Four drink recipes to try this summer

Publish date
Monday, 8 Dec 2025, 12:18PM

With the weather warming up this summer, we've got some cocktails for you to try!

Our friends at Outstanding Food Producer Awards, have shared these recipes for summer drinks to suit any occasion. 

Midnight Cherry

Rich, dark and quietly decadent, the Midnight Cherry is a vibrant twist on a bourbon highball. Perfect for late nights, slow sunsets, and everything in between.

Ingredients
Method
  • Fill a tall glass with ice and add the bourbon, then pour in the Sidekick Cherry Soda, almost to the top.
  • Add the Blackberry Liqueur, then garnish with rosemary.

Hoppy Michelada

A bold twist on a classic, this drink brings a vibrant mix of spice, citrus, and refreshing hops.

Ingredients
Method
  • Mix chilli and sea salt in a small bowl, then rub a lime wedge around the rim of a tall glass or tumbler. Dip the rim in the spice mix.
  • Fill the glass with ice.
  • Pour in tomato juice, filling one-third of the glass.
  • Add 30ml of tequila
  • Add a couple of dashes of Worcestershire Sauce and a couple of dashes of hot sauce.
  • Top up with Day Tripper.
  • Squeeze in two wedges of fresh lime.

Kiwitini

Vibrant, zingy and just a little bit cheeky, the Kiwitini is a playful twist on the martini. Finish with a slice of lime and enjoy a cocktail that feels like pure New Zealand summer.

Ingredients
Method
  • Take your Kiwi Sorbet out of the freezer 30 minutes in advance (it needs to be soft)
  • Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
  • Shake and serve in a martini glass or coupe, then garnish with a slice of lime.

Elderflower Blanc

Light, floral and effortlessly refreshing, this drink feels like golden hour in a glass. Topped with sparkling soda and finished with a fragrant sprig of thyme, it’s elegant, summery, and perfect for easy entertaining.

Ingredients
Method
  • Pour the wine, syrup and soda water into a champagne flute, then garnish with a sprig of thyme.

Recipes thanks to our friends at OutstandingFoodProducer.co.nz.

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