Over the years, Guns to Gewurztraminer has explored a variety of summer-friendly beverages, from crisp wines to chilled sakes. This year, however, we take a broader view. Today’s drinkers are increasingly seeking refreshment over intensity and flavour over alcohol. The result is a fascinating landscape of beverages that includes everything from sparkling sake and session mead to Mediterranean aperitifs and sophisticated alcohol-free brews.
Here is our Top 12 refreshing drinks list for the summer of 2026 in India.
Disclaimer: This list is focused on categories rather than brands. It is by no means exhaustive. All the brands in the list are currently available in India in one or more markets and have been personally sampled by us. For availability and exact prices, please refer to your nearest retailer.
Drink responsibly, stay happy!
1. Aperitivo Spritz
About
Few drinks evoke summer quite like an Aperitivo Spritz. Originating in northern Italy, the spritz combines bittersweet liqueurs with sparkling wine and soda water, resulting in a vibrant, low-alcohol (less than 15% ABV) drink designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
Why It Works
Its moderate alcohol content, refreshing bitterness and sparkling lift make it an ideal refreshment and an appetite stimulant especially during summer. The term “aperitivo” or “aperitif” derives from the Latin word aperire, which means “to open”.
How to Enjoy
Classic Spritz Recipe– As easy as 3-2-1
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts any Aperitivo liqueur
- 1 part soda water
- 3-4 cubes of ice
Build directly in a large wine glass over ice and gently stir. Garnish with orange slice, olive or other, depending on the liqueur used.
Variation: The recipe also works well with other citrus/ herbaceous liqueurs like Limoncello, Yuzu and Amaro.
Our Picks
- Aperol Spritz– Italy’s iconic bittersweet summer cocktail, combining citrus, bubbles and refreshment in every sip.(₹ 2000/ 750 ml)
- Select Spritz– A more herbaceous and complex Venetian alternative to Aperol, with deeper bitter-orange character.(₹ 2600/ 700 ml)
2. Sparkling Wines and Sparkling Sake
About
Nothing says summer quite like bubbles. From Champagne and Prosecco to Cava, Moscato d’Asti and Sparkling Sake, these beverages combine freshness with celebration.
Why It Works
Effervescence cleanses the palate while vibrant acidity keeps the experience lively and refreshing.
How to Enjoy
Serve at 6–8°C in a flute or tulip-shaped sparkling wine glass. If you would want to dwell deep in the aromas, use a pre-chilled white wine glass.
Our Picks
- Champagne Drappier Carte d’Or Brut– A Pinot Noir dominant refreshing and characterful Champagne (₹ 11,000/ 750 ml)
- Chandon Brut Sparkling– The best example of Champagne style sparkling wine from India (₹ 2500/ 750ml)
- Just Roberto Prosecco– A quality Prosecco from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy (₹ 2030/ 750ml)
- Freixenet Cava Cordon Negro Brut– An affordable sparkler from Spain. made in a similar way as Champagne (₹ 2750/ 750ml)
- Hakutsuru Awayuki Sparkling Sake– A lively palate-refreshing sake from Japan, perfect for opening up an evening (₹ 1300/ 300ml)
3. Ginjo Sake
About
Ginjo sake represents one of Japan’s most elegant brewing styles. Produced from highly polished rice and fermented at low temperatures, it is prized for its fragrant aromas and refined texture.
Why It Works
Typical “Ginjo aromas” of melon, pear, apple and tropical fruits provide tremendous flavour without heaviness, making it one of summer’s most preferred refreshers.
How to Enjoy
Serve slightly chilled at 10–12°C in a white wine glass to fully appreciate the aromatic profile.
Our Picks
- Senjyu Kubota Ginjo, Niigata Prefecture, Japan- A refined and elegant Ginjo sake with delicate fruit aromas and a remarkably clean finish (₹ 6500/ 720 ml)
- Hana Kizakura Junmai Ginjo, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan- An aromatic and approachable Junmai Ginjo with floral nuances and juicy fruit flavours (₹ 4500/ 720 ml)
4. Fruity Refreshers
About
Fruit-based alcoholic beverages have long been enjoyed across the world, but they are now finding increasing appreciation among Indian consumers looking for alternatives to beer, wine and spirits. Traditionally, cider has been the most familiar example of this category. Under current Indian regulations, however, cider is generally limited to a lower alcohol range, while stronger fermented apple beverages are classified as “fruit wine”. This distinction has encouraged producers to explore a broader range of fruit-based ferments that showcase the natural character of the fruit while offering greater flavour concentration and complexity.
