Tropical tipples, coffee liqueurs and jelly shots: the best new summer spirits on the market

As the UK weather finally seems to have improved, pubs, bars and restaurants could look to capitalise on summer sales with updated cocktail menus.

 

Drinks suppliers are catering to this requirement with spirits launching that infuse tropical and exotic flavours into alcoholic drinks to create standout cocktails. This roundup of new spirits showcases the most innovative additions to bring sunshine to every glass.

 

Find new options for your cocktail menu below.

 

Tropical spiced rum showcasing exotic flavours

 

 

Aluna Rum is expanding its range with Aluna Tropica, blending premium rums sourced from Sri Lanka and the Caribbean with the exotic flavours of South Asia to create a taste of the tropics. The lighter, natural take on rum is showcases flavours of pineapple, lemongrass and almonds, with a smooth finish of honeyed spice. Made with minimal sugar, Aluna Tropica uses all-natural south Asian ingredients including pandan leaf, spiced pineapple, lemongrass and galangal.

 

Trade price 700ml bottle, £22

 

Sophisticated-tasting northern Indian whiskey

 

Mangrove Global has extended its world whiskey portfolio with the arrival of Indri, created by India’s largest independent malt spirits producer, Piccadily. Mangrove will now bring Indri’s expressions, Dru and Trini, to the UK market, as well as limited volumes of Diwali, which will be allocated exclusively to selected customers. The elements used across the Indri range are a homage to the northern Indian terroir. The spirit is made using natural Indian ingredients, including six-row barley. Distilling and maturation happens in a sub-tropical climate which encourages accelerated evaporation, helping to mature the whiskey much faster. The result is a deep and sophisticated flavour profile.

 

Trade price Trini from £32; Dru from £55

 

Saké bringing Californian sunshine

 

 

Californian saké house SoGood is debuting in the UK with Junmai Daiginjo. SoGood is the first premium saké to launch in the UK made with Californian-grown rice, cultivated by fourth-generation rice farmers. Made using Yamada Nishiki rice grown in Sacramento and fresh spring water from Sierra Nevada; the unique ingredient combination and California’s warm climate creates SoGood’s distinctive taste with notes of citrus, melon, honey and apple. The saké is plant-based, gluten-free, low calorie and contains no preservatives, sulphates or added sugar.

 

Trade price From £27.50

 

Cornwall crafted vodka

 

 

Emerging Cornish spirit maker, Padstow Distilling, has re-released its vodka in a new presentation depicting its unique geographical roots. Padstow Vodka ‘Gun Point’ is made from the distillery’s own barley-derived spirit, and bottled at 40% abv with natural water from the source at Tregirls Farm. The distilling process takes three weeks and uses Cornish barley grown a mile away from the distillery. The vodka is best served from the freezer on the rocks or mixed in classic cocktails such as the martini or bloody Mary.

 

Trade price £31.25 + VAT

 

Honduras coffee-infused liqueur

 

 

Brand new for the on trade, Giffard has unveiled a liqueur crafted from a maceration of a pure origin Honduras Arabica coffee. Café Du Honduras is crafted using a cold brew technique to create a dark, amber-brown liqueur, with aromas of freshly roasted coffee beans and notes of vanilla, cocoa and caramel. The Honduras Lenca coffee used is composed of a blend of several varieties (catuai, caturra, tipica, bourbon), and is ‘washed’ and not dried, 

which gives an intense and aromatic taste.

 

Trade price 750ml bottle, £20

 

Gin cocktail to celebrate British summertime

 

 

Niche Cocktails has teamed up with Bullards Gin to launch Summer Pudding Gin Fizz. The ready-to-drink cocktail, of 8% abv, is a fusion of fruity sweetness and botanicals, with flavours of ripe berries and hints of vanilla and subtle spices. The Norfolk gin blended with berries creates a beverage celebrating the British summertime, and marks Bullards’ first ever ready-to-drink offering. Niche Cocktails uses natural and carefully-sourced ingredients in its beverage range.

 

Trade price 12 x 250ml, £27.50

 

Jelly shots for spirits with a twist

 

For sites looking for a fun spirits offer, family-run startup Yixo has entered the market with a range of alcoholic jelly shots. Flavours include cola; pink lemonade; a blend of mojito and margarita; Irish cream; chocolate and whiskey; vodka orange; and lime and rum. The Yixo shots are delivered in individual ‘clams’ that must be refrigerated and will last for up to four months

 

Trade price 150 units of most flavours, from £375