By now, the UK has had its fair share of heatwaves, and it’s fair to assume summer might be on its way out. But in true London fashion, summer never really ends until it’s 10 °C and we’re all carrying umbrellas every day.
So, we’re clinging on to the sunshine (fingers and toes crossed) and making the most of whatever warm days are left. And what better way to do that than with a drink in hand?
Aperol and Hugo Spritz are always a safe choice, but if you want to go bigger and bolder, now is the right time to invest in new spirits and try out some unique summer cocktail recipes.
To show you that there’s a whole world of exciting and distinctive summer drinks out there, we’ve pulled together a line-up of bottles that totally deserve a click in the ‘add to cart’ button, plus a few cocktail ideas to get you inspired.
So, grab your shaker, channel your inner bartender, and maybe even invite friends or family round to show off your mixology skills. Without further ado, here are some unique spirits and liqueurs to make the perfect cocktail this summer and where to buy them.
8 exciting spirits + summer cocktails ideas
1. Malfy x Missoni
Up for a taste of ‘La Dolce Vita’? Malfy gin captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast in a bottle. Distilled in Northern Italy with handpicked juniper and Italian lemons, it’s known for its bright, citrus-forward profile that feels fresh and light.
Recently, Malfy teamed up with iconic Italian fashion house Missoni for a second limited-edition collaboration. Inspired by Missoni’s Resort Club project, the new bottle features their signature zigzag pattern wrapped in a coastal palette of blues and greens, blending the worlds of high fashion and premium spirits. Few brands capture the relaxed, stylish mood of an Italian summer quite like these two.
70cl – 41% ABV, RRP £54.99
Available from Selfridges
How to make the Malfy x Missoni Bianco Royale
Ingredients:
- 35ml Malfy Originale
- 15ml Lillet Blanc
- 5ml Suze
- 15ml triple sec curaçao syrup
- 50ml tonic water
- 50ml Mumm Cordon Rouge champagne.
Add all of these ingredients to a copa glass with ice and mix. Pour the mix into a Gin glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.
2. ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto
Continuing with the Italian theme, Italicus is an aromatic bergamot liqueur that truly evokes the essence of an Italian summer (think Limoncello, but with a deeper, more nuanced flavour!).
Its bright citrus notes are complemented by delicate floral and herbal undertones, making it super refreshing but balanced. It’s also an incredibly versatile spirit – mix it with some tonic and ice, or use it to make Spritzes and Margaritas – whatever cocktail you feel like having.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also use it to make a Sgroppino (a Venetian drink that mixes lemon sorbet with vodka or prosecco).
70cl – 20% ABV, RRP: £31.50
Available from Waitrose, Ocado, The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and Amazon
Here’s how to make an Italicus Sgroppino:
Ingredients
- 60ml Italicus bergamot liqueur
- 1 scoop lemon sorbet (about 50g)
- 90ml Prosecco (to top up)
Method
- Place the lemon sorbet in a chilled coupe glass.
- Pour over the Italicus.
- Gently top up with Prosecco.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon or lime zest, or a sprig of mint if desired.
3. Savoia Orancio
They say all the best things come in threes, so to round off our Italian drinks theme, here’s Savoia. If Italicus is like a refined Limoncello, then Savoia is an elevated Aperol (trust us, it’s worth trying before you judge).
What makes Savoia unique is its use of Orange Wine, a rising star in the world of natural wines that brings a unique depth and complexity.
This aperitivo offers vibrant citrus notes layered with delicate florals and finishes with a crisp, dry edge that feels light and refreshing – not overly sweet or heavy (like Aperol sometimes is). This balance makes it incredibly versatile: you can sip it on the rocks, make a Savoia Spritz (as per the recipe below) or get creative and use it as a replacement for other spirits in classic cocktails.
50cl – 17.2% ABV, RRP: £21.95
Available from The Whisky Exchange, Amazon and Master of Malt
Here’s how to make a Savoia Orancio Spritz:
Ingredients
- 60ml Savoia Orancio
- 90ml sparkling water or soda
- Ice
- Garnish: orange wheel or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
Method
- Load a glass with plenty of ice.
- Add the Savoia Orancio.
- Pour over the sparkling water or soda.
- Stir lightly to mix.
- Finish with your chosen garnish and serve immediately.
4. Cotswolds No.1 Wildflower Gin
The Cotswolds No.1 Wildflower Gin stands out first with its bottle – a clear glass adorned with a delicate wildflower pattern that feels like a nod to the English countryside.
But the flavour matches the appearance. On tasting, it’s gentle and balanced, with soft floral notes of lavender and cornflower upfront, rounded out by bright, fresh orange zest.
The botanicals feel natural, giving the gin a subtle complexity without being heavy or artificial. It’s smooth on the palate, with a clean, dry finish that makes it easy to drink on its own or in simple cocktails.
This isn’t a gin that hits you with bold, sharp flavours. But if you want something elegant and perfect for a light summer drink or an aperitif, this one fits the bill perfectly.
