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Czech Black Pepper

Czech Black Pepper

10 drinks guaranteed to be picks of the party

A good quality lager and beer: There's no excuse for just buying the cheapest you can, because the chances are that the price will be reflected in the lack of taste. So go for choices which people will know, but might not ordinarily try themselves. Two to try – Staropramen Czech lager, Black Sheep ale.

Red and white wine: It's no longer acceptable to just think of wine as an ingredient for your party punch, meaning that the cheapest will do. The wine drinkers at your party won't thank you if you don't give at least a little thought to what they might like. By the same token, there's no need to break the bank to find a quality wine which they'll appreciate. Two to try – Triventino Shiraz/Malbec 2006/07, Cuvee Paul Simon medium dry white.

Sparkling wine: This doesn't have to be a top of the range vintage champagne. Spanish Cava and Italian Prosecco are excellent alternatives to have on hand for any celebration. You get the same lively fizz and fruity taste, but for a fraction of the price of the stuff which carries the Champagne name. The likes of Chile, Australia and New Zealand also produce some quality ‘fizzes' to look out for. Two to try – Bach Platinum Reserva Cava, Concha y Toro Brut Sparkling.

Flavoured spirits: There are so many to choose from here, and distillers are really picking up on the trend for adding favourite flavours to usually clear spirits, to produce a drink which gives refreshment with a real kick. Great on their own, or with a favourite mixer, these will bring a little sunshine to any occasion. Two to try – Absolut Pepper Vodka, Midori Melon Liqueur.

Premium spirits: When the evening is drawing to a close, it's great to slow things down with a smooth, full-bodied spirit. Made for sipping, these drinks are just right for savouring on a cool, moonlit patio, or by a roaring winter fire. Distillers are continually refining their methods to produce spirits which are distinctive, full-flavoured and true to their origins. Two to try – Havana Club 7-year-old Rum, Bulleit Bourbon Whisky.

Every good drinks cabinet should have examples of these styles of drink, and with many now being widely available without even having to scour the shelves of your local supermarket or off-licence, finding them takes no effort at all – just like drinking them, in fact.

If you are looking to buy beer this summer then make sure you go online where you can also buy whiskey from a range of countries.

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