Why It Works
The bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavours make these beverages particularly enjoyable during warm weather. They offer the refreshing appeal associated with cider while often delivering greater structure and depth.
How to Enjoy
Serve well chilled at 6-–8°C in a cider glass, highball glass or straight from the bottle. Add 2-3 cubes of ice if desired.
Our Pick
Animal Fruit Wine (ABV 15%), crafted from Himalayan apples- richer and more concentrated than a traditional cider (₹ 180/ 330 ml)
5. Soju
About
Korea’s most popular alcoholic beverage has gained a strong following globally, helped in no small measure by the spread of Korean culture and cuisine. Traditionally distilled from rice and other starches, modern soju is often available in fruit-flavoured versions with relatively low alcohol content.
Why It Works
Light, approachable and easy to drink, soju is perfect for casual summer gatherings and pairs effortlessly with a wide range of foods.
How to Enjoy
Serve well chilled at 4–8°C in small soju/ shot glasses or straight from bottle. It can also be poured over ice or mixed into simple cocktails.
Our Pick
Good Day Soju (ABV 13.5% – 16.5% ), available in classic and several fruit flavours in India (₹ 650/ 360 ml)
6. Session Mead
About
Mead is an ancient alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey mixed with water. While traditional mead can be rich and potent, “session mead” is its lighter cousin, crafted with lower alcohol levels (around 5%) and often with fruit flavourings and a gentle sparkle.
Why It Works
It incorporates interesting honey-derived flavours fused with other fruity/floral flavours while remaining highly refreshing.
How to Enjoy
Serve at 8-10°C in a tall or stemmed beer glass. You can enjoy it straight from the bottle too, but we would recommend using glassware where available.
Our Picks
- Hik Mead Blueberry, Guava, Karvanda, Mango and more variants- Presently available only on tap in Pune and Mumbai but according to the producers, will soon be available in bottled version in more cities across India (₹200/ 250ml)
- Cerana Mead Blue Pea Lavender, Grape, Jamun and more variants (₹ 200/ 330 ml)
7. Aromatic White and Rosé Wines
About
Certain wines seem tailor-made for warm weather. Sparkling, white and rosé wines typically fall in this category- though the appeal of light bodied fruity reds cannot be denied either. Here we will focus our attention on white and rosé wines that combine fragrant aromatics with refreshing acidity.
Why It Works
Mostly served chilled, they deliver flavour intensity without excessive alcohol or oak influence.
How to Enjoy
Serve at 8–10°C in a standard wine glass.
Our Picks
- Señorita Angel Creek Pink Moscato, Australia– A lightly sparkling, fruit-forward pink Moscato bursting with strawberry and floral notes (₹ 1625/ 750 ml)
- Domaine Jean Louis Mothe Chablis, France– From the famed Burgundian region of Chablis, this one has citrus, green apple, and flint aromas with a slight grapefruit note that shine well with a clean and crisp palate (₹ 4500/ 750 ml)
- Golden Sparrow Pinot Grigio, Italy– A crisp and easy-drinking Italian white wine with refreshing citrus and orchard fruit flavours. (₹ 1600/ 750 ml)
8. Summer Beers
About
Beer may be the most obvious summer beverage, but some styles are particularly enjoyed well in hot weather. Pilsners, light lagers and wheat ales shine during these months. If you have a microbrewery around, craft beers can be the best option, since they often offer innovative brews with seasonal flavours. Needless to say, bottled options are aplenty!
Why It Works
Their crisp carbonation and clean finish make them ideal summer thirst quenchers.
How to Enjoy
Serve at 4–6°C in appropriate beer glassware.
Our Picks
- Kingfisher Premium Lager, India (ABV 4.5%)- India’s best-known lager, offering uncomplicated refreshment and broad appeal (₹ 65/ 330 ml)
- Nevermind Wheat Ale, Taiwan (ABV 5% )- A smooth and aromatic wheat ale with notes of banana, citrus and gentle spice. (₹ 220/ 330ml)
9. Whisky Highball
About
The Highball originated as a simple mixture of whisky and sparkling water but was elevated into an art form in Japan, where precision and balance are paramount.
