Ask the Experts

The Ultimate Summer Party Drinks List

In an almost cruel twist of fate, the final weeks of Summer always seem to be the warmest, sunniest and most social, which is why now is the perfect time to throw a seasonal soirée. But what drinks do you serve when you’re entertaining different friendship groups, work pals and even in-laws all at the same time?

Read Time 5 Minutes

By First Choice Liquor Market

What you need is an Ultimate Summer Party Drinks List; a guide to the perfect beverages to suit every kind of guest. And we’ve got some crowd-pleasing suggestions to make sure everything you serve up hits the mark.

The Sophisticated Drink

This is for the guest who’s always on the hunt for the freshest chilled beverage They raise their eyebrows in disbelief if you suggest something as outdated as a frosé and roll their eyes at the mere suggestion of an Aperol Spritz. Instead, win them over with the comeback varietal du jour from one of the world’s most renowned wine makers.

Serve: Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay
Method: Chill bottle to between 10 and 13ºC. Serve in a pre-chilled white wine glass.

The Trendsetter

A perfect drink for any guest who always knows all the latest drink trends. There’s only one drink that will satisfy. And that’s a cocktail garnished to within an inch of its life, served in a hollowed-out piece of fresh fruit.

Serve: Rum Punch (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

180mL Bundaberg Rum Small Batch
120mL freshly squeezed lime juice
60mL Triple Sec liqueur
480mL pineapple juice
4 dashes bitters
Lime wheels or wedges, to serve
Mint sprigs, to serve
Edible flower, to serve
One whole pineapple, to serve

Method: Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl. Add cubed ice and stir vigorously to chill and dilute. Trim the bottom of the pineapple so it’s flat and cut off the top of the pineapple about one-inch below the leaves. Scoop out the insides of the pineapple. Ladle punch into pineapple to serve.

The Conversation-Starter

Social butterflies are an essential ingredient for any decent party. They are knowledgeable about current affairs. They have hilarious anecdotes to share. To thank them for being the life of the party, serve them as a drink that’s as refreshing as their conversation.

Serve: Frozen Apple Margarita

Ingredients:

Salt, to serve
1 lime, halved
2 cups sparkling apple juice
1 cup tequila
2 tsp finely grated lime rind
2 tbsp lime juice
4 cups ice cubes
4 slices green apple
Lime zest, to serve

Method: Place salt on a plate. Run the cut side of the lime around the rims of serving glasses. Dip in the salt to coat. Place sparkling apple juice, tequila (if using), lime rind, lime juice and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve garnished with apple slices and lime zest.

The Crowd-Pleaser

It’s nice to serve a classic cocktail that you know will tick all the boxes. It needs to be easy to make, easy to serve and still seem impressive to your eager guests!

Serve: Martini (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

60mL Smirnoff Red vodka
5mL Dry Vermouth
2 tsp lemon zest
Ice

Method: Combine vodka and vermouth in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir for 10-15 seconds until chilled. Serve topped with a teaspoon of lemon zest.

The Emergency Slab

Being a party host involves careful preparation, impressive social skills and always having an emergency slab on hand for the plus-ones you weren’t anticipating. Choose a mixed pack and impress new pals by offering them a choice of ales.

Serve: Mixed 6 Packs (pick up in store)

Method: Chill one of each ale in the fridge. When your guest has chosen their preferred bottle, express chill the rest by wrapping them in wet kitchen roll and chilling them in the freezer for five minutes before transferring to fridge.