We can’t wait for a long, (hopefully) hot summer and a great period for the trade.
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that there is no better way to enjoy the British summer than in a beer garden, rooftop or terrace with a refreshing beverage in hand. Check out our selection of sunshine sips and our top tips to make the most of your outdoor spaces to entice more customers this summer.
Get your outdoor spaces summer ready
Whether it’s giving your outside area a little refresh or a complete make over, we’ve put together a few tips that might help.
- Weather-proof your outside spaces
Given the unpredictability of British weather, installing umbrellas, gazebos, awning and durable outdoor furniture furniture will encourage more customers to enjoy the outside spaces and help increase dwell time and spend. - Shout about it
You've made the effort to make outdoor spaces inviting, so why not share it? Get some gorgeous snaps to share on social media and encourage your customers to do the same. - Consider an app
Make it even easier for customers to enjoy their time in the sunshine by installing an app that allows them to order their drinks direct to their table.
In 2021, GO Technology found that 67% of 25 to 34-year-olds said they would buy more drinks if they could order through an app. - Make it inviting
Take some care in making your outdoor spaces inviting. Think quality furniture, flowers, fairy lights, or keeping space clear for dancing. Do you want a more
chilled out, family friendly atmosphere? Bigger tables along with some nice relaxing greenery will help the lazy afternoon crowd feel right at home.
Sipping in the sun
We've put together some of our favourite drinks that just taste better in the sunshine.
Rosé all day
Rosé wines continue to soar in popularity and are perfect to enjoy outdoors when catching up with pals.
Whispering Angel is adored by wine lovers across the world. A benchmark of Côtes de Provence, this iconic rosé has evocative flavours of grapefruit and citrus combined with refreshing acidity.
Villa Conchi Blush Rose is a terrific lightly sparkling off-dry wine. Aromas of fresh strawberries with zesty, racy acidity to wake up the senses.
A classical Côtes de Provence rosé offering aromas of cherry, vineyard peach, apricot, orange zest and freesia, Mirabeau Classic is just right for enjoying in the summer sun.
An elegant sparkling rosé from renowned producer Bottega that’s just right for summer sipping. To minimise possible wastage, try their Rose Gold 20ml bottles. It’s the same beautiful wine in a tiny, adorable package.
Wine time in the sunshine
Even more delicious vino for more sunny sipping.
The Quinta das Arcas Arca Nova Branco Vinho Verde is a beautiful wine from the cool climate of northern Portugal. Fruity and fresh with a light-body, it shows green apple and a soft minerality. A touch of spritz on the finish makes this wine a perfect summer drop.
Alma Mora Chardonnay is light, dry and fresh with aromas of pineapples and white flowers, making it a perfect sip to enjoy in the sunshine.
Love wine but hate bulky bottles in the recycling bin?
Interpunkt Shiraz’s quirky cardboard packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable. A juicy and easy drinking red, perfect for outdoor events and beer garden barbecues this summer.
The Interpunkt Sauvignon Blanc is a typical fruity, zesty Sauv. But it’s what’s on the outside that makes this wine different - unique packaging means the carbon footprint of a wine is up to 6 times less than a glass bottle.
Sunshine spritzing
Step into summer with a fresh spritz menu.
Chandon Garden Spritz elevates the spritz experience. Combining Chandon sparkling wine with bitter liqueur made from natural orange peel extract, carefully selected spices and locally sourced Valencia oranges, this stylish, ready-to-drink aperitif is made for any sunshine moment.
Best served over ice in a wine glass with a rosemary garnish.
Joyously rich, complex and fragrant, Disaronno Originale is the base for the perfect summer sipper. Serve in a Disaronno Fizz to make an instantly sessionable drink to be enjoyed in the summer heat outside with great company.
Disaronno Fizz
Pour 25ml Disaronno Originale, 25ml lemon juice and soda water over cubed ice in a wine or balloon glass. Stir and garnish with lemon wedge or zest.
Beer garden classics
A light blush, apple cider, Magners Rosé is a twist on a well-loved classic. This sweeter take on the Original is the perfect cooling summer drink.
Menabrea Bionda is matured gently in the cave cellars of Biella, giving it a light and refreshing character with citrus flavours and floral undertones. The perfect sunny day lager.
Low and No in the summer
As customers are increasingly conscious of their health and wellbeing, there’s been a rise in people moderating their alcohol intake. Of those who are forgoing alcohol, 47.1% still go out to pubs, bars, and restaurants to socialize.
Highlighting your fantastic low and no alcohol offering will be key to inviting moderating drinkers into your bar.
Perfect for bringing the summer vibes, Caleño is a range of distilled non-alcoholic spirits inspired by the sun-drenched spirit of Colombia. Serve up a Caleño Dark & Spicy Mojito for a hit of non-alcoholic refreshment.
Caleño Coconut & Pineapple Mojito
Muddle mint and fresh lime in a highball glass. Pour in 50ml Caleño Dark & Spicy and add 25ml pineapple & coconut syrup. Give it a stir and top with soda water. Garnish with a large sprig of mint and pineapple.
Find the products mentioned in this article, and even more, online via Matthew Clark Live. Register for your online account here.
About the author
Mary McCarron
Mary looks after the majority of Matthew Clark's digital marketing comms. After a couple of years working in tech, she found her way back to the hospitality industry and can now be found talking all things cocktails, spirits, beer, softs and more across our website, social media, and other digital channels.
