8 tasty tipples to up your picnic game
From screwcap wines to ring-pulls, pushing the button and popping the corks, forget the corkscrew when you’re on the go, says Sam Wylie-Harris.
With a scorcher of a summer with heatwave after heatwave, the easiest recipe for staying chilled is packing a picnic, heading to a shady spot and sipping in the open air.
With a generously sized cooler bag, freezer blocks and bag of ice, when you’ve unfurled a blanket, all that’s needed to top your colourful spread are some tasty tipples… refreshing, easy drinking styles to bring smiles all round.
And with the freedom and choice of a grazing menu – think crisps, dips, sarnies, cured meats, cheeses and some unexpected combinations – the libations can be as eclectic as your moveable feast.
From premixed cocktails, to wine pouches and bubbles, here’s what’s on our packing list…
1. M&S Abertura Vinho Verde Rosé 2025, Portugal, £8, Ocado
It’s not often you come across a vinho verde rosé, and with its spritzy, lively palate, delicate flavours of wild strawberries and hint of lime, this delectable style is a delicious find. Light on its feet at 10.5% abv, it’s one to sip in the sunshine and wash down with smoked salmon sandwiches.
2. Torres Viña Sol Fruity Red Wine 2025, Spain, £8.20, Ocado
With chilled red wine this summer’s hot trend, famous Spanish producer Torres is spot-on with this fun, fruity red designed to be iced down. Savour flavours of sunkissed strawberries, redcurrants and raspberry, with a fresh, bright finish. One for jamón serrano, manchego cheese and crusty bread.
3. Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2025, Marlborough, New Zealand, £11, Tesco
This household name has pioneered New Zealand sauvignon blanc, and there’s good reason why its grassy, herbal aromas punctuated with gooseberry, passionfruit and lime, juicy herbaceous character with nuances of tropical fruit and fresh, citrusy acidity work so well with fresh summer salads, goat’s cheese and tangy finger food… not to mention green spaces.
4. M&S Rosato Pouch, Italy, £12 (1.5L), Ocado
Pretty as a picture, this floral pouch is perfect for picnics on the move with its easy carry handle. Moreover, it resonates deliciousness with every sip. Juicy and floral with fresh acidity and lifted red fruits, its wonderfully fresh and incredibly food friendly. Inspiring thoughts of wildflower meadows and antipasto platters.
5. Chorus Fine English Sparkling Beer, England, £19.95 (70cl, 12% abv), Chorus Beer
If this new release is anything to go by, sparkling beer is the buzz word… cited as a beer for wine lovers, this award-winning brew quenches the thirst with its fresh apple notes, orchard fruit flavours (it’s brewed with chardonnay yeast), gentle biscuity and malty notes, with hints of golden apple on the long, lingering finish. Dovetails perfectly with Scotch eggs and watercress salad.
6. Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut, France, £15.99, Aldi, in-store
Right on cue for picnics and a champagne with characteristic panache, you can’t beat these budget-friendly bubbles when it comes to quality and consistency. A perennial favourite, apple blossom, brioche and floral notes on the nose transcend to a citrusy edge on the palate, with hints of berries, baked apple, finishing fresh and long. For a casual pairing, you can’t go wrong with sausage rolls, quiche and punnet of strawberries.
7. El Jimador Lime Margarita Cocktail (250ml, 6.5% abv) and El Jimador Mango Margarita Cocktail (250ml, 6.5% abv), £24.30 each for a pack of 12, Amazon
Canned cocktails to go, and you can’t beat the charm and convenience of a pull tab… especially one with the promise of El Jimador tequila to sip in the sunshine. A new release available in two flavour profiles, we love the zingy lime flavours and citrusy kick in their classic margarita, while the mango offers a juicy, peachy, tropical tang with a lively fruity finish. Sure to be a big hit for picnic sundowners.
8. Bullards Coastal Negroni, £35 (70cl, 20% abv), Bullards Spirits
A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to keep flowing, negroni fans will be tickled pink by the flavour, quality and deliciousness of this premixed cocktail – and classy twist on the Italian classic. A blend of Bullards Coastal Gin, sweet vermouth and bitters – Edmunds Cocktails is behind the concoction – it’s beautifully balanced and right on point with its bittersweet, herbaceous profile and lingering finish. Serve over plenty of ice, and you’re assured seven 100ml serves at the ready.
* Prices correct at time of going to press