The sun is shining and with temperatures reaching as high as 29⁰C – the hottest April day in 70 years – we're making the most of the heatwave with al fresco picnics, garden parties and the much-anticipated first barbecue of the year. But over-cooked burgers and warm beer just aren't going to cut it; we've rounded up some of the most appetising barbecue foods, ice creams and tipples for 2018.
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From vegan burgers that even the most devout meat-eaters will be tempted by to dairy-free ice cream and Aldi's budget-friendly take on Aperol, there's something for everyone. Click through the gallery for our mouth-watering selection…
Field&Flower BBQ marinated baby back ribs:
Get luxury free range, grass fed premium meat – such as these BBQ marinated baby back ribs – delivered direct to your door for an easy way to cater for your first barbecue of the year. Marinated in Field&Flower's homemade BBQ sauce, these are a must have. £7.98 for 840g, order at fieldandflower.co.uk.
Iceland Wagyu Beef Quarter Pounders:
It isn't a barbecue without a burger, and these Wagyu Beef quarter pounders will add a luxurious touch to proceedings. Seasoned with seaweed, salt and pepper, these are a game changer. £3 for two at Iceland.
Heck Simply Chicken Sausages:
If you don't eat pork or simply want an alternative to traditional sausages, these chicken sausages are for you. Heck's Simply Chicken sausages are made from lean chicken and are gluten and dairy-free. Although they are low fat and low calorie sausages, they're full of flavour and will taste delicious once grilled on the barbecue! £2.99 per pack, available at Morrisons stores nationwide.
Iceland 6 Chilli & Lime Prawn Skewers:
Seafood lovers will appreciate these delicious chilli & lime prawn skewers on the BBQ. Serve with a salad or create your own surf and turf by eating with a grilled burger or steak. £3 from Iceland.
Strong Roots Pumpkin & Spinach Burgers:
Barbecue season just got a whole lot better for vegans and vegetarians! Strong Roots' range features frozen pumpkin & spinach burgers or beetroot & bean burgers that are packed with flavour and are healthy, too. RRP: £2.99 per pack, available at Whole Foods Market, Waitrose, Ocado and Amazon Fresh.
Blue Skies Ice Cream:
Everyone will love this delicious new ice cream from Blue Skies, which is dairy-free, vegan-friendly and gluten-free. The range is made with creamy coconut milk and is available in three flavours – mango & passion fruit, chocolate & orange and coconut – just the thing to cool you down in the heatwave. Available at Waitrose, £4.99 for 450ml.
Aperini:
Say hello to your new favourite summer drink, Aperini! Aldi has launched its own version of the Italian aperitif Aperol, and it's half the price! We'll be mixing it with prosecco and a splash of soda water to create a refreshing Aperini Spritz. Available for £6.99 at Aldi.
Echo Falls Fruit Fusions:
The perfect tipple to accompany al fresco picnics or barbecues, Echo Falls Fruit Fusions are available in three tempting flavours - Summer Berries, Mango & White Peach and Raspberry & Cassis. Available at Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and other convenience shops from £4 a bottle.
That Boutique-y Gin Company Neroli Gin:
Give your G&T an upgrade with this brand new gin from That Boutique-y Gin Company. With the unique flavour of Neroli Oil, extracted from the blossom of the bitter orange tree, it's said to be particularly good in a French 75 cocktail (shake with freshly-squeezed lemon juice and sugar syrup before topping up with champagne). Delicious! £29.95 from Master of Malt.
Passionfruit Malibu:
Promising to provide a "taste of summer", the new passionfruit flavour Malibu will add a tropical twist to your drinks, thanks to its blend of Caribbean rum with passion fruit and coconut. Pick up a bottle at Tesco or Asda for £15.
Cordon Rosado rosé Cava, £11, Freixenet
If you want to impress your guests with the best bubbles, you need Freixenet's limited edition Cordon Rosado. The sparkly wine not only tastes exquisite, but who could resist this stripy pink, millennial bottle? Bring this out after the BBQ and all your guests will raise a glass in seconds…