Dave Brookes.

It’s clear that Dave sees summer as a time for mixing up the drinks repertoire and stocking up for every occasion. Here’s how he would spend $750 this season – with spare change.

I pondered my selection for some time and have decided on what I like to call “summer utility beverage chic”. We want to cover a few bases here. Firstly, the wines must slake one’s thirst, rinse that salty seawater tang from your lips, and leave you refreshed and ready for action. They must be great value and versatile in the food/wine matching stakes. Riesling and rosé rule the roost here and a glass of either one boldly signals you are ready for whatever summer can throw at you. Tins of beer are in the mix, because heck, I like tins of beer and a slab of Italian red devils will win your way into your friends’ hearts. I’ve included some prosecco – great on its own or in a refreshing Aperol spritz – some sparkling shiraz because it is un-Australian to eat Christmas ham without it, and a Champagne to toast the New Year.

Cocktail slinging is always on the agenda around these parts and armed with the selection of elixirs below, you will be able to delight your loved ones and confound your enemies with your mixology skills. A gin and tonic is a given, but why not marvel in the refreshing, limey tang of a gimlet? You are well armed to happily whip up a negroni or my favourite, the boulevardier (whiskey, sweet vermouth and Campari) along with a martini, old fashioned, Manhattan or mint julep, and nothing says summer quite like a Campari and soda.