As we creep ever closer to proper barbecue weather, it’s time to dust off your tongs and stock up on sausages. My first ‘cooking fire’ of the year was last weekend, and the whole family enjoyed posh burgers with lots and lots of ketchup. With three children, two cats and a big daft dog running around (not to mention a penchant for 100% nylon Hawaiian shirts) I now have a no booze policy when I’m cooking on an open fire. I just feel it’s the safer option. And there’s still plenty of time for a glass or two of something tasty afterwards with the food.
This policy has forced me to source good quality booze-free beverages that don’t stint on taste. There are many more options currently available than in recent years and I’ve listed my two favourites below. So, for designated drivers and lovers of cheap shirts everywhere…
Alcohol Free Sparkling Botanical G&T No. 06 Tee Total (M&S, £2.50). This is a remarkably good botanically infused beverage in the style of gin and tonic from Hamish Martin, head gardener at the Secret Herb Garden. Simply pour over ice in a tall glass, and chuck in a wedge of lime. You’ll find it in M&S beside the cordials and the tonic waters.
Pistonhead Flat Tire Dry-Hopped Non-Alcoholic Lager (Asda, £1.25 for a 33cl can). Non-alcoholic means an ABV of less then 0.5%, which normally means that you’re compromising on taste. The Pistonhead Flat Tire is tasty, and refreshing and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a normal beer with a normal ABV. It’s very moreish and a perfect thirst quencher when cooking on an open fire on a balmy Scottish evening.
And for afters, with the burgers…
So, you’ve been slaving away and you’ve fed the family...you now deserve a burger, and possibly a sausage or two. And certainly a tasty glass of wine. I’ve always been a fan of Australian reds with barbecues, but the prices have been slowly sneaking up and I have a £12 or £15 ceiling on barbecue wines. So, I was delighted to find the Boundary Line Shiraz 2017 (Inverarity One to One, £8.99). This alcoholic fruit bomb is perfect barbecue fodder, just make sure you stock up before the summer. Cheers!
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