Every year, the summer bar scene returns its focus to lightness, freshness and drinkability. This year, however, another shift is noticeable: an emphasis on simplicity, high-quality ingredients and clarity of flavour. Fewer complicated techniques, more emphasis on balance. Today’s modern summer drink is not about showmanship, but about how naturally it fits into the day’s routine — from an afternoon aperitif to evening service.
The current collection, prepared by Premier Wines & Spirits, reflects precisely this approach. It combines familiar spirits with exotic fruits, citrus and herbs, often complemented by a sparkling element. The result is cocktails that are easily adaptable for home use — without losing their character.
From spritz to basil smash
The Tropical Spritz capitalises on the currently strong trend for fruity aperitifs. June Mango, complemented by passion fruit syrup, creates a fuller, rounder profile that balances the dry Prosecco. The result is a drink that serves as a modern alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz — more aromatic, less bitter, yet still very drinkable.
Spicy Oriental, on the other hand, demonstrates how gin can be used in a lighter, summery style. Opihr Gin brings a subtle spiciness, softened by cucumber syrup and lime. Sparkling water lightens the drink and shifts it into the highball category — a style that has made a significant comeback in recent years.
Sloe Down works with the traditional category of sloe gin — specifically Hayman’s Sloe Gin — but places it in a modern context. The combination of yuzu soda and citrus bitters creates an elegant, slightly bitter drink that sits somewhere between an aperitif and a long drink.
Bohemian Basil Smash is a direct continuation of the “garden cocktails” trend. Bohemian Gin, basil, lime and cane sugar form an aromatic, fresh whole that builds on a simple yet effective combination of flavours. It is precisely these herbal cocktails that currently dominate summer menus across Europe.
La Oliva, meanwhile, signals a shift towards drier and less predictable profiles. Le Tribute Gin, combined with orange liqueur and olive lemonade, creates an unconventional, slightly salty and highly gastronomic drink. The olive garnish is not merely decorative, but a fully fledged part of the taste experience.
The common thread running through the entire collection is the approach that defines modern mixology today: minimum fuss, maximum flavour. Cocktails that work just as well in a busy bar as they do on a terrace at home. And that is precisely where their strength lies — they are not built on a fleeting effect, but on a long-term, sustainable style of drinking.
Source: Premier Wines & Spirits
