Bank Holiday Hub Guide
A bank holiday weekend lives or dies on two things: the weather, and what is in the fridge. You can plan around one of those. This guide is about the other.
Whether you are hosting a full blown BBQ, a low-key garden hang or a long Sunday lunch, here is how to build a drinks line-up that keeps everyone happy without overthinking it or overspending.
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How to Think About Bank Holiday Drinks
Three rules keep things simple.
One, variety beats volume. Four different things people actually want to drink will always beat a mountain of one thing half of them do not. A lager, a rosé, a cocktail option and something soft covers most of a room.
Two, chilled beats warm, every time. Plan fridge space before you plan drinks. If you are buying more than the fridge holds, a cool box with ice is non-negotiable.
Three, buy one thing that feels a bit special. A nicer bottle of rosé, a decent spirit, a cocktail you can actually make. It lifts the whole day for about five pounds more.
Best Beers for a BBQ
For a crowd, multipacks are the smart buy. Better value per pint, fewer runs to the fridge. Crisp lagers like Budweiser 10x440ml, Cruzcampo 12x330ml and 1664 Bière 10x440ml work best in warm weather because they are clean, cold and easy going.
If you want to make the day feel more interesting, Sol Lager 12x330ml brings a lighter, lime-friendly option, and Budvar 8x500ml adds a proper Czech pedigree for anyone who wants something with more malt depth.
Best Wines for the Garden
Warm weather completely changes what wine tastes like. Heavy reds feel tired in the sun. Lighter, fresher styles come alive.
Rosé is the default summer wine for a reason. Dry Provence styles like Whispering Angel work with almost any food and suit almost any palate. If you are splashing out on one bottle, make it this.
Chilled whites like Yellow Tail Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc are made for grilled chicken, salads and lemony pasta.
For reds, Malbec is the BBQ red. Rich enough to stand up to steak and burgers, smooth enough to drink on its own.
Serve whites and rosés properly cold, around 8 degrees. Serve lighter reds slightly chilled, about 14 degrees. Twenty minutes in the fridge before pouring transforms them.
Ready to Drink Cocktails for Sharing
RTDs earn their place at any bank holiday because they remove the decision. WKD Blue 10x330ml and WKD Mixed 10x330ml work brilliantly for groups, and pre-mixed gin or vodka cans cover anyone who does not want beer or wine.
For something with a bit more cocktail character, look out for Jar Tails (Espresso Martini, Amaretto Sour, Pina Colada, Pornstar Martini, 2 for £6) and 99 Shots in Apple and Strawberry at just 95p each, both perfect for adding a spark to the drinks table.
Easy Cocktails to Make at Home
You do not need a home bar. One bottle of flavoured gin or vodka and a few mixers will cover most of what you want to make.
Four cocktails that work every time:
- • Flora Dora — Greenall’s Wild Berry Gin, lime, raspberry syrup and ginger beer
- • Stoli Strawberry Kiss — fresh, fruity and made for sunshine
- • Smirnoff Peach Fizz — Smirnoff Miami Peach with lemonade and a squeeze of lime over ice
- • Tropical Crush — Smirnoff Mango & Passionfruit with orange juice and soda, served long
For more serves, have a look at the full Booze Bar cocktail collection.
How Much to Buy Per Person
A rough working rule for a four to six hour bank holiday gathering:
- Beer drinkers: 4 to 5 cans each
- Wine drinkers: half a bottle each
- Spirits drinkers: 3 to 4 serves each (count roughly 6 serves per 70cl bottle)
- Soft drinks: 1 litre per person, more if it is hot
Always round up. Leftover beer keeps. Running out at 4pm does not.
FAQs
What is a good cheap spirit for cocktails?
Fireball, Southern Comfort and Tequila Rose are all available in 35cl for easy mixing, and the Smirnoff flavoured range (Miami Peach, Raspberry Crush, Mango & Passionfruit) makes long summer serves with nothing more than lemonade and ice.
What wine goes best with a BBQ?
A chilled Malbec for red meat, a dry rosé for mixed spreads, and a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for chicken and fish.
How far in advance should I chill drinks?
Beers and white wines need at least two hours in the fridge, or 20 minutes in an ice bucket with water and salt for a quick chill.
What is a good cheap spirit for cocktails?
A 35cl of Smirnoff, Gordon’s or Captain Morgan will cover most easy cocktails and costs a fraction of a full bottle.
Where can I find deals near me?
Use our store locator to find your nearest store, or browse the latest deals online.
