Derby Drinks Tips

First up, a palate-cleansing, classic gin and tonic, which is always a popular aperitif to awaken the taste buds before some delicious snacks or a meal. In recent years the range of gin styles and botanicals used to create different flavours has expanded immensely and this fabulous spirit now offers so much to choose from. A superb example, which will have you thinking of long, warm summer days, is Mediterranean Gin by Léoube from Provence. Produced using olives and flora on their organic estate, this delicate yet flavoursome premium gin is sure to make you think of warm, aromatic summer evenings. Great served in the classic way with tonic, or, for a perfect sundowner, mix it on the rocks with crushed pink peppercorns, dried orange pieces and a small splash of olive oil – delicious!

Available from Daylesford Organic £50.

Or, to mark both the occasion of the Derby, and this special Royal year, take a look at the delicious offering from The Cotswold Distillery  and their Platinum Jubilee gin Fresh citrus notes of grapefruit, juniper and pink pepper are to be found on the nose with a jammy raspberry hit on the palate. Great enjoyed with classic tonic water or as a cocktail mixer.

Available from Majestic £34.95.

For bubbles fans, the sensational alcohol-free Wild Idol sparkling wines. These vegan and gluten-free low-calorie rosé and white bubbles are made from aromatic grapes carefully selected for their excellent quality and wonderfully pure flavour, making them suitably sip-able all day.

Available at The Derby or many great retailers including Daylesford and Selfridges. RRP £35.

More alcohol-free, vegan, gluten-free and low-calorie choice is also on offer this year with the launch of Jukes Cordialities, a range of  organic apple cider vinegar-based drinks, made with all-natural ingredients including vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices and flowers. These elegant red, white and rosé drinks offer fabulous flavours and look sensational in the glass. Miniatures to mix to personal taste with still, sparkling water or tonic water, Jukes Cordialities make a wonderful addition to the refined drinks choices available at the Derby and also available from Jukes Cordialities , Selfridges and other retailers . Ready-to-serve Jukes Sparkling Pinot Noir in a can is a delightfully refreshing addition from Jukes.

Available from Waitrose, Virgin Wines and Wine Delivered at RRP £10.

If a refreshing glass of beer is your alcohol-free drink of choice, I recommend the appropriately named Lucky Saint premium unfiltered lager when placing your bets. A pint of pleasure which will keep you ahead of the game. Lucky Saint is available in cans, bottles or on draft.

Available in bottle RRP £1.80 from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Majestic and other retailers.

Moving on to more traditional drinks and for a glass of English heritage, look no further than cyder! Created to celebrate 275 years of cyder making by 8th generation brothers Barry and Henry Chevallier-Guild Aspall’s medium dry draught cyder is full of racing acidity, lip smacking flavour and thirst-quenching taste. With delicate aromas and wonderful flavour of freshly pressed apples, this excellent drop, which is crafted in Suffolk, is the cider lover’s nirvana and is available both on the course and the high street.

Available in bottle RRP £2.30 from Asda, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose.

At the end of the day if a sipping spirit is more your go-to night cap, then take a look at rum. Yes rum! Not just for cocktails this molasses-based spirit is gaining traction in the premium category and for good reason. Try Guyana’s Demerara based rum producer El Dorado and their 12 year old rum, great served straight up or in a warmed spirits glass. With toffee on the nose, spice and chocolate on the palate, this red labelled rum has all the hall marks of a winner in the glass time and time again.

Available at Master of Malt. £36.95. Also in 15 and 21 year old versions too.