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picnic

Picnic-perfect alcohol-free drinks

As the warm weather creeps in it’s time to get excited about time outdoors, and nothing says ‘I’m ready for Summer’ like a good picnic or BBQ. There are more and more alcohol-free options hitting the market, from spirits and mixers to cocktails, and wines. Plenty of producers are now creating cans and single-serve bottles, so you can grab something quick and easy to enjoy wherever you’re heading. Here are some of our favourites.

Single-serve wines

Lyre’s Classico

This sparkling wine has notes of lime, apple, and ripe stone fruit. The aroma is delicate, with musk and floral tones. Bright acidity and gentle carbonation make for a perfect Summer pour. Order from Wise Bartender, pop it in your cool box, and head to the nearest park.

Château Del ISH Rosé

If rosé is more your thing, try this bubbly pastel pink number. A blend of Merlot and Pinot Noir grapes delivers notes of plum, strawberry, and raspberry. Moderate acidity and intensity make this an easy-drinking yet deeply satisfying tipple. Grab it from Wise Bartender.

Cocktails for the fancy picnic-goer

Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz

We love an aperitivo, and this one is truly picnic-perfect. Think tart rhubarb, bitter orange, a touch of Mediterranean herb, and a hint of melon to soften the blend. Enjoy straight from the can, or pour over ice in a wine glass with a wedge of orange. This one is great with nibbles, think olives, hard cheese, and cured meats. Find it on Wise Bartender or Amazon.

Mavrik Drinks Dark & Stormy

The cocktails from Mavrik drinks are great for some al-fresco drinking, and the Dark & Stormy is a great alcohol-free take on the classic. It’s got a kick to it, with a spicy rum flavour, a lime garnish is a perfect companion if you choose to serve it in a glass. Their Mojito is another belter, with fresh mint and zingy lime acidity. Order directly from their site.

Dvees Chapman

The four Aghoghovbia sisters (all with first names beginning with V, hence ‘Dvees’), have created this alcohol-free version of Nigeria’s signature cocktail. This sparking fruity number is bright and refreshing, bursting with citrus, cucumber, and spice. The talented team has also come up with a range of condiments and tea, bringing a little taste of West Africa to your kitchen. Order from their site.

Highball Classic G&T

A G&T is often a favourite at a picnic or BBQ. Highball has mixed juniper with a unique blend of botanicals to deliver thirst-quenching freshness, with a quinine bite and a citrus twist. Check out their full range on their website, and you can also find them on Wise Bartender.

Refreshing beers and ciders

Celtic Marches Holly GoLightly

This cider is light and fresh with a 0.5% ABV. It has plenty of body, a touch of acidity on the finish, and a wonderful tannin that only 100% pressed cider apples can deliver. Grab yours from Wise Bartender.

Adnams Wild Wave Cider

This full-bodied, cider makes a real splash with its blend of bittersweet and dessert apples. This is inspired by a walk on Southwold beach and is juicy, fresh, and fruity. Order from Wise Bartender or Adnams, and why not grab some of their Ghost Ship alcohol-free beer while you’re there?

Good Karma Beer Co Culture Shock

When the sun is shining, a Radler makes for the perfect refreshment. This Bavarian-style classic is an alcohol-free Radler brewed with Rock Leopard Brewing. A soft malty backbone with zingy lemon acidity makes this a picnic essential. Order from Wise Bartender, and check out the rest of the Good Karma range while you’re there, they do some fantastic seasonal specials.

Birra Moretti Zero

Birra Moretti has produced this alcohol-free version of their renowned lager. A little sweet malt character is balanced with lemon acidity. Soft carbonation makes this an easy-sipping number, ideal for BBQs. You can get this from Wise Bartender, but it’s also available from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Morrisons.

Freestar

Freestar reverse engineer their beer. This means that no fermentation takes place. Instead, they carefully blend quality ingredients to create their citrusy flavour profile. This beer is also gluten-free, and the process is also rather environmentally friendly, producing 90% less CO2, using 80% less water, and wasting 80% less energy than traditional methods. Order from Wise Bartender.



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