The best British drinks to enjoy for the Platinum Jubilee weekend

Impressive British wines

Irresistible Eight Acres Sparkling Rosé NV, Kent, England 12.5%

A super-lively pink fizz with delicate flavours of fresh raspberry and citrus, dry but with a soft creaminess. It’s made using the meticulous champagne method and makes a tongue-tingling aperitif. Available The Co-Op (£18).

Chapel Down Flint Dry 2020, Kent, England 12.5%

A blend of several grapes to create a scented dry white with a cocktail of green apple, kiwi and lemon fruit. There’s a lightly floral, white blossom note too – a properly spring-like wine and a supreme salad matcher. Available from Morrisons (£14).

Ashling Park Blanc de Blancs 2014, Sussex, England 12%

For a splash-out treat, here’s one of Sussex’s finest sparklers, made entirely from chardonnay grapes and with a bit of age for extra complexity. Expect fresh citrus and yellow plums in a beautifully balanced fizz. Available from Ashling Park (£37.50).

Special British spirits

Wimbledon Garden Gin, Wimbledon Brewery, London, England 43%

This gin could hardly be more English. It’s juniper-led with a subtle light sweetness that comes from gorse flowers, Wimbledon honey and heather, plus floral and herbal hints from cascade hops (usually used in brewing). Makes a fab G&T with a light tonic. Available from Master of Malt (£38.50/70cl). You can refill the bottle at the brewery for £30.

The Salford Rum Company Honey Rum, England 37.5%

A gorgeously smooth rum with Salford honey added to produce luscious layers of butterscotch, raisin and toffee flavours. Sip it with a chocolate dessert. Available from Salford Rum (£30/50cl).

In The Welsh Wind Dry Gin, Cardigan Bay, Wales 43%

An intriguing gin with spicy notes from botanicals including nutmeg, oranges and tea-soaked currants, inspired by 19th-century ingredients imported by ship. Available from In The Welsh Wind (£42/70cl).

British non-alcoholic drinks

Sea Arch, Sea & T Non- Alcoholic Distilled Spirit and Tonic, Devon, England 0%

With fresh, herby hints and juniper, this mix of a fine non-alcoholic spirit with tonic water has been well crafted and has natural flavours and a crisp spritz. Great for a picnic or hike. Available from Sea Arch drinks (£28.20/12 x 250ml cans).

Best distilleries in Britain for a visit

The weather’s warming up and lots of British wineries and distillers have opened their doors to visitors again. Here are three tours Susy recommends…

Nc’nean, Scotland

A new whisky distillery on the beautiful Morvern peninsula on Scotland’s west coast, Nc’nean has strong eco credentials. Guests enjoy a full distillery tour with a taste of the whiskies – and homemade cake is promised. Available from £18pp. There are two tours daily Mon-Fri (closed 26 April to 9 May); must be booked in advance on 01967 421698.

Cotswolds Distillery, Cotswolds

In the north Cotswolds near Shipston-on-Stour, this distillery makes a range of spirits including fine gin and whisky, and there’s a café. The tours comprise a guided walk around the distillery and a tasting of spirits and liqueurs. Available from £20pp. Tours are three times daily in May; must be booked in advance on 01608 238533.

Camel Valley, Wales

This winery near Bodmin has been in operation since 1989. There’s a shop and tasting room with a garden and terrace overlooking the vines. The two-hour tour of the vineyard and winery includes a flight of four wines to taste. Available from £18pp. Tours are weekdays only in spring and summer.

Enter our Platinum Jubilee competition with Cotswolds Distillery to be in with a chance to win a drinks hamper!