The best summer lockdown drinks: Bringing the bar home
Sales for wine merchants during coronavirus have risen by 1,000 per cent as revellers attempt to bring the bar home during lockdown.
It comes as people are attempting to upscale their drinking experiences while at home, in the way they normally might at weekends before self-solation came into play.
We are all now saying virtual ‘cheers’ via Zoom and House Party and enjoying many happy hours at home and finding new ways to drink together.
We may be social distancing, but we still need to hook up with friends and family albeit online.
Why not raise a virtual glass with some of our favourite picks of the best boozy drinks to try while you’re home.
Aloha Vegan Spirit, £22.50
For cocktail lovers who love a kick to their drink, Aloha’s vegan spirit could be the answer to your prayers.
Aloha 65 does not sit in the conventional gin, rum or vodka category. It’s a spirit drink infused with fresh pineapple, lemon, ginger, scotch-bonnet chillies and carefully selected herbs and spices, and is totally unique.
Its versatility means that it can be enjoyed as a delicious chilled shot, on ice, a refreshing long-drink, or used as the unique heart of a great cocktail. It’s also all-natural, vegan and has a lower ABV (27%).
Aside from its playful summery packaging, this delectable drink feels like you’re bringing the beach home with you.
The Reclaimed Cobbler, Discarded Vermouth
Conscious of wasting food during the isolation period? The Reclaimed Cobbler is the perfect way to creatively reuse fruit that might be on the turn or left over from other recipes.
Create a delicious cocktail using 50ml of Discarded Vermouth, three wedges of discarded citrus fruit such as lemon or limes, and three bar spoons of discarded berries. Add all ingredients to a shaker, muddle and shake with crushed ice. Place everything into glass, top with fresh ice and garnish. This sweet and fruity cocktail that will have you rocking within the hour. It can also be mixed with Jack Daniels, a dash of bitter and some ice for a sharper drink.
Jenkyn Place Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine, £38
For a special evening in with the family during lockdown, this family made sparkling wine from Bentley, Hampshire, is the perfect accompaniment to a delicious meal. Simon Bladon used to run a ski company Bladon Lines, his daughter Camilla is the face and bubbling heart of the company. Yoga has recently been introduced beside the vines and in October 2019 she launched their first Blanc de Blancs, made just with Chardonnay.
Funkin House Party Pack, £12
There’s no need to leave the house if you have a special cocktail delivery on its way.
The Funkin House cocktail delivery pack contains six cocktails in a can, delivered straight to your door the next day,
Containing 2 x Passion Fruit Martini, 2 x Espresso Martini and 2 x Pina Colada, these quirky cans provide an extraordinary cocktail-at-home experience, delivering all the theatre of mixology with the simple crack of a can.
Infused with nitrogen, which smokes on opening, Funkin’s mouth-watering cocktails create a foam head when poured, mirroring the look, smooth texture and delicious taste of a shaken, bar-quality cocktail in a convenient, ready-to-drink format. It’s the perfect option to enjoy whilst at home.
Palmers Dry Gin, from £15
The Palmers family have been making gin for 100 years and spirits for over 200 years. Their dry gin has a lovely story in that it has been launched by the 6th generation of the family in memory of her grandmother (3rd generation), who was a real gin lover!
Perfect for a G&T with a slice of pink grapefruit – plus making your home bar look extra classy.
Noveltea, £24.95
The brand behind the UK’s first alcoholic tea, NOVELTEA, has range of delectable flavours available for delivery.
The perfect alternative to traditional tea, NOVELTEA’s alcoholic tea blends can be enjoyed as an afternoon tipple in the garden, a midweek pick-me-up, or for hosting a virtual tea party with your loved ones.
Available with mixtures of gin, rum and whisky, these delicious beverages provide a refreshing and light alternative to modern cocktails.
My personal favourite is The Tale of Oolong, a rich and aromatic blend inspired by Chinese tea tradition. The tea is perfectly paired with the soft and fruity notes of a specially-selected Scottish Whisky and accented with floral traces of jasmine and rose petals.
