RAISE A GLASS

Our pick of must-try spirits and craft beer

beer

Schiehallion craft lager

Named after the famous Scottish mountain in Perth and Kinross, Schiehallion (pronounced She-halion) is the breathtaking signature beer from Harviestoun Brewery. A great any-occasion lager, it’s packed with crisp, sharp grapefruit notes and it has a sweet aroma thanks to its high wheat content. If you fancy something richer and more velvety with a note of chocolate, try the brewery’s Old Engine Oil (6% ABV). A refreshing stout, even on a summer’s day. 4.8% ABV, £36 (24 x 330ml bottles), harviestoun.com

premixed cocktail

Black Cow negroni

An excellent example of a premixed cocktail, Black Cow’s negroni combines its signature pure milk vodka (made with whey leftover from the cheese-making process) with Campari, vermouth and a blend of bitters. The use of its smooth vodka (in place of gin) helps balance any rough edges in the drink and allows the vermouth to shine, creating a mellow version of this classic cocktail. To serve, simply pour over ice and stir. Or, for something lighter, top with soda water and garnish with an orange slice. 24% ABV, £25 (50cl), blackcow.co.uk

non-alcoholic aperitif

Sprigster

This sophisticated nonalcoholic aperitif made by the team at Wiltshire-based Pythouse Kitchen Garden includes a range of fruits and botanicals from the gardens, and is infused with vinegar. The result is a beautifully fresh, shrub-like drink that’s evocative of a hedgerow. It’s packed full of rich baked apple flavours that are balanced by vinegar sharpness, while hops and fennel seeds add a moreish dryness and herbal notes. Serve it with ice and soda water for a refreshing, booze-free summer drink.

£26 (70cl), sprigsterdrinks.com

gin Hepple & Hawksmoor limited-edition smoked gin

Northumberland-based distillery Hepple created this limited-edition gin in collaboration with Hawksmoor restaurant. To mirror the smoky flavours of Hawksmoor’s charcoal-cooked steaks, Hepple lightly smokes the botanicals over wild juniper wood, including tangerine peel, coriander seeds and juniper berries. These are then combined with Douglas fir, Amalfi lemon and green juniper for brightness. The gin is great in a martini or red snapper (the gin-based version of a bloody mary) – cin cin!

44% ABV, £35 (500ml), shop.thehawksmoor.com