Sipping for Summer Supremacy

The battle rages on for the spirit of summer supremacy. Each year a battle reignites over “The Big Three” of summer spirits: vodka, rum and gin. While each spirit has their followers and individual characteristics all three have a place during the summer.

Vodka, the potato based spirit with the most neutral of all flavours, certainly has a spot for summer. This spirit can, and has been mixed with nearly any fruit juice at one time or another. Notable drink mentions include; the vodka seven, vodka cranberry and we could never leave out the classic vodka martini.

Rum, a taste of the tropics that brings up thoughts of beach vacations and pirates is another summer speciality. A liquor such as rum offers a sweet and satisfying array of beverage options over the warmer months; weather you are on a beach, or just wishing you were, rum can take you there. Some honorable mentions for rum features include; rum and coke (or cola), mojitos and daiquiris.

Gin, certainly seen as a warm weather elixir, this juniper-based distillant hails from cooler climates. Best known as London dry gin this English specialty offers a botanical wonder for your palate. It is not surprising that gin seems to be coming back en vogue in recent years. Classics such as the gin and tonic, gin rickey, and the original martini can all offer a heavenly way to beat the heat.

So regardless of where your vote lies on summer sipping, drinking seasonally, like eating seasonally, can offer a little something extra to look forward to each weather change. Keep an eye on what we are up to, just like you we have plans this summer. Odd drinks, old cocktails and timeless classics could all make an appearance over the coming months.

– Phil