Cocktails aren’t just for the summer – there are still plenty of ways you can get creative with your favourite spirits and mixers when the temperature gets cooler.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect refresher for mild Queensland evenings or autumn and winter warmers for chillier climes down south, try these five cool season cocktails that are easy to prepare.
5. Bourbon Smash
Dark liquor is a staple of many autumn cocktails. This warming cocktail combines bourbon whiskey with refreshing fruity flavours.
Ingredients
50ml bourbon whiskey
1 dash Angostura Bitters
70ml cranberry juice
5 raspberries
1 slice lime
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Red currants for garnish (optional)
Method
Prepare a cocktail glass with diced lime and raspberries. Add bitters and sugar and mix well, followed by bourbon and ice, then top with cranberry juice and garnish.
4. Brandy Cocktail
Brandy is all too often overlooked as a base for cocktails, but this spirit’s fruity tones make it ideal for cooler evenings. The classic brandy cocktail is enhanced by the herbal notes of Angostura Bitters.
Ingredients
60ml brandy or Cognac
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 tsp sugar syrup
Lemon slice for garnish (optional)
Method
Add the brandy to an iced mixing glass and top with bitters and syrup. Stir well, strain into a cocktail glass and serve with a slice of lemon.
3. Buttered Rum
Spiced rum is already a favourite autumn and winter warmer, but this buttered rum recipe literally turns up the heat.
Ingredients
3/4 cup spiced rum
2 cups boiling water
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 pinch salt
4 sticks cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Method
Combine the butter, honey, salt, sugar and spices in a food mixer and beat until smooth. Add to a mix of rum and boiling water and stir until the solid mixture dissolves. Serve in mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
2. Ginger Hot Toddy
Put a spicy twist on the hot toddy with the help of fresh ginger and lemon.
Ingredients
1 lemon
2 cups fresh ginger
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
150ml bourbon whiskey
60ml honey
30ml fresh lemon juice
Method
Prepare the ginger syrup by combining coarsely chopped ginger and lemon peel in a food processor, then bring to the boil in a saucepan with added sugar. Reduce the heat and add the whiskey, honey and lemon juice, allow to simmer for 15 minutes, then serve warm in mugs.
1. Mulled Wine Sangria
You don’t have to wait for a July Christmas to savour mulled wine when you stir up this autumn sangria.
Ingredients
1 bottle red table wine
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons sugar
1 orange
1 lemon
Method
Add wine, brandy, orange juice and sugar to a saucepan and warm over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Add thin slices of orange and lemon and simmer for five minutes, then serve in mugs or heat-resistant glasses.
Enjoy seasonal cocktails in Emerald
The Maraboon Tavern offers a warm welcome and a wide selection of drinks for every season at our traditional pub in Emerald.
You can browse the wine menu in the Lounge Bar, take your drinks out to the inviting Beer Garden or catch the match and try the specials at our Sports Bar.
