Sizzling Summer Sips: Cocktail Recipes You Must Try
Summer in Australia means endless sunshine, beach days, and, of course, refreshing cocktails to cool down with. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just relaxing on the porch, having a repertoire of delightful cocktail recipes can elevate your summer experience. In this post, we’ll explore easy-to-make options complete with step-by-step instructions, so you can mix, shake, and stir your way to the perfect summer sip.
The Classic Mojito
Refreshing and minty, the mojito is a summer staple. Its combination of lime, mint, and rum is a go-to for anyone seeking a crisp and invigorating drink.
Ingredients:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 1/2 ounces white rum
- 1/2 cup soda water
Instructions:
- Muddle Mint and Lime:
- Place mint leaves and a lime wedge into a sturdy glass.
- Use a muddler to crush them together to release the mint oils and lime juice.
- Repeat with two more lime wedges and sugar.
- Add Ice and Rum:
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the rum over the ice.
- Top with Soda:
- Fill the glass with soda water.
- Stir well to mix, and garnish with the remaining lime wedge.
Tropical Piña Colada
Transport yourself to a tropical island with this creamy piña colada. Perfect for those who love pineapple and coconut, it’s a sweet escape in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 120 ml pineapple juice
- 60 ml coconut cream
- 60 ml white rum
- Pineapple slice and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Blend the Base:
- In a blender, combine pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve:
- Pour the mixture into a chilled glass.
- Garnish:
- Add a pineapple slice and cherry on top for a classic finish.
Berry Bliss Sangria
Capture the essence of summer fruits with this vibrant berry sangria. It’s an excellent choice for larger gatherings and is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 750 ml bottle of red wine
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup soda water
Instructions:
- Mix the Fruits:
- In a large pitcher, combine the wine, berries, orange slices, and lemon slices.
- Add Liquids:
- Stir in orange juice, brandy, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add soda water for a bit of fizz.
The Gin & Tonic Twist: Cucumber & Elderflower
A crisp, refreshing gin-based cocktail, the Cucumber & Elderflower Gin & Tonic is the perfect way to add a little sophistication to your summer sips. The subtle notes of cucumber and the floral sweetness of elderflower liqueur elevate the classic gin and tonic into something special. And if you’re looking to take it to the next level, we recommend using Brunswick Aces’ award-winning gins, known for their unique Australian botanicals and smooth finish.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Brunswick Aces’ Gin
- 20 ml elderflower liqueur
- 4-5 cucumber slices
- 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
- Tonic water (chilled)
- Ice cubes
- Cucumber ribbon or sprig of mint for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle the Cucumber and Lime:
- In a glass, add the cucumber slices and lime wedges.
- Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush them, releasing their fresh, crisp flavours.
- Add Gin and Elderflower Liqueur:
- Pour in the Brunswick Aces’ Gin and elderflower liqueur.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients, allowing the gin’s botanicals to shine through.
- Fill with Ice:
- Add ice cubes to the glass, filling it about halfway. The more ice, the longer your drink will stay cold!
- Top with Tonic:
- Top the drink with chilled tonic water to your desired level.
- Stir gently to mix, ensuring the flavours blend nicely.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a cucumber ribbon or a sprig of mint for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Peach Bellini
Effortlessly elegant, the peach bellini is a blend of fresh peach puree and sparkling wine. It’s a beverage that promises a touch of class at any summer gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and pureed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 bottle sparkling wine or prosecco
- Peach slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Puree:
- Blend the peaches with lemon juice until smooth.
- Mix with Wine:
- In a champagne flute, add about 30 ml of the peach puree.
- Slowly pour sparkling wine over the puree.
- Serve:
- Stir gently, and garnish with a peach slice.
Stir Your Way To The Perfect Summer
These cocktail recipes are not only delicious but also easy to make. Perfect for Australians enjoying the summer vibe, they offer refreshing flavours and can be enjoyed on any occasion. Try these recipes at your next gathering, and you’ll surely impress your guests.