Whether you like them bitter, sweet or sour, these cocktail recipes have all your boozy bases covered. These are our favourite festive cocktail recipes for getting the party started.
From classic Margaritas to plum Palomas and an array of Spritzes worth to add a dash of Champagne to, this is our curated list of favourites. Bottoms up.
Margaritas
A traditional and classic recipe for one of the most iconic cocktails there is.
Basil gimlet
Perfect for either solo indulgence on a hot day, or to enjoy with friends, this gimlet recipe uses basil for a fresh finish.
Double Deuce Lounge’s The Stinger cocktail
A modern take on a funky classic.
Watermelon, ginger and makrut lime shrub
A refreshing summer shrub to make in bulk – then just add soda (or booze).
Plum and thyme prosecco Spritz
This sophisticated springtime spritz is made by the batch. Leave the pitcher on the table for breezy top-ups.
Paloma
Australian Gourmet Traveller cocktail recipe for Paloma.
Cucumber and gin punch
Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for cucumber and gin punch.
Cerise Royale
An excellent way to use that bottle of rosé you were given but will never drink.
Cynar Spritz
Try this refreshing amaro spritz by Melbourne’s Capitano.
David Moyle’s sparkling shiraz and vanilla ice-cream spider
We love the ruby colour of this dessert cocktail, as well as its make-ahead potential. It has easy entertaining written all over it.
Christmas Spritz
Summer cherries and Lambrusco combine in a Spritz that screams Christmas in Australia.
Grapefruit-Campari Spritz
It’s seriously refreshing.
Mint Julep
Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for Mint Julep for a Great Gatsby party
Burnt grapefruit Paloma with rosemary
Jugs of Paloma cocktail are a great time waiting to happen.
Chilled eggnog
Australian Gourmet Traveller fast drink recipe for chilled eggnog
Pineapple punch
Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for pineapple punch.
Fleet’s Galah cocktail
For easy summer sipping.
Bar Louise’s sangria
A simple Spanish sip that can be made in batches – perfect for your next fiesta.
Coconut and mango Daiquiris
Australian Gourmet Traveller cocktail recipe for Coconut and mango Daiquiris.
Champagne Crustas
Champagne Crustas recipe – Mix orange juice, elderflower liqueur, syrup, brandy and bitters in a mixing glass half-filled with ice and stir with a bar spoon until chilled
Fino Bellini
Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for Fino Bellini.
The Rosita
We’re calling this one the saucy cousin to the Negroni.
Brae’s rhubarb and strawberry-gum spider
A grown-up version of the ice-cream spider that’s been missing from your life.
Light ‘n’ Stormy
You’ve heard of the Dark ‘n’ Stormy, but why not try a cocktail of navy-strength gin with ginger beer and lime?
Capitano’s Strawberry Sgroppino
Prosecco, strawberries and lemon sorbet. What’s not to love?
The Hardware Club’s Spritz Veneziano
Meet the original Spritz.
Gimlet: the best gin cocktail you’ll make all week
Gin, lime, sugar. It doesn’t get any easier than this.
Fruit-salad punch
Party punch meets fruit salad in this light and refreshing dessert.
Spanish-melon punch
A fresh, vibrant riesling-based punch.
La Casita’s Rosado
“This cocktail is named for its pink colour, which comes from the hibiscus syrup we make,” says La Casita bartender Ben Mudge. “It’s garnished with candied flowers and a grilled lemon slice, which gives it a lovely caramelised lemon flavour.”
Frozen Thai basil and makrut lime Mojito
Refreshment incoming.
Sangria Blanco
A light and bright take on the classic red-based sangria.
Sunset Negroni
Just as suitable for barbecues as it is for luxe cocktail parties.
Champagne punch
This punch is perfect for picnics (or any time the sun’s out, really). And the Champagne makes it just that little bit more special.
Aperol Spritz
We like ours with a splash of yuzushu.
How to make a French 75 (or rather, an Australian 75)
The combination of bubbles, gin and a touch of sugar equals a classy cocktail.
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