Recipes
Fruity sensations: toast the New Year with these amazing cocktails
Four cocktails to liven up any occasion. And, so no-one is left out, there are non-alcoholic versions too
30 December 2018 - 00:02
By staff reporter
Image: Jams Moffatt/Bauersyndication
WHITE SANGRIA SPRITZER
Makes: 1.5 litres
Method:
- Stir 4 strips of orange rind, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, 8 cloves, 60ml (¼ cup) caster sugar and 250ml (1 cup) water in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Simmer for 5 minutes or until slightly syrupy.
- Transfer to a metal or ceramic jug, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or until cold.
- Just before serving, strain the mixture into a large serving jug. Add 80ml (⅓ cup) brandy, 2 sliced white nectarines, 500ml (2 cups) chilled sparkling water and a 750ml bottle of chilled sparkling white wine (or moscato for a sweeter version).
- Top with fresh lemon slices or mint leaves.
- Non-alcoholic version: Leave out the brandy and replace the sparkling wine with sparkling white grape juice.
ELDERFLOWER MIMOSA
Makes: 1.75 litres
Method:
- Slowly pour two x 750ml bottles of well-chilled sparkling dry white wine into a large serving jug.
- Add 250ml (1 cup) elderflower cordial and 10ml (2 tsp) angostura bitters.
- Stir to combine.
- Serve with twists of orange rind and lots of crushed ice.
Tip: If you can't find an elderflower cordial, use a lemon or orange cordial.
Non-alcoholic version: Replace the wine with sparkling alcohol-free wine.
CRANBERRY AND GINGER PUNCH
Makes: 1.5 litres
Method:
- Combine 750ml chilled ginger beer, 250ml (1 cup) vodka and 500ml (2 cups) cranberry juice in a large serving jug.
- Squeeze the juice of 3 limes into the mixture.
- Stir well and top with plenty of ice, fresh raspberries, sprigs of mint and thinly sliced pear.
- Non-alcoholic option: Replace the vodka with extra cranberry juice.
CIDER AND APPLE PUNCH
Makes: 2.25 Litres
Method:
- Stir 80ml (⅓ cup) of vodka , 180ml (¾ cup) caster sugar, 500ml (2 cups) water,
1 cinnamon stick and 3 sprigs fresh lemon thyme in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir to dissolve the sugar before bringing to the boil. - Simmer for 10 minutes. Cool, then refrigerate until cold.
- Pour chilled syrup and 1 cup vodka into a large jug.
- Add 1 thinly sliced green apple, two x 750ml bottles chilled sparkling apple cider, 750ml (3 cups) crushed ice and extra lemon thyme sprigs.
- Stir to combine.
Non-alcoholic option: Omit the vodka and replace with sparkling apple or white grape juice.
TIP: You can make all the cocktail bases a few hours ahead. Add chilled sparkling liquids and ice just before serving. Cheers!