UNUSUALLY, the leading light in this week’s summer-orientated wine recommendations is alcohol free. Even more strangely, it is not wine at all. The liquid in question is Pixley Berries Blackcurrant Cordial, which is useful to have in the fridge over the warmer months: one, because it tastes nice and two, because you can use it to make DIY rosé.

I don’t usually like to adulterate wine and think mulled wine a waste, but adding a small amount of blackcurrant cordial (make sure it’s pressed like Pixley’s and not from concentrate) to an everyday white wine transforms it in to a perfect, fruity pink. Ideally, pick a neutral-tasting white; a reasonably cheap pinot grigio should do it.

I served my DIY rosé to some friends but didn’t let on about the ‘additive’. They really enjoyed the wine, commenting on its pronounced fruitiness.

I was going to use a frugal Italian fizz, La Marca Prosecco Extra Day, in the blackcurrant cordial experiment part II (see above) but actually it’s good drinking without being adulterated. A light summery fizz with flavours of pear, peach, grape and a touch of lemon sherbet, it makes a splendid aperitif.

I suppose you could make 35 South Horizon Chardonnay Semillon 2008, from Chile, in to a rosé too but again it’s fairly good on its own. Young, fresh and being touted at half-price, it is one of those ‘Ronseal’ wines, that does what is says on the label. Expect lots of bright lemon and peach fruit, with honey and a suggestion of vanilla. It’s not the most exciting wine in the world but it is eminently gluggable.

If you don’t fancy DIY rosé, then try The Real Rosé Company Sangiovese Shiraz from Down Under. It’s suitably dry and bursting with flavours of red summer fruits and notes of black pepper.

•Pixley Berries Blackcurrant Cordial, £3.19 at Waitrose and selected independent stores

•La Marca Prosecco Extra Day, £5.99 at Waitrose 16/20

•35 South Horizon Chardonnay Semillon 2008, £3.99 down from £8.01 until June 14 at Morrison’s 16/20

•The Real Rosé Company Sangiovese Shiraz £5.83 at ASDA 16/20