As the days get longer and our favourite beer gardens defrost, it’s time to start thinking about the ‘it’ drinks of the summer. From elevated classics to exciting new formats, this season’s offerings reflect a shift toward quality, refreshment, and lower ABV – offering ample choice whether you’re drinking alcohol or not.

Here are the key serves we tip for success in summer 2025…

The New Wave of Spritz
The spritz remains a summer staple. Still light, still sessionable – but with a sharper edge. Having evolved from its Aperol-dominated roots, we’re seeing lighter, drier variations built around the likes of yuzu, white vermouth, cherry blossom and herbal liqueurs. Hugo spritzes were arguably the drink of summer 2024, with searches for the elderflower and mint serve on social media skyrocketing by 281% last summer, but we could see further growth this summer thanks to increased cocktail menu listings and Aldi’s 75cl Hugo spritz RTD retailing under £5 reigniting the buzz amongst shoppers. 

Fear not Aperol lovers – you can now get your hands on 20cl multipacks for those spontaneous picnics or barbecues in the garden!

Elevated Frozen Serves 
Frozen drinks are no longer a novelty – we’ve graduated from super sweet sugary slushies and the classic frozen strawberry daiquiri to frosé and frozen palomas. The Trade are exploring with frozen formats to deliver intense refreshment with refined flavours. Expect well-balance serves using premium ingredients – perfect for daytime occasions or for a revitalising hit on a hot summer’s day.

Shandy 2.0
Modern takes on the classic shandy and radler offer crisp refreshment with a burst of fruity flavour. Bridging the gap between traditional beer drinkers and mixed drink fans, we’re seeing lower-ABV, sessionable blends dominate, with Jubel Peach the fasted growing craft beer in the On Trade at +96% (CGA OPM, March 2025). Think lager and peach, citrus shandy or tropical radler, served ice cold. Perfect as we enter beer garden season for those sunny day sessions.

Ice Tea’s Comeback 
Ice tea – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – is making a comeback. The UK non-alcoholic ice tea category has seen rapid growth over the last 5 years, and with spearheads Harry Brompton’s having just received a £2m investment from private investment firm Traditum we are set to see further innovation and growth. As for alcoholic ice tea, think RTDs like Riddles Lemon blended with tequila, or jasmine and Earl Grey tea infused cocktails paired with gin, vodka or aperitifs – the perfect offer for those looking for flavour over fizz. 

Herb and Garden-Inspired Serves
From garden G&Ts with thyme, rosemary or sage, to cucumber and rose-infused cocktails, ‘garden-to-glass’ is becoming more than just garnish. These serves are seasonal, green and clean, well suited to food occasions and those who prefer light complexity over sweetness. 

Summer 2025’s drinks landscape is lighter and more flavour-driven than ever. Whether frozen or straight from a can, with or without alcohol, this season’s serves lean into flavour without fuss - built for longer days, lighter moods, and changing taste preferences.