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How to Stock Your Home Bar for the Summer
Feature: Long Read
Words by Bridie Newman
Picture the scene: it’s the height of summer, you’re hosting a fabulous garden party and the drinks are flowing. “These tipples are among the best I’ve ever tasted,” says a guest in admiration. “How did you come to acquire such a well-curated garden bar?” asks another. You smile humbly and raise a secret toast to the Fines Wines & Spirits department at Harrods.
The secret, of course, is deferring to the experts. Below, you’ll find a varied selection of delicious and exciting spirits, a guide to the best summer wines and our pick of must-have bar accessories for the ultimate home bar. Tell your guests you discovered the bottles on your travels. Or that they came recommended by a bartender friend in New York. We won’t tell if you don’t.
The Barware
First things first, bar tools. Covering all bases and winning on style points, the enamel-coated Courtly Check Bar Tool Set by Mackenzie-Childs comes with a bottle opener, long knife, strainer, long jigger, long spoon and a stand. Ice-cold cocktails, coming right up.
The Gin
G&T in the garden? Make it this traditionally styled London Dry with a hint of floral botanicals. Lumber’s Bartholomew Country Garden gin reveals delicate floral notes on the palate. Serve with elderflower tonic and edible-flower-filled ice cubes.
The Tequila
Impress the tequila aficionado with our buyers’ pick of the season. Made by the Sauza family the same way they did over 135 years ago, Fortaleza Blanco is smooth, easy to drink and has a long, complex finish. Expect citrus, cooked agave aromas with buttery, black pepper notes.
The Apéritif
The hot new drink of the summer? White port and tonic. Our buyers heartily recommend this Ferreira Dry White Port with its fresh, intense aroma, notes of dried fruit and complexity derived from careful ageing in oak. Serve with a sprig of mint and ice.
![Easy Summer Cocktail Recipes]()
Easy Summer Cocktail Recipes
Read & ShopHow about a thirst-quenching cooler? Beat the sun with our quick and easy summer cocktails recipes, starting with a frozen strawberry margarita.
The Rum
Double distilled and aged in Rhône wine barrels, the Vigneron Rum produced by Rude Mechanicals has notes of orange marmalade, praline and red apple, with cocoa powder and hazelnut aromas. Sip and savour over ice or in a classic Old Fashioned.
The Whisky
Winning multiple awards, including an outstanding medal from the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2020, Kyrö Malt is a must-try. The first Finnish single-batch rye whisky, made with 100% malted rye, it has a distinctively bready flavour underpinned by hints of honey and berries. Sip it neat or mix it into a whisky sour.
The Champagne
If your perfect pour is aromatic and fresh, you’ll love the elderflower, citrus and white-peach notes of the Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus NV. Made exclusively from Grand Crus grapes, the 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir blend is perfectly balanced.
The Rosé
Wine, dine and recline this season with Domaines Ott Clos Mireille rosé. Crisp and complex, it has velvety texture with a typically fresh summer fruit vibrancy achieved by notes of mango, melon, and lemon. Tastes extra fabulous with Mediterranean cuisine.
![The Best Wines to Drink this Summer]()
The Best Wines to Drink this Summer
Read & ShopGarden parties, picnics, barbecues – whatever your plans, our experts select the best wines to help you celebrate the season.
More Luxury Home Bar Essentials
Home Entertaining
Prepare for a season of fabulous garden parties, gourmet barbecues, decadent picnics and more with Harrods as your guide.
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