Top 10 summer drinks

6 New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
"Sauvignon blanc is the hot pick to keep our cool this summer," says Natalie MacLean, author of Red, White and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass. "I'm keen on crisp, refreshing white wines from New Zealand, such as those from Cooper Creek, Oyster Bay and Kim Crawford," she says. They complement summer fare like salads, shellfish and cold meats, she adds in her free wine e-newsletter at nataliemaclean.com.

7 Organic brews
Organic foods have taken off, so it's no surprise organic booze is finding its way onto a shelf near you –- everything from organic beer such as Mill St. Original Organic Lager to spirits like Juniper Green Organic London Dry Gin.

8 Apricot julep
A twist on the Southern summer classic, mint julep, apricot julep has been praised by
New York super-chef Daniel Boulud as a hot cocktail party drink. Here's his recipe:

3 to 5 sprigs of mint leaves, torn into pieces
2 ounces of apricot purée
1 ounce of freshly squeezed orange juice
1.5 ounces of bourbon
0.5 ounce of apricot brandy
0.5 ounce of simple syrup (store-bought or make your own)

Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a glass, topping it up with club soda.

9 Bubbly
>Sparkling wine is always in style, and California bubblies are hotter than ever. Wine expert Natalie MacLean loves the moderately priced Roederer Brut from California.

10 Infused vodka
Infusing vodka with fruits, herbs and spices adds a complex flavour -- lavender and cucumber are on-trend this summer. Let marinate, then strain. Try it chilled and straight up, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails. You'll find plenty more recipes in Infused: 100 Recipes for Infused Liquors and Cocktails (Raincoast, August 2006).

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