Sally Akins

Over 40 Travel with a Touch of Luxury

Perfect Summer Drinks to Welcome the Summer Sun

By -
* indicates affiliate links - this site receives a small fee from purchases made through these links.

Take a look at this selection of delicious summer drinks – they’re perfect to relax with, whatever the weather!

A selection of summer drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Contains PR samples

There are some drinks that just scream summer. Think Pimms and lemonade, or a big fruity cocktail complete with mini parasol. I’ve been taking a look at some of the options around, so you’ll have the perfect serve if the sun ever returns to the UK. And I’ve been sure to pick out some non-alcoholic options as well.

A great big pitcher of Pimms and lemonade is an iconic part of the British summer. It’s practically compulsory to drink it at Wimbledon, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends. But if you’re after an alternative spin on the idea then take a look at Sipsmith’s Original London Cup. It’s inspired by the punch cups that were so popular in 1800s London, when gin was all the rage.

The London Cup is a blend of Earl Grey tea, lemon verbena and borage, with a selection of vermouth, aromatic bitters, and of course the classic Sipsmith London Dry Gin. Grab a large pitcher, pour in Sipsmith Original London Cup and top up with lemonade. Add ice and slices of lemon and you’re ready to head out to the garden!

Or perhaps you prefer sipping a glass of wine in the garden on a summer evening. If so, then I can highly recommend The Dark Horse range of wines.

Dark Horse are Californian winemakers that are definitely worth checking out.

They’re a brand from Modesto, California, and although you might not have heard of them before, they’re definitely a brand worth checking out. The Dark Horse team is lead by Beth Liston, who grew up around winemaking, and now wants to make reasonably-priced wines that taste ridiculously good. Quite a challenge!

I’ve been taste-testing their Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot wines, and I think the Dark Horse Team have definitely met that challenge. I’m not usually a big fan of Sauv Blanc, it can be a bit too acidic for my taste. This wine has a hint of tartness about it, but the warm California sun means that it’s tempered by a fuller, more fruity flavour. If you’re after a change from the vanilla oakiness of Chardonnay, this is one to try.

But I really, really love their Merlot. I’m careful when choosing reds because cheaper reds give me a banging headache, especially big full-bodied reds like a Merlot. But this one is gorgeous and very drinkable.

It’s smooth, with big jammy berry flavours and without the heavy tannin that many Merlots have. And absolutely no hint of a headache the next morning! I’m definitely thinking of buying a case of this for Christmas celebrations as well.

You can read more about the range on the Dark Horse website. The wines are available from retailers across the UK, and you can even pick them up on Amazon!

Fentimans range of pre-mixed gin drinks are a great option to have on hand for a summer picnic

A gin and tonic is always a great option for the summer months. But why not mix up the tonic by using something like Fentimans Pink Grapefruit tonic water.

And if you’re thinking of packing up a picnic then Fentimans pre-mixed Blooms and Tonic are so convenient for popping in the picnic basket. They also do a pre-mixed Blooms and Rose Lemonade, which not only tastes delicious but looks very summery too.

My Fentimans Rose Lemonade and Pomegranate Mocktail

Or you could try mixing up your own mocktail using Fentimans Rose Lemonade. Just quarter-fill a champagne flute with chilled pomegranate juice and top up with Fentimans Rose Lemonade, straight from the fridge. A few pomegranate seeds or a raspberry to garnish, and you’re all ready to celebrate.

A pitcher of this is a really good non-alcoholic option for a barbecue or party. Just use 250ml of Pomegranate juice for each 750ml of Rose Lemonade with plenty of ice to keep it chilled.

Fentimans do a fantastic range of soft drinks that are a little out of the ordinary. They’re great to have on hand for non-drinking guests at a party, or just for a long cool drink in the garden. I love the Mandarin and Seville Orange Jigger – it’s really sharp and refreshing.

The Fentimans range of soft drinks are a refreshing choice for summer

Now, I don’t want to make you feel jealous, but later this week I will be heading off for some sun in Portugal. I’m looking forward to sitting at the beach bar, looking out at the sea with a mojito or caipirinha in my hand.

