TOASTING HER MAJESTY: JUBILEE DRINKS

Last week Adnams, the Southwold brewer, launched a Diamond Jubilee ale, flavoured with Sovereign hops and locally produced honey. Its arrival is a reminder that there are plenty of British drinks to toast this summer’s celebrations, not just beers but also fizz and dry ciders. In 2012 the perfect opportunity is offered to explore the breadth of beers now offered by supermarkets. Waitrose and Booths are particularly strong in this area, with the latter specialising in those from northern breweries. Marks & Spencer’s range includes plenty of specialities from all over the country, including Sandringham Ale (£2.59), which seems a good choice for Jubilee revelry. Cider might have also changed since you last tried a glass; Aspall’s Suffolk Draught Cyder (£18.96 for a case of 12, Majestic) is lightly effervescent, refreshing and as perfect an accompaniment to a hog roast as you could hope to find. For wine lovers, buying British is hardly the compromise it used to be, particularly for lovers of fizz; Nyetimber Cuvée Classic 2007, the dazzling sparkler made on the Sussex Downs (reduced to £22.49 until May 29, Waitrose) is perhaps the best-known. But there are also some excellent alternatives such as Ridgeview’s Bloomsbury Cuvée Merrett 2008 (£22.99, Waitrose), also from Sussex, which is as good as many champagnes at this price. Alternatively, there’s a case of six English sparkling wines including two from both these estates for £149.99 available in a Jubilee Celebration Pack from sparklingenglishwine.com. Ironically perhaps, the most festive looking Jubilee-themed drink is from France. Pommery Pop, a handy 20cl bottle emblazoned with the Union flag is perfect. Yours for £15 a bottle (John Lewis, johnlewis.com). For those who don’t have a taste for either grape or grain, this summer might also be the time to dust off a classic spirit. Try the salty dog’s favourite Plymouth Gin (£18, Majestic). Chances are that Plymouth Gin has been used to toast quite a few silver, diamond and golden jubilees since itwas first distilled back in 1793. GILES KIME