750 ml, $6.49
Available at Sobeys and fine food stores.
For more information visit belvoirfruitfarms.co.uk

Here come the summer parties – and just in time, the non-drinkers’ refresher arrives in the house. The night is warm, the guests have a convivial buzz on, the fairy lights on the patio are twinkling, but the people who don’t want alcohol have a problem – how to get in the mood without the usual libations? This drink may be just the ticket; it tastes brilliant and delivers a bubbly kick. Like champagne, it’s remarkable, and possibly just as steeped in tradition. It is subtly carbonated, and has a natural, bright taste, a bit like lychee with an echo of lime. There are several brands on the market, but Shelf Life chose Belvoir because it’s accessible (we got our bottle at Sobeys) and it’s made by Brits, who have a long history of manufacturing herbal and floral cordials, infusions, and other potions. In Europe, parts of the elderflower plant have been used for centuries in drinks and in preserves, with reputed health benefits. We don’t know about its healing properties, but we do know that this product has fixed several of our dinner party dilemmas. It makes a sparkling match to just about any snack or meal – it’s  particularly good with cheese dishes – and we loved it with peaches and cream, and, interestingly, Vietnamese food. Which is not to forget the alcohol fans – our mixologist friends took to it immediately, and declared a very happy marriage between elderflowers and gin. We’ll drink to that.

FIVE STARS *****