But if the good weather ever reaches the UK, then any of these drinks would be ideal for toasting the summer sunshine.

So tell me – what is your favourite summer drink?

Filed Under: Drinks
Post updated

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Well I do like a strawberry milkshake but I can’t drink those all day so I tend to drink Pepsi max.

  14. I’ll have a Victorian Lemonade if your offering….certainly great for quenching my thirst on hot summer days (if I can remember back that far).

  21. Freshly squeezed home made lemonade is my favourite. I do love Fentemans drinks though, the ginger beer is lovely.

  29. The Cherry Cola is available from one of our local cafes in Chorlton and it is easily the nicest cola drink I remember tasting. It is light and refreshing with a smooth composition and none of that chemical-like after taste you expect of fizzy drinks. I am very keen on it.

  40. I love Fentimans Mandarin Jigger but if I am going on picnic it has to be Ginger Beer!

  44. I love a Pimms, it normally means I am lying on the grass somewhere with nothing better to do than watch the clouds go by.

  48. I absolutely love cloudy lemonade during the summer months, it is such a refreshing drink.

  58. I really love pink lemonades but fentimans rose lemonade stands out as one of the best!

  64. Recently tried the mixed bottles of Bloom gin and Fentimans rose lemonade and I’m in love with it it’s my drink of the Summer

  80. The best thirst quencher in hot weather is cola. Any of the usual brands are good, but there is something a bit extra special about Fentimans cola.

  100. This summer I’ve been drinking a lot of Dandilion and Burdock.Told my boys it was one of my favourite drinks when I was young so they were desperate to try it! They love it too

  112. Elderflower cordial is for me the quintessential taste of an English summer. Light, fragrant and refreshing. Just perfect like our English weather that’s never too hot or too cold.

  126. My favourite summer drink is Cava – but I can’t drink that all day every day! Otherwise, I love Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade. It’s like liquid Turkish Delight. I’ll often dilute it a little with sparkling water so there’s just a hint of it – lovely!

  136. My favourite summer drink is Fentimans Dandelion & Burdock. It’s so much better than any other D&B, and I’m wondering why it’s not in your photos?

  162. I really love malibu and pineapple! there is something so summery about pineapple and coconut tropical flavours!

  166. An iced lemonade shandy is always very refreshing on a hot sunny day…trouble is they seem very rare nowadays? x

  175. I love the Dolce Gusto iced coffee, it’s very refreshing and not sweet like some iced coffees can be

  202. Well I do love dandelion and burdock, but my ultimate summer drink has to be pina colada, but only only on holiday!

  210. a nice cold glass of Archers and lemonade, or is staying sober then a glass of Appletizer

  217. I love all of these drinks all year round, but for summer I say Ginger beer, the main reason being I’m the only on e in this house who likes it and it doesn’t dissapear!

  218. I love gin and fentimans pink grapefruit tonic water. I received it in my craft gin subscription box and loved it!!

  223. Summer soft drink? It has to be pink lemonade as it takes me back to childhood, so refreshing! Alcoholic it has to be a refreshing fruity cider!

  242. We had a barbecue at the weekend and I have been converted to an Aperol Spritz – Aperol, Prosecco and Soda Water. We put slices of grapefruit in too. Such a refreshing drink. The weather was beautiful and I was mentally transported to Amalfi!!

  259. Mine is a very large Bombay Gin and Slimline Tonic with lots of ice, fresh lime wedges squeezed 🙂

  311. My go-to drink this summer has been a nice cold glass of orange, cranberry, lemonade and ice!

  337. A lovely Dark Rum and Lemonade – with a slice of Lemon and Lime

    And non-alcoholic is a cranberry and raspberry over ice

  339. Well i like to experiment with home made drinks and this ones my fave.

    Lime Zing
    Combine tangy red tea with slices of lime, and add ice or combine lemon-lime soda with summer berries.
    Extremely refreshing!

  357. I love Orange Juice with bits, my favourite drink all year round though in all honesty

  374. Naked Grouse with Fentiman’s Cherry Cola, Ice Cubes and a couple of cherries – refreshing!