summer drinks menu
SUMMER THEMES TO CONSIDER Cold brew:
“I think we’re starting to see lots of cocktails that are utilising cold brew coffee and cold tea,” says Lauren Mote, Diageo Reserve global ‘cocktailian’. “They’re adding really interesting flavours that we haven’t considered in the past. This Must Be The Place in Sydney, they’re doing fun things with kombucha that they’re fermenting in the bar, which is giving them different options and flavour profiles to play with.”
catching and alluring as possible. Funky, even overblown garnishes and big bright colours will get people ordering what they’ve seen and sharing it on social media. “Classic mixers such as tonic and soda coupled with fresh garnishes, citrus, strawberries and mint are eye catching and cater to the refreshing moment consumers seek as the days heat up,” says Oli Dos Remedios, marketing manager at Pernod Ricard Australia, Spirits. “Driven by Instagram culture, consumers are continuing to seek visually appealing cocktails to share with friends.” “The look of it is massively important,” adds Jason Crawley, director of The Drinks Cabinet. “Look at the frosé last summer. The Grounds has built a business on visuals – it’s the fourth most Instagrammed thing in Australia. Visual sells, mate!” Summer is an evocative season with plenty of sounds, smells and tastes for bartenders to bring to life in their drinks. With a readymade list of classics, the opportunities are there to play with flavours and designs to create something truly memorable that also slakes the thirst and pacifies the heat.
Flowers: “In summer, play with flowers, elderflower and
liqueurs like crème de violet,” recommends Joe McCanta, global brand ambassador for Grey Goose. “I love using sugar snap peas in drinks. It’s so green and fresh and delicious. It’s not something you’d think about in a cocktail, but it makes great drinks.”
Pink: “Vodka and other
white spirits are in growth, driven by the rise of pink cocktails,” says Oli Dos Remedios, marketing manager at Pernod Ricard Australia. “With a variety of pink spirits and mixers available that open the door to exciting and vibrant new cocktails, the pink trend is unlikely to slow.”
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