RAISE A GLASS
Isn’t it wonderful that June is here? It’s time for sunshine, strawberries, sun-kissed noses and a glass or two of something refreshing and summery.
As a nod to World Gin Day, which is on Saturday June 11, I’ll bring you a couple of gin liqueurs – and my first is spot on with the strawberry theme.
British Strawberry Gin Liqueur (RRP £20, Marks & Spencer, Ocado) is ripe with our favourite summertime red fruit, and pops with aromas and flavours.
It’s a delicious, candylike sip on its own with ice. Or do as I did; pour a little and top up with fizz. Then decadently drop in a strawberry to create June in a glass.
There’s a summertime sip to be had with Aldi’s Watermelon & Lime Gin Liqueur (£10.99).
It’s one of the latest flavours in the retailer’s popular The Infusionist range. It’s a decent price for a gin liqueur which refreshes the parts that need refreshing when the clock strikes gin-o’clock.
I added a lime slice and a tonic water with a lime twist.
This time of year is brilliant for a sip of rosé wine.
There’s nothing nicer when the sun glints and sparkles on a glass of pink in the garden.
I was wowed by a fizz from Asda:
Extra Special Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut (£10.50). To be fair, I’m a pushover when it comes to most crémant wines, which are made in the same traditional way as champagne.
It bubbles with red berries which are embraced by a hint of buttery toast and vanilla. Take a sip, relax and enjoy.
While I’m in Asda (metaphorically) I’ll point you in the direction of another enjoyable fizzy sip: That of
Fillipo Sansovino Valdobbiadene Prosecco (£9.50).
When you see the word “Valdobbiadene” on prosecco, you’ll know that it is a higher quality than the basic, mass-produced styles.
You’ll discover floral notes, crisp, crunchy, green apples and white peach.
I digress: Back to pinks with a newly-released wine from Chile.
Cono Sur Bicicleta Blush (RRP £7, Ocado, and in Nisa stores) is a pale baby-blush pink crafted from sauvignon blanc. The producers have added the colour via a splash of pinot noir.
Classic grapefruit-y sauvignon aromas dominate; and the flavours bristle and bustle with tropical fruits and more of that zesty grapefruit.
Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.