Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Summer BBQs and Picnics

Summer is the perfect time for BBQs and picnics, bringing friends and family together to enjoy good food and great company. While the food often takes centre stage, the right drink can elevate the experience. 

Non-alcoholic drinks are a brilliant way to keep everyone refreshed and hydrated without the potential pitfalls of alcohol. 

Here, we explore a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, both commercially available and homemade, that are ideal for summer gatherings.

Commercially Available Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Sparkling Water with a Twist

Sparkling water is a staple at any summer gathering. Brands like Perrier, San Pellegrino, and LaCroix offer a variety of flavoured options that add a hint of fruit without overpowering the palate. These are perfect for those who want something light and fizzy.

Kombucha

This fermented tea has gained popularity for its unique flavour and probiotic benefits. Brands like Brew Dr., Remedy, and Captain Kombucha offer an array of flavours from ginger lemon to berry hibiscus. Kombucha is not only refreshing but also great for gut health.

Iced Teas

Bottled iced teas come in a myriad of flavours. Lipton, Arizona, and Fuze offer options ranging from classic lemon and peach to more exotic blends like hibiscus and pomegranate. These are a great alternative to sugary soft drinks.

Fruit Juices and Smoothies

For those who prefer something sweet, commercially available fruit juices and smoothies are excellent choices. Brands like Innocent, Tropicana, and Naked provide delicious and nutritious options. Look for those with no added sugars for a healthier choice.

Homemade Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Classic Lemonade

A quintessential summer drink, homemade lemonade is easy to make and incredibly refreshing. Simply combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and a touch of sugar. For a twist, add some mint leaves or a splash of sparkling water.

Recipe:

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)

946.ml  cold water

94g sugar (adjust to taste)

Ice and mint leaves for garnish

Fruit-Infused Water

Infusing water with fruits is a simple way to add a burst of flavour without extra calories. Combine sliced fruits like strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, and herbs such as mint or basil in a large jug of water. Let it sit for a few hours in the fridge to allow the flavours to meld.

Iced Herbal Teas

Brew your favourite herbal teas and let them cool. Teas like hibiscus, chamomile, or peppermint can be sweetened with a bit of honey or agave syrup and served over ice. Adding slices of lemon or berries can enhance the flavour.

Non-Alcoholic Sangria

This vibrant and fruity drink is perfect for summer parties. Combine a mix of fruit juices (like orange and pomegranate), sparkling water, and a variety of chopped fruits (such as apples, oranges, and berries) in a large pitcher. Let it chill for a few hours before serving.

Recipe:

474ml orange juice

237ml pomegranate juice

474ml sparkling water

1 apple, cored and chopped

1 orange, sliced

1 cup mixed berries

Ice for serving

Coconut Water and Fruit Mocktail

Coconut water is hydrating and naturally sweet. Mix it with pineapple juice and a splash of lime for a tropical treat. Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a cherry for a festive touch.

Tips for Serving Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Keep it Cold: Use plenty of ice and consider pre-chilling glasses and jugs.

Presentation Matters: Serve drinks in attractive pitchers or dispensers. Garnish with fresh fruit slices, herbs, or edible flowers to add visual appeal.

Offer Variety: Provide a range of options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Non-alcoholic drinks can be just as exciting and flavourful as their alcoholic counterparts. Whether you opt for commercially available options or whip up homemade creations, these beverages will keep your guests refreshed and satisfied during your summer BBQs and picnics. Enjoy the season with these delightful and hydrating drinks!

Share the Sparkle, but Not the Headache with Luscombe Damascene Rose Bubbly, Now Available in the Perfect Sharing Size

Are you hosting a special celebration? A graduation party? A barbecue? A lovely summer picnic? Or just kicking back and relaxing with family or friends, then we have some special news for you.

You need to get in some bottles of delicious Luscombe Damascene Rose Bubbly.  Available from the end of this month, June, in a exclusive new sharing 74cl bottle, Luscombe Damascene Rose Bubbly can be ordered from luscombe.co.uk in a case of 6 x 74cl bottles, £24.00 with free UK delivery on all orders over £60. 

