Summer Serves

As we inch our way to the final throws of summer, with a few heatwaves behind us already and no sign of the sun waning so far, it sure has been a bumper year for al fresco drinking. We've rounded up some suggested summer serves.

El Gobernador Pisco

Chilean Pisco is having a moment. According to ProChile, exports have increased by 70% since 2023. El Gobernado is a light and approachable pisco made from Muscat grapes and produced by Miguel Torres in the Limarí Valley.

Chilean Pisco traces its roots back to the Spanish colonial period, when surplus wine in northern Chile was first distilled in the 16th and 17th centuries to prevent spoilage. Over time, this local grape spirit developed its own identity in the dry valleys of the Atacama and Coquimbo regions of Northern Chile.

But how to drink it? Most people who have been to a Chilean restaurant or any decent bar in London these days will be familiar with the Pisco Sour. Head to Coya Mayfair’s dedicated pisco bar if you’re new to the party and want to give them a try.

For a simpler serve, just add some ice and tonic and a slice of lime for a light and easy drink for summer gatherings.

El Gobernador Pisco

RRP £33.75 /70cl

 Buy: here

Drink the Seychelles – Takamaka Rum

Takamaka Rum Blanc is made in the Seychelles and captures the essence of island life with its soft, creamy notes and tropical fruit aromas. Continuing to proudly pot distill with locally harvested freshly pressed cane and now producing along with a cask ageing program firmly underway, we the brand is planning to expand their international footprint.

Conjure up island living with their rum version of a Paloma: Filla glass with ice, add 50ml Takamaka Rum Blanc with 125ml Fever Tree Grapefruit Soda and add a slice of grapefruit to garnish.

Takamaka Rum Blanc - 70CL

£22.50

Buy: here

Bullards Spirits’ Coastal Gin

This gin is inspired by the UK’s coast captivating the delicate, salty influence that’s complemented by bright citrus flavours. Ingredients are hand-foraged from the Norfolk coastline including sea purslane, marsh samphire and sea aster, and a hint of rich woodiness from Douglas fir. Coastal Gin has a distinct flavour profile that reflects the unique and fresh seaside character of the region, incorporating botanicals.

Mix with ice, tonic and a handful of blackberries and some fresh lime peel, for a late summer alfresco drinking.

Bullards Coastal Gin

RRP £45.00 for 70cl bottle

Buy: here

Ammos Aegean Vodka

This Aegean vodka blends rare Vakhalou lemons (prized for their sharp flavour and oil-rich zest) and naturally dry-cured black olives. Each ingredient undergoes a two-week maceration in British wheat grain spirit before being cold-distilled, allowing the spirit to preserve delicate citrus oils, green herbaceous notes and the olives’ natural salinity.

Serve your late summer martinis with this to evoke the late summer evenings of the Med.

The soft white ribbed ceramic bottle is keeper too!

Ammos Vodka

RRP: £62

Buy: here

Trevethan Distillery – sip the Cornish Coast

This classic dry gin has stayed true to its 1929 recipe which has been revived, refined and re-imagined by chemist-turned-master distiller John Hall. Trevethan Distillery was named ‘UK Gin Distillery of the year in the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), 2021. Crafted in Cornwall, it's created using the traditional London Dry method and balances ten classic botanicals with locally foraged Cornish elderflower and gorse flower thrown in to enhance with soft coastal notes.

According to Hall the ideal way to serve the gin is to fill your glass with ice and tonic and give it a stir before adding gin to balance the botanical oils. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a twist of orange peel.

Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin

RRP £38 for 70cl

Buy: here

Papa Salt - Coastal Gin

This one comes forom a bit further a field. Papa Salt is groovy-looking bottled Australian coastal gin which brings together native Australian botanicals including roasted nutty wattleseed, ginger and a hint of salinity from oyster shells. It's a savoury-leaning gin evoking the saltiness of the sea.

The suggested serve is to add soda water and an orange wedge.

Papa Salt Coastal Gin

RRP £39.50 for 70cl

 Buy: here

Código 1530 Tequila

Here's a recipe to keep you sipping through the late summer months - the rose tequila spritz. Take a bottle of Código 1530 tequila rose and combine with Grapefruit Soda and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Pop it in a highball glass, and garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Código rose is a distinctive evolution of tequila, which combines agave and then is left to mature in Napa Valley Cabernet wine barrels. Código Rosa Blanco has a signature blush hue, subtle red berry notes and a crisp, dry finish.

Look out for The Código 1530 Penthouse in Shoreditch - a three-week, curated cultural residency coming later this summer. We'll share more news once we have it.

Rosa Tequila Spritz Recipe

• 60ml Código 1530 Rosa Blanco Tequila

• 90-120 ml Grapefruit Soda

• Fresh lime juice

Double Dutch Sun & Sea Tonic

In keeping with a coastal theme, Double Dutch have relaunched their Riviera Tonic and it will now be called Sun & Sea. Inspired by 'sun-drenched coastlines and the art of slow summer sipping, Sun & Sea Tonic Water delivers a bright, coastal flavour profile designed for aperitivo culture, al fresco occasions and premium but relaxed hospitality settings.'

www.doubledutchdrinks.com