Cocktail Lover’s Guide to Summer Picnic Ideas

Planning a sunny day outdoors? Heading to the park, beach, or just your local green space, having great summer picnic ideas can make all the difference. When it comes to picnic drinks, nothing beats the ease and flavour of cocktails in a can or premixed bottles. They’re simple to pack, mess-free, and perfect for sharing with friends, so you can focus on enjoying the sunshine without any fuss.

Best Summer Picnic Drinks - Top Premixed Cocktails

Picking the right drinks can really make your picnic feel special. We’ve put together a little selection of premixed cocktails that are tasty and super easy to take with you, all made here in the UK. Whether you’re after something light and floral or something a bit more punchy, these cans and bottles are perfect for sipping outdoors. Take a look at our favourites below and find your new go-to summer picnic drink.

Why Premixed Cocktails Are the Perfect Picnic Companion

With our ready-to-drink options, there’s no need to lug around bulky bottles, mixers, or glassware. Simply grab your favourite cocktails in a can or bottles, pop them in your picnic bag, and you’re all set. The convenience is unbeatable, especially when you’re outdoors and want to keep things simple and fuss-free.

Beyond practicality, premixed cocktails add a touch of sophistication and fun to your day out. Imagine sipping on a crisp, floral gin and elderflower cocktail as the sun warms your skin and gentle breezes rustle through the trees; it’s a perfect way to enhance the relaxed, joyful atmosphere of a beautiful summer day. These drinks bring an element of celebration to any casual gathering, turning a simple picnic into a memorable occasion.

Many of the options we recommend are crafted here in the UK, often using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that capture the essence of the British summer. By choosing these drinks, you’re supporting local producers and enjoying flavours that feel fresh, authentic, and in tune with the season. What’s more, the eco-friendly packaging, whether in recyclable cans or bottles, means you can enjoy your picnic knowing you’re reducing waste and helping to protect the environment.

With premixed cocktails, there’s no need to worry about spills or bulky glassware, which means less mess and more time to relax and enjoy your company and surroundings. The lightweight, portable packaging makes it easy to carry everything you need, so you can focus on the fun, flavour, and fantastic memories you’ll create.

In short, premixed cocktails are more than just drinks, they’re a stylish, practical way to bring your summer picnic ideas to life and make your day outdoors that little bit more special.

Cocktail Cans

 

Perfect Picnic Pairings - Match Your Drinks with Delicious Bites

Pairing the right summer picnic drinks with delicious bites can turn your outdoor feast into something truly special. Here are some ideal matches using Gasm’s unique premixed cocktail flavours.

1. Razz Gasm Bottle - Pairs Perfectly with Chocolate and Cheese

If you’re after something a little more luxurious and plan to enjoy a full bottle or share with friends, the Raspberry bottled cocktail is a superb choice. Its rich, fruity notes pair wonderfully with indulgent dark chocolate or a selection of creamy cheeses like brie or camembert. This combination balances sweetness and creaminess, making your picnic feel extra special. Plus, if you’re hosting a bigger gathering, a case of six ensures everyone can savour this delightful flavour together without running out.

2. Sloe Gasm Cans - Matches Wonderfully with Charcuterie and Nuts

The Sloeberry gin-infused sparkling wine comes in convenient cans, making it ideal for picnics on the go. This deep, tart berry flavour works brilliantly alongside a charcuterie board filled with cured meats, tangy cheeses, and nutty crackers. The fruity tartness adds a fresh contrast to the savoury richness, while the portable cans mean no need to worry about glass or extra packaging. Perfect for sharing with friends at the park or beach, it brings an easy sophistication to any casual outdoor gathering.

Whether you're packing just 1 can for yourself, 3 for a small group, or going all out with a 6-pack or even 24 cans for a big summer picnic bash, Sloe Gasm delivers flavour, convenience, and style in every sip.

3. Plum Gasm Cans - Ideal with Spiced Dishes and Soft Fruits

The Plum Gasm canned sparkling cocktail offers a luscious, juicy plum flavour infused with gin and sparkling wine. This makes it a fantastic match for lightly spiced dishes such as grilled chicken, Moroccan-style salads, or even mild curries. Its sweet yet subtle tartness also pairs beautifully with soft fruits like peaches, figs, or apricots, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to your picnic spread. The can packaging keeps things simple and hassle-free, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the day.

