7 summer spirits to stir your senses

Easy to get the measure of… if you have a thirst for adventure, or your summer staple has lost its verve, the tail-end of summer is the perfect time to try something with a bit of punch.

Especially if your drinks cabinet is looking a little lacklustre, or you’re after some go-to, on-the-go options geared to picnics in the park or festivals – lively libations to whet your whistle or cue cocktail hour.

From gin to vodka, tequila to rum, here’s what’s sparking our interest…

1. Ciroc Sparkling Vodka Drinks: Ready-to-Drink, £2.75, 5% abv, (250ml can), Tesco

Without the faff of having to forage for too many ingredients, these summery serves are are ready when you are. Simply pull the tab on Ciroc Colada, Summer Citrus, Tropical Passion or Red Berry, and these zesty variants are characterised by a dash of the exotic.

2. Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop Variety Pack: Gin, Sparkling Water & Real Fruit Juice, £20, 5.9% abv, (250ml x 8 Pack), Dre And Snoop

Cited as rap’s most iconic duo, Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre have launched a line of cocktails inspired by Snoop’s 1993 Dre-produced debut album, Doggystyle – and the single ‘Gin and Juice.’ Lots of grown-up fruity fun, this new take offers a refreshing dose of apricot, melon, citrus or passionfruit, spliced with gin… sure to be a huge hit.

3. Nemiroff De Luxe Vodka, £22, 70cl, Sainsbury’s

Founded in 1872, Nemiroff vodka from the city of Nemyriv in Ukraine has been a driving force in the Ukrainian vodka scene for more than 150 years – and is the country’s best-selling vodka brand. Made with Ukrainian soft winter wheat, the spirit goes through an 11 stage filtration process to verify an exceptionally smooth vodka. Offering notes of coriander seeds, paprika and lime blossom, hint of peppery spice and crisp, dry finish, it’s one for a martini.

4. Bombay Sapphire Gin, £20, 70cl, Bombay Sapphire Distillery

If your go-to flavoured gin has lost its mojo and you’re after that magical juniper hit, you can’t beat a classic London Dry for a true taste sensation. Step in gin giant Bombay Sapphire, for its brilliant bunch of botanicals and juniper-forward flavour profile. Better still, this big hitter on the cocktail circuit works like a dream in a trendy negroni.

For their signature serve, pour 25ml each of Bombay Sapphire, Martini Rosso Vermouth and Martini Bitter into a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a tumbler filled with ice, and garnish with orange zest.

5. Phraya Elements Rum, £31.25, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange

Say hello to your new summer rum, and a postcard from Thailand. With longer serves kicking in thanks to the holiday sunshine, who can resist the rich, tropical taste of a golden rum matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels? Smooth and round with aromas and flavours of vanilla, caramel and spicy oak on the finish, it’s great in cocktails such as a sundowner or daiquiri.

6. Casamigos Blanco Tequila, £46, 70cl, Tesco

When it comes to blanco (silver) tequila and summer sipping, sometimes it’s hard to improve on perfection… and just in case you missed Casamigos (founded by George Clooney and Rande Gerber) when it first launched in 2013, this is your amigo to bring to the margarita party. With sweet agave on the nose and a citrusy note which aligns beautifully with creamy vanilla on the long, silky palate, underlined by earthy flavours of agave, it’s a jewel from Jalisco.

7. Jo Vodka 101 The Purist, £49.99, 70cl, Jo Vodka

Queen of fragrance and renowned for her perfume and scented candles, Jo Malone CBE has teamed up with master distiller, Joanne Moore of Quintessential Brands to launch a trio of vodkas. Each crafted to ‘evoke different moods, memories and feelings,’ offering that special little something to the world of spirits.

Distilled with 100% British wheat, we’ve singled out 101 The Purist, for its subtle floral aromas, elegance and creamy smoothness. Malone recommends serving it in its purest form over ice, or in a martini… and the ruby red stopper is a talking point in itself. Cheers!