ‘unrefined, unfiltered, undisorged’, this pink liquid is best to be enjoyed during a picnic in the soothing sunshine.
Seventy One
Eau de Nuit
£168.00 – buy here
While the days may be getting longer, who says the fun is reserved for when it’s bright outside? The brainchild of fashion photographer Mert Alas, Seventy One gin is made for the after hours – with the full intention of being sexy and seductive. Whether you’re after a G&T or bold martini, this liquid gold is sure to have you dancing until the sun rises again.
by Imogen Clark