In summer, the warm weather lends itself to enjoying al-fresco dining, as parks and gardens across the country are likely to see an influx in picnics. For those stuck on what to drink alongside your tasty picnic snacks, we teamed up with drinks expert Neil Patterson at Real English Drinks to share which alcoholic drinks are best to pair with your favourite dishes, to enjoy in the sunshine.
Sausage Rolls and an IPA
“Sausage rolls are a staple of British picnic food and are perfect to take to the park or eat in a garden. I’d recommend pairing the picnic snack with an IPA, specifically a fruity and bitter IPA such as the Siren Soundwave to complement the spice in the meat. Not only will they go together perfectly but having it in a can makes it easy to carry and transport to your picnic.”
Sandwiches and a G&T
“There’s something about eating a sandwich at a picnic that just feels right in the warm summer weather. I’d recommend pairing your sandwich selections with a light and refreshing gin and tonic to emphasise a taste of freshness with a slight citrus flavour. A classic for a good reason, the simple mixed drink that requires just the two named ingredients and a hint of lime, perfect for sipping on in the sun.”
Charcuterie Board and a Cosmopolitan
“Perfect to put together for an outdoor feast, a charcuterie board of cured meats and cheeses always goes down a treat. It would pair perfectly with the tart sweetness of a Cosmopolitan, as the delicate appetiser expertly balances the sharpness of the cocktail. A board with baked brie, herbed goat’s cheese and sundried tomatoes would complement the cocktail wonderfully.”
Houmous and Pinot Grigio
“Hummus is an ideal portable snack to bring with you to enjoy a picnic out in the fresh air, with bread or salad ready to dip in. A bottle of Pinot Grigio is the perfect accompaniment as the crisp wine perfectly complements the flavours of this simple, yet popular picnic essential.”
Pork pie and an Apple Cider
“A pork pie is a British classic and an essential summer picnic dish for a warm summer’s day. I’d recommend pairing it with an apple cider, as the rich and hearty pork perfectly complements the subtle sweetness from the cider.”
Scotch Egg and a Lager
“Another British picnic staple is a scotch egg, ideal for wrapping up and eating outside. I’d recommend pairing this dish with a nice, cold larger. A specific larger that comes to mind is the Kona Longboard Island Lager, which has enough body to go toe-to-toe with a hearty dish like a scotch egg.”