It;'s the perfect summer indulgence, adding an extra layer of elegance to any occasion.  And Luscombe has been warded a highly prestigious Royal Warrant in recognition of their products which are enjoyed by the Royal Households, 

What are the ingredients of this drink? It combines Damascene Rose, juice of Muscat grapes, plus some  Sicilian lemons all carefully mixed with sparkling Dartmoor spring water to create this perfect and guaranteed alcohol free alternative to Champagne. 

Pairs well with canapés, light seafood dishes like scallops and white fish.

For further information on Luscombe Drinks please visit www.luscombe.co.uk, follow Luscombe on TikTok @luscombedrinks, Instagram: @luscombedrinks or 'Like' on Facebook.  

Mixtons: The Next Generation of Ready-to-Drink Cocktails Is Here for Summer 24

Cocktail lover? But feeling bored with the same tired recipes that all canned cocktails seem to have now? 

Then you Cocktail lovers are in for a veritable treat as some of the recipes we are familiar with have just received the Mixtons makeover. 

Wherever you are, at home, at a festival, staging a garden party, dining al fresco, enjoying a  picnic, travelling by train, these canny creations will give your summer gatherings a tasty twist. 

What, exactly, is a Mixtons makeover? It's taking a classical cocktail flavour and upping its game by  adding unique and original twists to them, creating an original spin on iconic cocktails without any of the faff of making them yourself. It reallly is now just a case of you grabbing and going.

Mixtons want to bring back the excitement you have when you find a new cocktail recipe on a bar menu in an exciting bar. But all within a can to enjoy wherever and whenever you want.

After they made the genuinely surprising discovery that all canned cocktails only had a miserly six  flavours available, founders Xav, Ranj and Sim started to come up with new and inspired recipes during lockdown as they socialised on zoom. 

They and their friends loved them and within their first 12 months, they'd sold a pretty impressive 200k cocktails, all created and delivered by hand, made by themselves in Sim's kitchen. But now? Now they have grown and coime on by leaps and bounds, with two upcoming major retail listings, being stocked at the O2 and being the exclusive cocktail partners to over 30+ festivals throughout the coming year.

From surfing waves (Xav and Ranj are both from Cornwall) to making waves in the canned cocktail industry, the Mixtons taste-obsessed trio now have a range of four unique and 'classic cocktails with a twist.' This is not the brand that will be pushing fancy martini glasses or elaborate garnishes, the Founders and their customers, just adore the outdoors, festivals, music, getting together with friends al fresco.

Guilty Passion is a succulent tropical twist on a Passion Fruit Martini. Vodka, Passionfruit, Mango and Lychee. No need to shake or strain. It's a Martini that's ready to go.

Dragon Mojo is an exotic fruit twist on a classic Mojito with Rum, Mint, Kiwi and Dragonfruit. No need for muddling or hunting down ingredients. They've concocted the Mojito of dreams. 

Spicy Melons was originally a bit of a mistake. Ranj inadvertently mixed two recipes together and this was the result - and their friends LOVED it. Tequila, Lime, Watermelon and Chilli - time to spice things up a bit? Definitely! 

Forbidden Zest is the Mixtons take on a classic Aperitif - a perfect alternative when Spritz Season hits. Gin, Blood Orange, Pink Grapefruit, Yuzu.

All Mixtons cocktails are 8% ABV, Gluten-free and in fully recyclable cans. Available from www.mixtons.com. Priced from £22.50 for 6.

Says Co-Founder Xav Craine: “We wanted to capture that feeling that you have when you see an incredible drink on a cocktail list with ingredients you've never tried before. Now you can have that in a can. We bring cocktail lovers unique and innovative flavour combinations, without any of the hassle of making the cocktails yourself. We're bringing back the joy of cocktail discovery. In fact, you could say The story of canned cocktails just got a plot twist!”