Summer isn’t summer without a few parties. And, as ever, no party is complete without drinks. Here are a few of our favourites – some alcoholic and some not – that are worth a try this season. 

Sangria 

(recipe stolen from my Spanish friend, but with a little twist.)

Serves 10-12

2 bottles of red wine

125ml of brandy

450ml of prosecco or soda water

Apples, oranges, peaches, lemon

Sliced orange slices to decorate

Half a cup of sugar

First cut the fruit into small, bite size pieces – 1cm cubes is perfect. Pour over brandy, 1 bottle of red wine, and the prosecco or soda water and leave for a minimum of 3 to 4 hours before adding the remaining bottle of red. Add more sugar if needed and lots of ice.

Lastly add a double shot of spiced rum. Warning: drink this one sensibly to avoid being carried out of the party.

Lime Gin Fizz

Serves 1

4-5 ice cubes

2 measures gin

1 measure lime cordial

Soda water

Lime wedges to decorate

Add ice cubes to a tall glass. Add gin and lime cordial. Lastly add soda water and wedges of lime to decorate. Don’t forget a straw and cocktail umbrella!

Classic Pimms  

Serves 4

250 ml of Pimm’s

400ml lemonade

Ice

Orange, cucumber and lemon slices

Mint sprigs to decorate

Pour the Pimm’s into a large jug. Add ice, fruit and cucumber slices, then lemonade. Serve in tall glasses with mint sprigs.

Prohibition Punch

Serves 5-6

25ml of sugar syrup

70 ml of lemon juice

180ml of apple juice

0.5 litres of ginger ale

Orange slices to decorate

Ice cubes

Mix sugar syrup with lemon and apple juice. Add ice cubes and ginger ale. Decorate with orange slices and serve.

To make a punch with an alcoholic twist, add 200ml Wray and Nephew rum and 75ml of grenadine. 

These are just a few of our favourites. Remember to drink responsibly and share this article with someone who would love one of these drinks!