Whether it’s kicking back to watch the cricket, cooking up a storm on the barbecue or lounging on the lawn after lunch, let our Spirits Guru, James Bunting, guide you through some delectable spirits to suit every occasion and make the most of the long, golden days of summer. 

Whisky Highball with Paul John Brilliance

Few things are quite as refreshing on a hot day as a whisky highball. The simplest of drinks, it doesn’t even really count as a cocktail. 

Paul John Brilliance is a stunning fruity whisky with aromas of banana, fudge and barley. Pour 50ml of this over ice in a highball glass and top with soda water for a simple and refreshing long drink to kick back with. Spritz a coin of lemon peel over the top for extra zing. 


Tom Collins featuring Malhar Citrus

The Tom Collins is a legend of the cocktail canon. Long, refreshing and simple to make, it stands the test of time and is great for a lazy afternoon in front of the cricket. 

Malhar Citrus is a fresh, citric and grassy gin that is the perfect spirit for summer. Pour 50ml into a glass of ice with 25ml of simple syrup and 25ml of lemon juice then top with soda water. 

If you want to make it with a twist that plays on the Key Limes in the gin, swap out the simple syrup for lime cordial and garnish with a lime wedge.

Rum Punch or Sipper: Maka Zai Tribute Edition

This rum is bursting with treacle and fudge flavours but there’s a lovely freshly cut grass note running through it as well - perfect for a summer’s day. 

You can pour Maka Zai Tribute Edition neat over ice to sip and savour or stir into a rum punch with fruit juice, bitters and sugar syrup for a slightly more tropical serve. 

 

Smoky Sunset: Amrut Peated

Whisky is, and will always be, my first love in the world of spirits. So I have to recommend at least one whisky to drink neat. There’s so many to choose from that it’s not easy but I’m going to suggest Amrut Peated

Yes, peated whisky in the summer might raise a few eyebrows but if your food is smoky from a barbeque or you’re staying up late around a fire pit then something to match that vibe is a shoe-in, in my book. 

Amrut Peated isn’t a big, iodine-y peat bomb but rather a little more subtle and elegant with its smokiness. It won’t overwhelm you and there’s plenty of rich maltiness and fruit character to keep even the most discerning palate happy. 

Agave Goes Indian: DesmondJi Ayam Margarita

You might not know this but you can make agave spirits anywhere in the world, not just Mexico (home of the most famous, tequila). Funnily enough, the Indian climate is perfect for growing agave so it’s only a matter of time before Indian’s version of tequila hits the mainstream. 

Ayam Agave is a blanco style with lots of fresh vegetal and citrus notes. Perfect for sipping, of course, but even better when mixed into a sharp, sour and downright delicious Margarita. 

You’ll find dozens of recipes online but my perfect recipe is two parts agave spirit, one part triple sec and one part lime juice (then I keep adding lime until it’s the right level of sour for me!). 

 

There we have it. Spirits for summer. From smoky single malts to citrus-bright gins and tropical rums, these summer serves are here to elevate the everyday. Drink them your way — but drink them well.

 

 

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