Why It Works
It allows whisky lovers to enjoy their favourite spirit in a far more refreshing format.
How to Enjoy
Classic Highball Recipe
- 45 ml blended whisky
- Chilled sparkling water/ club soda
- Fruit and herb flavourings (optional)
- Plenty of ice
Fill a tall highball glass with ice, add whisky, stir gently, top with sparkling water/ soda and stir once more. To tweak it further, you can add a dash of flavouring with a liqueur of your choice (orange, elderflower, violet etc). Garnish with a citrus peel, or a mint sprig .
Our Picks
- Suntory Toki Whisky– A light and elegant Japanese blend whose delicate profile makes it ideal for a summer highball (₹ 4000)
- Akashi White Oak Whisky– A soft and approachable Japanese whisky with subtle oak, honey and fruit notes(₹ 4255/ 500 ml)
- West Cork Bourbon Cask Irish Whiskey– A blend of 75% grain and 25% malt whiskeys with subtle sweetness and citrus, apple and nutmeg notes (₹ 2300/ 700 ml)
10. Pastis
About
Pastis is the quintessential summer drink of southern France. Flavoured predominantly with anise and aromatic herbs, it became popular as an alternative to absinthe and remains deeply woven into the café culture of Provence and the wider Mediterranean region.
Why It Works
Despite its intense flavour profile, Pastis is remarkably cooling and refreshing when diluted with chilled water. The transformation from a clear spirit into a cloudy, milky drink is part of its charm.
How to Enjoy
Pour one part Pastis into a tall glass and add five parts chilled water. Ice may be added after dilution. The traditional Pastis ritual entails serving Pastis and iced water separately, to suit guests’ individual preferences. A serving of salted peanuts on the side is also customary.
Our Pick
Henri Bardouin Pastis, regarded by many enthusiasts as one of the finest examples of the category (₹ 3000/ 700ml))
11. Sangria
About
Few drinks capture the spirit of summer as effectively as Sangria. Originating in Spain, its name derives from the Spanish word sangre, meaning blood, a reference to its deep red colour.
Why It Works
Fruit, wine and a touch of sweetness combine to create a festive, crowd-friendly drink perfect for outdoor entertaining.
How to Enjoy
Classic Sangria Recipe
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml orange juice
- 1½ tablespoons caster (superfine) sugar
- 1 bottle (750 ml) of red wine
- 90 ml brandy
- 500 ml lemonade
- 1 lemon
- 1 orange
- ice cubes
Put the lemon juice, orange juice and sugar in a large jug or bowl and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the red wine, lemonade and brandy.Cut the lemon and orange in slices and add to the jug and steep for 30 minutes. Add in the ice, stir and serve.
Our Pick
Any youthful, fruit-forward red wine with moderate tannins.
12. Zero-Alcohol Alternatives
About
The no- and low-alcohol movement continues to gain momentum globally. Today’s consumers can choose from sophisticated botanical brews, kombuchas, alcohol-free wines and de-alcoholized spirits.
Why It Works
These beverages deliver complexity and flavour, without the ill effects of alcohol.
How to Enjoy
Serve well chilled according to the producer’s recommendations.
Our Pick
The Sixth Element Himalayan Brews (₹ 130/ 250 ml) – A distinctive range of non-alcoholic botanical brews available in five variants with the “sixth element” being the consumer itself. Made without artificial additives and containing virtually zero calories, these brews are a great option for guilt-free flavour appreciation even for “drinkers” on “non drinking” days.
Water- the best of all
While the above list celebrates some of the world’s most refreshing beverages, the best drink in the world remains water– that we often take for granted.
Water is nature’s original refresher and the foundation of life itself. We can certainly do without wine, sake, beer or cocktails, but we cannot do without water. Whether sourced from the tap, filtered at home or bottled from pristine natural springs, safe drinking water is indispensable, especially during the summer months.
It is equally important to remember that alcohol contributes to dehydration. A sensible practice is to alternate alcoholic drinks with water throughout the day or evening. Your body will thank you for it.
So, as temperatures rise, raise a glass of your preferred drink—but don’t forget to raise a glass of water too.
Cheers and happy summer!
