The best summer drinks for 2022
Mmm, summer wine! Warm weather calls for cool juicy whites and refreshing reds from sunny Italy, says delicious. wine writer Susy Atkins. And while we’re living la dolce vita, let’s be a bit more daring with our aperitivi – it’s what the long light evenings were made for. From wines to vermouth and an alcohol free aperitif, read on for our top picks for summer drinking.
The Italian Job
Masi Campofiorin 2018, Rosso del Veronese, Italy 13%
From one of the top Venetian wineries, a medium-bodied dry red made with a proportion of juice from semi-dried grapes. Expect black cherries and plums, wild strawberries and a twist of pepper. A treat with barbecued lamb. Available from Waitrose, £12.99.
Taste the Difference Marzemino Trentino 2020, Italy 12.5%
Smashing soft and refreshing red, which I chill for extra tanginess. It’s made in the cool northeast Trentino region of Italy, so it’s relatively light but has buckets of fresh blackcurrant. A great party red. Available from Sainsbury’s,£8.50.
Finest Soave Classico Superiore 2020, Italy 12%
A soave with a bit more lemony flavour than some, a riper version of more bland Italian whites. It’s my go-to salad wine this summer, both for leafy ones and fresh tomatoes. Available from Tesco, £7.50.
Villa Antinori Bianco 2021, Tuscany, Italy 12%
Here’s a youthful and refined, unoaked white from a famous Tuscan producer, with notes of lime, pear and apple. One to pair with a fine white fish dish and salad or a light veggie risotto. Available from Waitrose, £13.99.
Extra Special Fiano 2020, Terre Siciliane, Italy 12.5%
This Sicilian white is a proper bargain, with plenty of fresh citrus, a juicier heart of peach and a dab of creamy almond rounding it out. It’s versatile with food or a lip-smacking summer quaffer on its own. Available from Asda, £6.
Italian Aperitivi
Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, Italy 20%
There’s a distinct bergamot citrus pithiness and herbal tinge to this liqueur, which appeals as a longer drink with an equal measure of cold prosecco and ice. It’s not too sweet and has a subtle pepperiness. Available from Master of Malt or The Whisky Exchange, £29.95.
Hotel Starlino Arancione Torino Aperitivo, Italy 17%
With its bright tangerine hue, juicy orange aroma and sweet orange oil flavour, this is a zesty, summery aperitivo, fairly sweet but balanced. Sip it on the rocks or add sparkling wine. Available from Amazon or Master of Malt, £19.95.
Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry, Italy 17%
A new, elegant and very dry release from renowned vermouth maker Cocchi. Made with a cortese wine base (the grape behind Gavi) and botanicals including Piedmontese mint, it will deliver a sophisticated martini. Available from Waitrose (£19) or The Whisky Exchange (£18.95).
Crodino Biondo Aperitivo non Alcolico, Italy 0%
Sweetness meets a distinct bitter herbal twist in this full-flavoured no alc aperitif that’s been produced in the town of Crodo, northern Italy, since 1965. Pour it over ice and add a slice of ripe orange. Available from Sous Chef (£10.49/10 x 175ml bottles).
Sunshine liqueur
Sloemotion Distillery Strawberry Gin Liqueur with Vanilla and Black Pepper, Yorkshire 21%
Using last year’s surplus strawberries (after a bumper crop) and foraged Yorkshire botanicals, the Sloemotion Distillery in partnership with the Sorted Food social media gang has come up with a wonderful liqueur that captures the fresh, natural flavour of June’s favourite fruit. Sip over ice. Available from Slow Motion Distillery, £22.95/50cl.