BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin has been at the forefront of the classic cocktail resurgence for good reason: nothing is more versatile than a decent gin. Sapphire is a simple summer stunner in gin and tonics, thanks to the Tuscan juniper berries, Mediterranean lemon peel, and Moroccan coriander seeds that produce its nuanced, floral bouquet. But there are lots more easy, elegant Sapphire drinks to concoct at home.
For one, there’s the Sapphire Collins, a twist on the Tom Collins. Combine 1.5 parts Bombay Sapphire gin; .5 parts fresh lemon juice; ¾ part simple syrup. 3 parts club soda over ice in a tall tumbler or Collins glass. Garnish with lemon.
More of a lime person? To make the Sapphire Gimlet shake 1.5 parts Sapphire gin; ½ part lime juice; ½ part simple syrup with ice. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
For evening entertaining, consider a shimmering, burnt-orange Sapphire Negroni – one-part Sapphire, one-part Martini Rosso vermouth, one-part Campari bitters, stirred with ice and garnished with orange.
Best buy
Light my fire... America’s best selling whiskey, JD have infused Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 Tennessee Whiskey with fiery hot cinnamon liqueur to create Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire (£25, 70cl, Tesco). Charcoal mellowed and exceptionally smooth on the palate with powerful notes of cinnamon and spice, it’ll certainly fire up the tastebuds when it’s served neat over ice.
Wine of the Week
Top wine for the BBQ season is Luis Felipe Edwards Classic Malbec (£9, M&S).
A bright ruby-red Malbec from Central Valley in Chile blends with powerful aromas of sweet plums and black cherries over notes of earthy truffle and milk chocolate. The rich, medium-bodied palate is silky smooth and offers fruity depths and a long, balanced finish.
