Let’s all do the Polka
NOPolka dots are in vogue again - quite literally, as the fashion magazine proclaims that polka dots are ‘elevated’ this year.
This iconic print has graced the dotty dresses of Minnie Mouse, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and punctuated the art of Yayoi Kusama.
Whether you find polka dots kitsch, kooky or chic, it’s a timeless design which has endured since the popularity of the polka dance in the 1830s.
To our mind it’s an effervescent print, perfect for summer parasols and aperitifs. Our Grace designs are polka dotted garden parasols, printed with a muted green that makes you reach for a lime and tonic. These designs are named for Grace Kelly, surely one of the most elegant wearers of the polka dot.
Lucy, our founder, recently had a baby and spent 9 months discovering many delicious non alcoholic spirit alternatives, many created here in the UK.
We love to support and shout about other small businesses.
In celebration of Grace’s composure and style we’ve collated 8 favourite and inspiring non alcoholic sparkling drinks to enjoy under a parasol in your sunny garden.
1. Sparkling Cucumber Mint Lemonade
This delicious non alcoholic cocktail used infused honey syrup, which acts as a concentrate for sparkling water. Try using a sweet basil or other varieties of mint for different versions.
SHOP THE GRACE PARASOL COLLECTION
2. Cantaloupe Lime Agua Fresca
This simple recipe uses ripe melon, lime and sparkling water for a perfect summer cooler that will leave you clear headed.
3. Botivo Archer
This small batch, aperitif inspired drink has bittersweet, herbal and citrus notes. It’s made in Hertfordshire and you simply serve it with soda water over ice, perhaps with a wedge of orange. If you like negronis, you’ll probably enjoy this.
SHOP ARCHER ROUND BAMBOO PARASOL
4. Pentire - Adrift
A botanical non-alcoholic spirit, made by distilling unique plants native to the Cornish coastline, such as rock samphire and sage. They suggest serving with tonic for a herbaceous and refreshing drink.
5. Virgin Pimms
A masterful concoction which uses a dash of balsamic vinegar to recreate the authentic Pimms flavour without the booze.
SHOP THE COLETTE ROUND BAMBOO PARASOL
6. Double Dutch Cucumber and Watermelon
This is designed as a mixer but it’s close to a zesty and mouth puckeringly good non alcoholic margarita. The company has excellent credentials being female owed and a B-corp.
SHOP GRACE ROUND BAMBOO PARASOL
7. Arouse
If it’s good enough for Gillian Anderson…This non alcoholic drink is made by her non alcoholic drinks company this is g spot and combines pineapple, passionfruit, dragon fruit, orange habanero and (buzzwords) adaptogens and nootropics. The butterfly pea in this particular drink is traditionally used as a herbal aphrodisiac.
SHOP EDMUND RASBERRY OCTAGONAL PARASOL
8. Hogans High Sobriety
At 1% ABV- this low alcohol cider is scrumptious.Allen Hogan has been making cider since 1985 using apples from Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. It’s refreshing and tangy with a light fizz. It’s a more adult and less-sweet Appletise- far from a peaty Breton cider.
SHOP EDMUND GREEN OCTAGONAL PARASOL