70cl – 41.7% ABV, RRP from £34.73
Available from: Cotswolds Distillery, Master of Malt, Amazon, Tesco and Ocado
Here’s the full recipe for the Cloudy Spritz, a soft and refreshing Spritz that is perfect for summer:
Ingredients
- 50 ml of Cotswolds Dry Gin
- 20 ml of elderflower cordial
- Topped with soda water
Method: Add to a glass and stir. Add some ice and garnish of your choosing.
5. Brunette cold brew coffee liqueur
There are coffee liqueurs, and then there are coffee liqueurs. This French offering stands apart because it’s built on a wheat-based spirit and uses cold brew coffee, which means it avoids the heavy bitterness you often get with other brands. Instead, it delivers a bright, clean coffee flavour that really shines through.
The standout is its transparency -the bottle details exactly where the coffee beans were grown and how they were processed, plus the sugar content. It feels like a thoughtful, crafted product rather than a generic mixer.
If you’re a coffee lover, you know how much difference quality coffee grounds make; the same goes for coffee liqueurs. While some are midweight and a bit dull, this one is punchy and strong. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a richer, more nuanced espresso martini.
70cl – 25% ABV, RRP from £30.40
Available from: The Whiskey Exchange, Amathus Drinks, Amazon UK
Here’s a pistachio espresso martini recipe to get your creative juices flowing:
Ingredients
50ml Virtuous Vodka Rye
25ml Brunette Organic Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
2 scoops of pistachio ice cream
6 Blueberries
20ml Sugar
50ml Espresso
Method
Blend all the ingredients together before shaking with ice to create a creamy texture. Garnish with shaved pistachios.
6. Ron Bodega
Rum haters, rejoice (seriously!). BrewDog has just released Ron Bodega, a premium rum duo which includes a white rum and the 6-year-old cask-aged rum.
The latter is double pot distilled from rich molasses in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, then matured in hand-picked sherry oak casks. Expect deep caramel flavours with ripe mango, dark berry, and a mellow vanilla finish. It’s exactly as indulgent as it sounds but with a slightly tropical tropical twist.
We’re not usually rum drinkers (unless it’s in a Piña Colada), but this one is smooth enough to sip neat – no harsh burn to put you off. And just because it’s an older, bolder rum doesn’t mean you can’t use it in cocktails – you just need to get creative.
70cl – 46% ABV, RRP £60
Available from Brewdog.com
Here’s a recipe for a spiced mango daiquiri that might inspire you:
Ingredients
- 60ml dark rum
- 30ml of mango juice
- 20ml of spiced syrup*
- 20ml of lime juice
Method: Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and star anise.
Method to make the spiced syrup: Combine some sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add cinnamon and cloves and bring to a low boil, then reduce to simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain into a container.
7. Jo Vodka 102, The Bohemian
Created by renowned scent innovator Jo Malone CBE in collaboration with Master Distiller Joanne Moore, Jo Vodka brings a trilogy of luxury fusion vodkas that combine distinctive flavours with sensory storytelling. Each bottle is marked by Jo’s signature red stopper, known as the “red compass,” reflecting her creative vision and attention to detail.
102, The Bohemian is the second expression in the trilogy. It features bright citrus notes, including bergamot, pomelo, yuzu, and bay leaf. It is typically served simply with soda, crushed ice, and a slice of lime, allowing the natural character of the vodka to shine through. Designed to evoke a vibrant, sun-filled atmosphere, 102, The Bohemian captures the carefree, summery spirit that inspired its creation.
70cl – 40% ABV, RRP £49.99
Available at Jo Vodka
Here’s a recipe suggestion for a lovely citrus and herb summer fizz
Ingredients:
- 50ml 120, The Bohemian
- 20ml elderflower liqueur
- 10ml fresh lime juice
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Top with sparkling soda
- Crushed ice
- Garnish: thin wheel of pomelo, edible flower, or a sprig of thyme
Method:
- Fill a tall glass with crushed ice.
- Combine The Bohemian, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and orange bitters in a shaker with a little ice, then stir gently.
- Pour over the crushed ice.
- Top with sparkling soda.
- Garnish with a pomelo wheel, an edible flower, or a small sprig of thyme for aroma and visual flair.
8. Wonderland cocktails
If you enjoy drinking cocktails more than making them, Wonderland Cocktails are about as close to the real deal as a canned cocktail can get, both in taste and strength. Made with the finest BrewDog Distilling Company spirits, they impress not just with quality but with variety.
Forget the tired Margarita-and-Martini duo most canned ranges stick to. Wonderland goes all out: rich Espresso Martini, bold Long Island Iced Tea, smooth Whisky Sour… there’s a flavour for every preference. So if you’re looking to impress your friends without playing bartender all night – or you’re heading out for a picnic, beach day, or a lazy afternoon in the sun – these cans have you covered. The fun, playful branding is just the cherry on top.
125ml or 200ml for the classic Mojito – ABV 10-14%, £2.91 per can. You can get the party pack (as per the image above) for £28.99.
Available from Brewdog.com
See also the best tequilas for this summer, the best functional drinks, and London’s first alcohol-free cocktail bar.