8 tasty tipples to sip in the open air

With the sunshine and blue skies, our thoughts tend to turn to something a tad different to our usual go-to – the kind geared towards a garden bar, alfresco terrace or bottle for the hamper.

Nothing too serious mind… when the heat is on you need to quench your thirst with something cold and refreshing – the sort of drink which makes you want to dive right in.

To reflect summer’s playful mood, we’ve shortlisted these spritzers, pre-batched cocktails and boxed wines to take on your travels, near or far…

1. Mirabeau x Fever-Tree Rosé Spritz, France, £12, 8% abv, Tesco

With spritz season in full swing, award-winning Mirabeau rosé wine have gone one step further – and teamed up with the best mixer brand to bring you their sparkling serve. A blend of Provençal rosé and raspberry and orange blossom soda, simply serve over ice – one sip and you’ll be smitten.

2. Morrisons Cosmopolitan Cocktail, £6, 8% abv, Morrisons

With its showstopping label, cue this pre-batched cocktail – and who doesn’t covet the zesty, fresh flavours of a well-chilled Cosmo in the sizzling sunshine? Shake gently and pour this fruity, vodka-based serve over ice. A crowd-pleaser for sure, Morrisons’ new cocktail collection includes Bliss on The Beach and Passion Fruit Martini, both worth exploring.

3. Edinburgh Gin Raspberry Collins 12 Pack, £24, (12 x 25cl cans), 2% abv, Edinburgh Gin

A top tinnie and light on its feet, Edinburgh Gin have taken their award-winning raspberry liqueur and topped it with soda and a twist of lemon to create this spot-on Collins – striking just the right balance between sweet and tart, it’s thirst-quenching and lots of fun.

4. Cotswolds Summer Cup, £26, 70cl, Cotswolds Distillery

A seductive summer cup, Cotswolds Distillery have taken their award-winning dry gin and laced it with the rich, dark flavours of oloroso and pedro ximénez sherries; alongside herbal and spice essences, to create this beguiling bittersweet spirit. Top with lemonade or ginger ale, cucumber, mint, fresh fruit and loads of ice. One that really hits the spot in the heat of the day.

5. Sierra Strawberry Margarita RTD & Sierra Lime Margarita RTD, each available in 12 x 25cl, £25.50, (was £30), 6% abv, Amazon

All the flavour without the faff, Sierra Tequila have done all the hard work…  quenching our thirst for cocktails in a can with their two new expressions. Very of the moment, tequila and strawbs… and tequila with lime juice. Both delicious, if we had to choose, the lime margarita has the edge with its refreshing citrus juice and balance of sweet and sour. Bring on the salt rim to complement the agave notes.

6. M&S Coteaux Varois en Provence Cuvee Rosé, France, £17, 1.5L, Marks & Spencer in-store

A posh pouch from Provence – equivalent to two bottles – there’s an engaging freshness to this fruity, dry, ballet slipper pink. With delightful summer berry fruits aligned with pretty peach, delicate spice, herbs and balanced acidity, it’s right on point. And may leave you thinking: This is the rosé to have on standby (in the fridge) for those mid-week moments too. Delicious!

7. Waitrose Blueprint New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Bag in Box, £15.50, 1.5L, Waitrose, in-store

When it’s time to unfurl a blanket, get close to the grass, soak up the summer sun and set the stage for a picnic, you can’t beat the aromatic, herbaceous, grassy notes of a Marlborough sauvignon blanc. Moreover, this boxed wine hits all the right notes with its generous flavours of guava, gooseberry and passion fruit, enhanced by a tangy, fruity finish.

8. Faustino Tempranillo Bag in Box, Spain, £15.50, 1.5L, Tesco

When it comes to picnic platters and a selection of ham and cheeses, and olives and sausage rolls; or BBQs and sizzling burgers, you can’t beat a Spanish red to kick things up a notch and complement those party plates. Soft, spicy and fruity with an uplifting finish, we’re tapping into this tempranillo big time… long may summer last!