What to drink when you’re bored of gin and tonic…

In an act of true selflessness, we have been hard at work tasting some of the latest summer drinks to hit the booze shelves. Discover a few of our favourite tipples for when you are bored of the same old gin and tonic – white port, whisky and smoked tequila all feature!

Graham’s Blend No. 5 White Port
One for the person who really wants to like gin, but can’t quite get there. And equally, one for those who think they don’t like port. This lighter, fruity sweet white wine is perfect as a long drink with a bitter tonic, or try on its own over ice. We also used it as a substitute for a lockdown-lack of marsala in a zabaglione, making it pretty versatile all round. Around £21, available to buy at The Whisky Exchange

VITA Vodka
VITA is a vodka with a refreshingly citrus kick, designed to be mixed with water. The drink is naturally flavoured with lemon and citrus aromas, so there is no need for the usual sugary mixers. Triple-distilled in Barcelona, VITA Vodka is made from Italian Wheat and infused with organic lemons from the Mediterranean Coast. £26.95, Masters of Malt

Maestro Dobel Humito
This smoked silver tequila from Maestro Dobel looks to replicate the taste of tequila from centuries gone by using Mesquite wood in the production process. This introduces robust, smoky elements to the floral tequila – the flavours are so pure you can sip this stuff straight. But try it in a paloma or a margarita and you won’t be disappointed. £43.95, available at Masters of Malt

Mauro Vergano Vermouth

One for the natural-wine lovers, this white vermouth is made by a former chemist – Mauro Vergano in Piedmont, and is what Italians call vini aromozzati. It would be a shame to overcomplicate the natural flavours here so  just add ice, and sip away. £34, available at lowintervention.com

Rofes Rojo
Rofes vermouth dates all the way back to 1890 in Reus, the home of Spanish vermut. Rofes Rojo is made according to a secret recipe, and is wonderfully smooth, with sweetness of cinnamon and orange, and a touch of bitterness. Great in a negroni, or drunk straight with ice. £19.50, available from El Vermut.

Ver-mo
Vermò is a red vermouth with a distinctive citrus aroma. It contains lemon, orange and ginger which give it a real freshness. It is delicious simply on ice, but try it with whisky and bitters in a classic Manhattan, for a real sophisticated tipple. £27.95, available to buy at Masters of Malt

El Vermú
Spanish vermouth boasts some of the most exciting flavours – this white vermouth is fresh and fruity with flavours of tropical fruit and lemon. It’s delicious drunk simply over ice with a slice of lemon, but can also be used in a Martini if you’ve some gin or vodka and olives lying about. Produced in Huesca, Spain. £17.50, available to buy at El Vermut

Black Cow
Black Cow have launched their new strawberry flavoured vodka, sustainably produced with English strawberries at the Black Cow Distillery in West Dorset. The strawberries used are sourced locally, either leftover or too misshapen for sale in shops. The vodka contains no added sugar or sweeteners, it’s just pure milk vodka and strawberries, resulting in a creamy and smooth drink. Try it simply topped up with soda water and garnished with mint and a strawberry. £25, at blackcow.co.uk

Storywood Tequila
Scottish tequila? Yep, you read that right! Speyside 14 Añejo is aged for 14 months in Scottish Speyside whisky casks and tastes of caramel, oak, vanilla and honey on an earthy agave base. It’s delicious served neat but try it also in a margarita, or even as the secret ingredient in these duck tacos. £47.45, available at Proof Drinks

Everleaf
You don’t have to miss out if you’re tee-totalling. Everleaf is our current non-alcoholic aperitif of choice. Sourced sustainably, it’s a bright and bittersweet drink designed to be served with soda water or tonic (and plenty of ice) to create a summertime spritz. £18, available at everleafdrinks.com

Served Seltzer

Served are made with gluten-free alcohol, paired with British sparkling water, then infused with wonky, sustainably sourced fruit that would have otherwise been wasted, demonstrating Served’s commitment to reducing food waste. Available in raspberry and lime flavours – £10 for 4, at serveddrinks.co.uk

Glasshouse Whisky
Glasshouse Whisky is a new spirit with bright flavours that work brilliantly in long drinks. Glasshouse is blended with the whisky highball in mind – a mix of whisky and soda water – making it a perfect alternative for when you don’t fancy a G&T, but want an alternative that is just as simple. £30.75, available at The Whisky Exchange

Want more? Take a look at our 81 cocktail recipes.