It’s nearly the Bank Holiday weekend, which means a time to let your hair down and enjoy a drink or two. Whether you’re looking for something to sip at home for a quiet night in or drinks to help get the party started, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the lowdown on the must-try tipples for this summer’s three-day weekender.
Get this party started
With a history and brand identity rooted in 70 years of Mexican folklore, Tequila Pancho Datos is a premium 100% Blue Weber agave tequila crafted for life’s most memorable occasions. Created using only Blue Weber agave that has been grown to maturity around the Jalisco town of El Arenal, right in the heart of Mexico’s tequila region, the altitude difference exposes the agaves to less of the sun’s energy than those grown in the highlands. As a result, the tequila is not quite as sweet and benefits from a complex flavour profile that takes some of its character from the earth around it. Tequila Pancho Datos offers three expressions of tequila: Plata, Reposado and Añejo. Plata is unaged, which gives an unadulterated agave taste, with an exquisite balance of herbal, slightly sweet and peppery notes. Reposado is rested six months in ex-bourbon White Oak casks giving the tequila a perfect blend of agave, vanilla, caramel and wood flavours. And Tequila Pancho Datos’ third expression, Añejo, is aged for two years in ex-bourbon White Oak casks giving a bold and mature tequila, perfect for aficionados to sip on.
Cocktail suggestions
Pink Grapefruit Margarita: 50ml Tequila Pancho Datos Plata, 20ml Cointreau, 1/4 fresh pink grapefruit juice, 10ml agave syrup. Shake the ingredients over ice and double strain into a chilled martini glass.
Tequila & Tonic: 50ml Tequila Pancho Datos Plata, 200ml premium tonic water, a squeeze of fresh pink grapefruit or lime. Fill a highball glass with ice, stir and garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Tequila Old Fashioned: 50ml Tequila Pancho Datos Reposado, 10ml agave syrup, dash of pineapple bitters. Add the ingredients to a large mixing glass filled with ice and stir well. Strain into a whisky tumbler over a single large ice cube and singe an orange peel over the glass.
Drink responsibly
Distilled and bottled in the UK, STRYKK is a London-based non-alcoholic spirits brand featuring an impressive range of the highest quality alternative alcohol options. This month, in time for the Bank Holiday, STRYKK announced the latest addition to their roster; a pioneering vanilla flavoured NOT V*DKA, infused with Madagascan vanilla beans. Being the first of its kind to hit the UK market, the highly anticipated new flavour is the perfect component needed to STRYKK the UK’s #1 cocktail – a Passionfruit Martini. STRYKK is the first non-alcoholic brand to replicate the flavour and attitude of the mainstream spirits, and is now once again leading from the front by introducing a non-alcoholic vanilla vodka alternative. Whether you opt for a simple serve with cola, or an Espresso or Passionfruit Martini, the new STRYKK NOT VANILLA V*DKA offers an authentic drinking experience – offering all the spirit and none of the alcohol.
Bottles of Kindness
This summer, contemporary wine merchant Wine & Something is on a mission to reconnect the nation and spread a little joy by offering free Bottles of Kindness. After more than a year of lockdowns, where many people were unable to see those they care about most, Wine & Something created the idea of Bottles of Kindness, offering customers the opportunity to gift a bottle of wine to a friend, loved one or colleague when they spend over £75. Not only that, but for every Bottle of Kindness sent, Wine & Something will donate £1 to 52-Lives – a charity founded on the belief that small acts of kindness make a huge difference. Four delicious Bottles of Kindness have been hand-selected by Wine & Something’s Master of Wine, Robin Kick. Customers can choose from a French Rosé, a South African Chenin Blanc, an Argentinian Malbec or an Italian sparkling wine to give as their act of kindness.
Feeling fruity & al fresco
The August Bank Holiday (the last bank holiday before Christmas by the way!) is for garden parties, BBQs and eating al fresco with close friends, so spend this three-day weekend sipping on one of Black Tower’s limited-edition bottles. Guaranteed to brighten up your day with their floral design, aroma and taste, this is Germany’s no. 1 wine and an international bestseller. The Fruity White Summer Sleeve is a subtle, easy-drinking white. Available in the limited-edition sleeve for this summer only, the wine has an elegant
sweetness which nods to vibrant orange, passionfruit, peach and pineapple with honey running through. The flavours are delicate, soft and beautifully refreshing on the palate. Pair it with a feta and watermelon salad or perhaps even a Moroccan vegetable tagine on a balmy evening outdoors. The Rosé Summer Sleeve is fresh and floral. Its delicate hints of summer fruits include strawberry, raspberry and aromatic red berries. This blend is one to impress your friends with. Serve with seafood, a Thai noodle salad or a refreshing summer pudding.
