How to Drink Well All Summer Long (Without Getting Bored or Dehydrated)

I’m a big believer that what’s in your glass should bring a little joy — whether it’s a perfectly foamed flat white, a Friday-night cocktail, or a fancy, mood-boosting concoction with zero booze but maximum flair. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been taste-testing, mood-sipping, and yes, occasionally over-ordering — all in the name of putting together this ultimate summer drinks edit. Some of these picks are longtime favourites I keep coming back to; others are discoveries I wasn’t expecting to like quite so much. There’s a mix of alcohol and no-alc, morning and evening, indulgent and functional — but every single one has earned its place. So if you’re in the mood for something fresh, familiar, or just plain fun, consider this your unofficial guide to drinking well all summer long — one sip at a time.

Jamie Lau | MUUSH

MUUSH Elixir

Created to be an evolution, not a compromise, when it comes to the non-alc sips of the season. Muush (£30, muush) has created a trio of elixirs that offer a more sophisticated experience, packed full of flavour and botanical benefits. Created with functional mushrooms, but with no funky flavour, this new way to drink is fast becoming one of my favourites. Choose between Zesty Blood Orange and Ginger, Tart Rhubarb and Apple, or Sweetened Raspberry and Lychee, and serve with your favourite mixer for a mood-boosting, flavour-enhancing way to start or end your day.

Aperol

Aperol Spritz Ready to Serve

Now if you know anything about me, it’s that I’m a long-time Aperol Spritz stan. You will never find me happier than with an AS in one hand and likely a plate of something delicious (and Italian) in the other. Now, the Aperol Spritz isn’t the most complicated of drinks to make, something simple but sophisticated, so you would think the need for a ready-to-serve version (£13 for 4, Sainsburys) was a bit redundant. But I’m here to tell you, you’re wrong. It’s the perfect addition to any summer party, any BBQ, al fresco dining when an Aperol Spritz feeling hits, but you are already in chill mode. Just crack one open and enjoy- or take it on the go. You get all the classic flavours without any of the fuss. The perfect embodiment of the spirit itself. No rush, no drama, just full flavour and enjoyment, and I am here for it… all summer long.

Van Hunks

Van Hunks South Africa Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé

Launching in the UK just a few short months ago, Van Hunks South Africa Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé (£14, Van Hunks Drinks) has already made waves (or bubbles). Not only does the bottle look at home on any bar cart or wine rack, with its rose gold details emulating the liquid rose inside, but its depth on the palate is on par with some of the best rosés on the market. Containing less than 0.5% ABV but not missing out on any of the flavour, you can expect sweet notes of strawberry and stone fruit with a fresh but floral finish that lingers, making you want more. A fantastic Summer drink that will pair perfectly with a charcuterie board or with smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Mockingbird

Mockingbird Raw Press Smoothies

Struggling to get your fruits and veg in? Fear no more. Mockingbird, the company that has made it their mission to help people feel their best, in super simple but delicious ways, has a range of raw pressed smoothies that all harness the power of superfoods in five mouth-watering flavours. But the Raw Glow Virgin Smoothie (£4.50, 750ml, Tesco) - a mixture of pineapple, white guava, cucumber, ginger and Peruvian ginseng is my favourite. You get a hit of pineapple to start, with a hint of ginger tingling on the tongue. The cucumber adds freshness and mellowness while the sweetness from the white guava brings it all together. A firm favourite that is added to my shopping cart every week. Which one would you pick?

One Living CBD

One Living CBD

Both flavours from One Living CBD are seriously tasty, but the Mint & Lime (£6.50 for 4, Morrisons) stood out as a clear favourite. It’s refreshingly crisp, with a bright burst of lime that delivers an invigorating citrus zing. That sharpness is quickly balanced by cool, garden-fresh mint, which softens the edge and leaves a smooth, herbaceous finish. Lightly sparkling and gently sweetened, it’s the kind of drink that feels both energising and soothing — like a booze-free mojito, ideal for those reset-and-refresh moments.

Cîroc

Cîroc Strawberry Limonade

If you are looking for your next favourite Summer drink, here it is. Cîroc Strawberry Limonade (£27.98, Asda) is a vibrant, summery blend that’s bursting with bold flavour. Juicy, sun-ripened strawberries take the lead, offering a sweet, ripe berry hit, perfectly balanced by a zesty twist of lemon that cuts through with a refreshing citrus edge. It's smooth, slightly tangy, and irresistibly fruity — a drink that feels like sunshine in a glass, made for sipping in good company and all made with a luxe spirit you can trust to bring the good times and vibes.

Rebel Kitchen

Camu Camu Berry Shot

Don’t be fooled by its small size — this vibrant little shot (£2, Ocado) packs a serious punch. The Camu Camu berry leads with a bold, citrusy tang that instantly wakes up the palate, layered with subtle berry notes and a natural, earthy depth. It’s sharp and refreshing. It has a smooth base and a hint of sweetness, and is boosted by natural vitamin C (containing 30 times more vitamin C than oranges, per ml). Like everything from Rebel Kitchen, it’s clean, functional, and full of purpose — the perfect kickstart for mornings or a mid-afternoon reset that doesn’t mess around on feel-good and taste-good factors. Available in 60ml health shots and 420ml dosing bottles.

Jamu

Jamu Wild Water

Jamu Wild Water brings something refreshingly different to the table. With natural botanicals and a nod to centuries-old healing recipes, it feels more like a ritual than a drink and comes in three delicious flavours. My go-to: the Sparkling Blood Orange (£40, 24 cans, Jamu Wild Water). The first sip lands with the vibrant, slightly bitter sweetness of blood orange — juicy and full-bodied, but never overpowering. Beneath the citrus, there’s a gentle hum of warming botanicals: a hint of turmeric, a trace of ginger, and an earthy complexity that lingers just long enough. Lightly sparkling and refreshingly unsweetened.

Vieve

Vieve Protein Water

Vieve Protein Water lands firmly in the refreshment category, not the supplement aisle, with each flavour bringing something different to the table. But the standout? Strawberry & Rhubarb (£2.30, Ocado). It's a delicately balanced blend, pairing juicy strawberry with a gentle rhubarb tartness. Crisp, clean, and surprisingly nuanced for a protein drink, it avoids the heaviness or synthetic sweetness often associated with functional beverages. Clear and light-bodied, it sips more like a flavoured water than anything overly engineered — a smart, subtle way to boost your protein and stay hydrated this summer.

Dorset Ginger Company

Raspberry With A Hint Of Ginger

This Raspberry with a Hint of Ginger (£33, 6x75cl, Dorset Ginger) is a perfect Summer sip. Bright and tangy raspberry takes the lead, while the ginger comes in gently, not too fiery, just enough warmth to add depth without being too overpowering. It’s well-balanced, refreshing, and a touch nostalgic, like a homemade cordial with a grown-up twist. It’s the kind of drink that feels at home in a picnic basket or poured over ice for a sunny afternoon slow-sip.

La Liqueur

La Tomato Liqueur

La Tomato from La Liqueurs (£21.25, Master of Malt) is a bold reimagining of what an aperitif can be — fresh, savoury, and entirely unexpected. This Japanese brand knows flavour; with a ripe tomato base with a subtle sweetness, a gentle umami depth, and a hint of acidity that keeps it bright and refreshing. There’s a delicate herbal complexity beneath the surface, making it feel both familiar and intriguingly different. The Tomato Girl Summer is finally here in all its entirerty.