• Single Can

• 3 Cans

• 6 Cans

• 24 Cans

If you're planning something a little more refined, like a dinner party indoors or a more formal gathering, our beautifully bottled cocktails are the perfect choice. With luxurious flavours like Raspberry, crafted for savouring and sharing, they bring a sense of occasion to any table. 

Explore our full range of cocktail bottles here and find the perfect match for your next celebration.

Must-Have Summer Picnic Essentials

Once your drinks are sorted, it’s time to prep for the perfect picnic setup. A little planning goes a long way in turning your casual gathering into something genuinely memorable. Here’s what you’ll want to pack:

• Chilled Premixed Cocktails – Stock up on a mix of Gasm’s cans, bottles, or mixed cases to suit everyone’s tastes. Plum for those who love fruity depth, Sloeberry for a tart twist, and Raspberry for something luxurious.

• Insulated Cooler or Bag – Keep your drinks and perishables cold all afternoon. Pack with frozen water bottles, ice packs, or even frozen fruit.

• Grazing Foods to Match Your Cocktails – Think: creamy brie, camembert or goat’s cheese (perfect with Raspberry bottles). Cured meats like prosciutto or salami (ideal with Sloeberry). Moroccan couscous, grilled chicken or veggie skewers (great with Plum Gasm).

• Chocolate squares or fruit tarts - For a sweet finish.

• Fresh Bread or Crackers – For building mini charcuterie bites on the spot.

• Soft Fruits – Figs, peaches, or berries not only pair beautifully with your drinks, but double as refreshing snacks.

• Reusable Cups or Glassware – You won’t need these with our cans, but nice to have for bottled cocktails if you’re going a little luxe.

• Picnic Blanket – Opt for a large, waterproof one that’s comfortable and can handle a full spread.

• Serving Board or Platter – Great for laying out cheeses, fruit, and charcuterie in style.

• Napkins, Cutlery & Wipes – Keep things clean and easy, especially if you’re going heavy on the snacks.

• Portable Speaker – Create the perfect background vibe with a mellow playlist.

• Games or Cards – Bring a bit of fun to the table, post-nibbles and drinks.

With all the right elements in place - flavourful drinks, well-matched bites, and a relaxed setup - you’re set for a summer picnic that feels indulgent, effortless, and undeniably fun.

What’s the Best Way to Chill Canned Cocktails for a Picnic?

Keeping your drinks cold on a sunny day is key to enjoying them at their best. The good news? Canned cocktails are super easy to chill and stay cold longer, thanks to their compact size and material.

Top tips:

1. Freeze your cans overnight (just don’t forget them!) for an icy chill that lasts.

2. Pack them into an insulated cooler bag or picnic hamper with frozen water bottles or ice packs. Frozen fruit (like grapes or berries) can also double as edible chillers.

3. Wrap each can in a wet paper towel before placing them in the freezer for 15–20 minutes for a quick chill just before heading out.

4. Bonus? Cold cans double as mini hand coolers when the heat kicks in.

How Many Drinks Should I Bring Per Person?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, but a good rule of thumb is 2–3 drinks per person for a relaxed afternoon picnic, especially if you're planning to stay for a few hours.

If you're including a mix of food and drinks, consider:

• 1 can per hour per guest (if drinks are the main feature).

• Bring a mix of flavours and formats, e.g. Plum Gasm for fruity pairings, Sloe Gasm for savoury, and Raspberry bottles if you’re leaning luxe.

• For larger gatherings, grab a case of 6 or 24 cans so there’s enough to go around without the last-minute dash to the shop.

• Don’t forget to bring extras for unexpected guests, or yourself, when one just isn’t enough.
  

Ready to Pack the Perfect Picnic? 

With the right drinks, delicious bites, and a few thoughtful touches, your summer picnic can be anything from laid-back to luxurious. Whether you’re sipping Sloe Gasm cans by the beach, pairing Plum Gasm with a spicy summer spread, or pouring Raspberry cocktails under fairy lights in the garden, Gasm makes it all effortless and unforgettable.

The key? Keep things chilled, pack the right essentials, and bring just the right amount of fizz and flavour for your crew. With Gasm’s range of canned and bottled cocktails, every picnic becomes a celebration, no shaker required.

Recommended Article: The Benefits of Canned Cocktails