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The most refreshing drinks for summer heatwaves
As the summer months approach across the northern hemisphere, db‘s editorial team offers its most refreshing drinks for the sunshine and inevitable heatwaves.
Rebujito
Managing editor, Sarah Neish
Originating from Andalusia, this sherry-based cocktail comes from rebujo, which means either ‘tangle’ or a ‘badly wrapped package’. But this isn’t a mess. Using either Manzanilla or Fino, it is usually mixed with lemonade or lemon and lime soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint and, of course, serve with ice.
Negroni
Digital editor, James Evison
It is amazing how quickly this cocktail has gone from being unknown in many bars in the UK to being widely served and even now in an RTD. But be warned, the serve can be very inconsistent. One part gin, one part vermouth rosso, one part Campari, it should be stirred, not shaken, and presented in a rocks glass. Beautiful with a twisted rind of orange peel. Ice should be either in a large ball or several cubes. The latter works best in the summer, as the cubes dissolve at speed in the spirits, slightly weakening the intensity, and providing a cool, refreshing drink with a dense mouthfeel from the first sweet sip.
Lager
Beer editor, Jessica Mason
As soon as the sun peeks from behind a cloud, there’s a brilliant Brit mentality of finding a beer garden as soon as possible. In cities, that might just mean a bit of dappled pavement outside of the pub after work, but nonetheless, you’ll want to drink just one thing: A crisp cool lager.
I don’t mean a mainstream ersatz lager, but a beautifully refreshing well-balanced decoction-mashed lager — something that has actually been lagered (stored) for many weeks at a cold temperature.
Want to still buy a British brand? Try one from Utopian, which is brewed in Devon, or seek out Bristol’s Lost & Grounded Keller Pils. If you adore European styles, maybe go for something from Stiegl from Salzburg Austria. The team there makes an amazing Goldbrau and a Hell as well as a refreshing low-abv Grapefruit Radler which are all available in the UK now.
Paloma
Senior staff writer, Eloise Feilden
Grapefruit and Tequila probably isn’t the first pink drink that comes to mind in the summer (cough rosé cough), but when you’re in the mood for something refreshing and a little bit tart, it’s my top choice. Easy to prepare, you just bung all the ingredients in a jug with ice and sip it in a sun lounger, fantasising about sinking your toes into the sand on a picturesque beach in Mexico, obvs.
Sgroppino
Staff writer, Louis Thomas
For those sweltering summer days when you can’t decide between something frozen or fizzy, the Sgroppino is a Venetian classic that melds the two, combining lemon sorbet and Prosecco, with a dash of vodka for good measure. A few sprigs of mint, while not necessarily traditional, work very well with the lemon – just don’t drink it too quickly or you will get the most dreadful brain freeze.
Provençal Rose
Retail editor, Arabella Mileham
There is nothing better than a Provenςal rose. It is a classic, and there is no faff and it hits the spot on the summer evenings.