I gathered my colleagues to test a bunch of new summertime sips. These are the ones we’ll be pouring all season long.
BY JENNA HELWIG
1. THE BOTANIST ISLAY CASK RESTED GIN
Aged for six months in oak barrels, this is gin with whiskey vibes. Try it neat or over ice to savor its unique character. $50 for 750 ml; totalwine.com
2. EMPRESS 1908 ELDERFLOWER ROSE GIN
This crimson spirit gets its vibrant hue and subtle floral flavor from rose petals and other plants. $40 for 750 ml; empressgin.com
3. VIGIE LIMONCELLO
A California-made version of the traditional Italian liqueur! Drink it over ice after dinner or add it to bubbles for a boozy, spritzy lemonade situation. $44 for 750 ml; drinkvigie.com
4. VIAMUNDI MEZCAL
Produced by fourth-generation mezcaleros near Oaxaca, Mexico, this zesty find has notes of pink peppercorn, citrus, and black tea. $43 for 750 ml; viamundispirits.com
5. ROC DE L’ABBAYE IGP LOIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022
If you love Sancerre but not the $30-plus pricetag, do I have the wine for you: It’s crisp, balanced, and a touch mineral. $18 for 750 ml; wine.com
6. DOLADIRA
Inspired by ingredients from the Italian Alps, like rhubarb, plum, elderflower, and rosemary, this herbaceous aperitivo is best-served ice- cold or on the rocks. $35 for 700 ml; doladira.com
7. BRENDEL 4454 ROSE’S TROUSSEAU 2021
Juicy and relatively low alcohol (11%), this Napa vino lands somewhere between a rosé and a red. Pour it lightly chilled. $45 for 750 ml; brendelwines.com
8. SÈCHEY ROSÉ
Thisisrealvinothat’s had the alcohol removed, so you’ll still get all the dry, fruity fun of a refreshing glass of pink but none of the tipsiness. $20 for 750 ml; target.com
9. RUE DE RÊVE ROSÉ APÉRITIF
Say hello to a dreamy predinner patio drink in the same highly quaffable vein as Lillet. It’s made with wine, brandy, strawberry, lemon, and mint. $42 for 750 ml; ruedereveaperitifs.com
Photograph by Ted Cavanaugh