RAISE A GLASS
Our pick of must-try spirits and craft beer
pre-mixed cocktail Moth margarita
There are plenty of premixed cocktails on the market at the moment, but not all of them get it right. This one definitely does. Many can be sickly sweet and synthetic-tasting, but this has a fresh lime flavour and subtle but not overwhelming sweetness. Drink it chilled straight from the can at a barbecue or picnic, or if you’re feeling fancy, pour into a martini glass with a salted rim. 14.9% ABV, £3.99 (125ml), Waitrose & Partners
whisky Kyrö malt rye whisky
This Finnish rye whisky is made from 100% malted Finnish wholegrain rye, double pot-distilled then aged in new American white oak casks. The result is a beautifully balanced whisky with a heady hit of vanilla on the nose and peppery, earthy undertones, followed by sweet lingering notes of spice and honey. Anything but dull, this is one for any whisky lover’s collection. Enjoy simply served over ice or try with a couple of drops of water to open up the buttery smoothness on the palate. For an even more refreshing tipple, try using in a whisky highball (find a recipe online at bbcgoodfood.com). 47.2% ABV, £49.95 (50cl), masterofmalt.com
spiced rum Five Rivers rum
The moment you pop the lid of the bottle, a heady aroma of cardamom, clove and cassia fills the air. With such a range of botanicals you could be fooled, at first, into thinking it’s a gin (and indeed the suggested serve by founder Taj Sanghera is with Indian tonic water), however the sugar cane reminds you it’s definitely a rum, and a really special one at that. Notes of coriander and ginger bounce around on the palate, and the flavours are both harmonious and exciting. Try sipping neat, serving with tonic water or mixing into a mojito where the spicing is further opened up. Delightful. 40% ABV, £31.50 (70cl), fiveriversrum.co.uk
beer People’s Captain Islander
Getting together with friends over a beer to share problems and discuss mental health is the ethos at the heart of the People’s Captain craft beer brewery, co-founded by premier league rugby player, Greg Bateman, who addressed his own battle with depression on social media. The idea for People’s Captain came when Greg spoke about his turmoil to a friend over a drink and set his sights on producing craft beer. My favourite for summer from the selection of five is Islander – a classic unfiltered New England American pale, packed with juicy citrus flavours. A percentage of sales will go to the People’s Captain Foundation with the aim of raising £1 million to support mental health. 5.5% ABV, £15.49 (6 x 330ml cans), peoplescaptain.co.uk