Whisky Lovers Rejoice: 9 Essential Spirits to Stock This Summer
As the sun shines bright, our attention turns to refreshing cocktails and the perfect spirits to stock in our bars. From classics to up-and-coming bottles, we’ve got the lowdown on the essential spirits fine food retailers need to know about.
Summer vibes
The Classics: Vodka, Whisky, and Gin
Trendy new releases might be all the rage, but it’s easy to overlook the classics. According to Nathan Shearer, head of education at Speciality Brands, “We’re seeing a huge resurgence in classic cocktails lately, with consumers looking for more minimalistic, stripped-back serves using high-quality ingredients.”
Stocking up on familiar spirits like vodka, whisky, and gin is a must. Japanese whisky, in particular, is very on trend at the moment, with Nikka from the Barrel being a fantastic example. This whisky is perfect for classic cocktails like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds.
Vodka is also a go-to spirit for many, and Chopin Potato Vodka is a great choice. This vodka can be served neat, straight from the freezer, or in a martini glass. It pairs well with bright citrus characteristics and seafood, making it an ideal partner for oysters.
Gin remains a steady favourite, with consumers looking into smaller-batch craft gins. Hampton Court Gin is a prime example, as well as moving away from flavoured gins and back to classics like Hayman’s.
Tequila and Mezcal
Mexico’s famous agave spirits are having a moment. According to Stuart Findlater, business director at Mixologist’s Garden, “The tequila trend shows no sign of slowing down as consumers look to broaden their horizons beyond the classics of gin and whisky.”
Bandero is a fantastic tequila to explore, and if you’re after a premium experience, Altos Tequila is an excellent choice. Its smooth and complex flavour profile makes it perfect for crafting top-tier Margaritas.
Rum
In the summer, rum is a must-stock spirit. Stuart sees rum’s popularity continuing to soar this year, especially aged rums like Mount Gay’s Black Barrel and XO.
For Nathan, a Daiquiri is a personal favourite rum-based cocktail for the warmer weather. “There’s nothing better than rum, lime, and sugar, shaken with ice until it’s cold and served in a nice cold cocktail glass.”
Aperitifs and Digestifs
The rise of aperitivo culture in the UK has seen aperitifs like Aperol and digestifs like Amaro shoot into the spotlight in British bars and restaurants. Mixologists say they’re still a must-stock for retailers.
Bethan Higson, founder of switchel brand Mother Root, says aperitivo culture “is where the magic happens; those moments with friends that make life meaningful and memorable.”
Sales of vermouth, a staple in the ever-popular Negroni, have recently been on the rise, so this drink should definitely find a home on retailers’ shelves in the months to come.
Botanical Spirits
The natural, fresh allure of botanical flavours has become a favourite in spirits, and Stuart believes artisan spirits using local botanicals will be even more in-demand this year.
Anna Parker, managing director at Celentano’s in Glasgow, recommends stocking Birch Botanical Spirit, a spirit blended in Scotland with raw birch sap and seasoned with wild birch flavours harvested throughout the seasons.
No and Low-Alcohol Spirits
As Stuart highlights, the boom in sales of no and low-alcohol drinks is showing no sign of declining any time soon. “A recent YouGov survey revealed that 44% of drinkers aged 18-24 ‘occasionally or regularly’ seek alcohol alternatives – up from 31% in 2022.”
RTDs
Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails served pre-mixed in cans and bottles continue to be popular with time-short customers. As a grab-and-go option for a picnic or a trip to the beach, you can’t get more convenient.
Stuart recommends Tom Savano and Edmunds cocktails, which can be dressed up with Mixologist’s Garden’s own ready-to-use freeze-dried orange or lime slices.
Summer fun
