Australia’s top 25 beers, wines, RTD’s and cocktails to enjoy this summer

Whether you spend your summer poolside, beachside or holed up in airconditioned comfort, we have found the best bevs to help beat the heat.

These are the drinks set to take over summer.

Summer is all about good-vibes, great company and even better drinks and as we head deeper into the thirstiest part of the season, we have rounded up the top 25 drinks that are simply made for sunshine sipping.

Made for all tastes, this list features some of the highlights of the beer, wine and premixed choices available Australia wide, championing many locally owned and made producers, alongside a suite of simple but outstanding cocktail recipes.

Let us know your favourites below.

Beers

Felon’s Brewing Co Paradise IPA

Felons Brewing Co's Paradise IPA.

It will come as no surprise to Queenslanders that Brisbane riverside brewery Felons has produced some of the perfect beers for this summer season, including the Paradise IPA, which was created in celebration of the venue’s sixth birthday.

Described as a “cali-style IPA (that) shouts a flavourful zephyr of tropical summer fruits”, the Felons Paradise IPA is available direct from the brewery or from select bottle shops Australia wide.

Felons Brewing Co Australian Pale Ale

Felons Brewing Co's Australian Pale Ale.

Another perfect summer coldie from Felons is their Australian Pale Ale, which boasts a “juicy tropical fruit flavour and aroma, with a bit of haze and soft golden hue”, which Felons credits to the use of all-Australian malt and hop bill.

XXXX Tropical

XXXX Tropical.

There’s little better in the summer than a cracking open a cold, Australian beer, except maybe when purchasing that beer is actively restoring the Great Barrier Reef.

The XXXX Tropical lager has been developed in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, with the brand donating $100k to restore seagrass meadows, all while quenching your thirst with its mango, passionfruit and citrus notes.

XXXX Tropical is available exclusively in Coles Liquor stores and at the on-premise on Hamilton Island, for a limited time only.

Heineken Silver

Heineken Silver is one of this summer’s lightest choices for lovers of the ‘divine drink’, at 99 per cent carb-free and with only five International Bitterness Units, it has been labelled by many as the ‘smoothest beer in Australia’.

Heineken Silver is available at all decent beer stockists.

Heineken Silver.

Tinnies Howzat Hazy Pale Ale

Tinnies' HOWZAT Hazy Pale Ale.

This light amber nectar is just bursting at the seams with scents and flavours of lemon zest and tangerine, perfectly complemented by the balance of biscuit malt, making it an ideal summer sip.

The Howzat Hazy Pale Ale is available exclusively at Coles Liquor stores.

Wine

Sieur d’Arques Grande Cuvee Aimery 1531 Rose Cremant de Limoux NV

Sieur d’Arques Sparkling Rose.

A deliciously fresh blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir, aged for 12 to 15 months, this Sieur d’Arques sparkling Rose boasts notes of nectarine and fine bubbles.

This salmon-pink rose is available at Dan Murphy’s.

Tempus One Peach

Tempus One Peach.

Conveniently crafted in the sweetest pink can, this blend of prosecco, soda and peach flavours, is a beachside soiree’s best friend - lighter in alcohol and calories too.

Tempus One Peach four-packs are available at Coles Liquor stores Australia-wide.

Croser Orange Spritz

Croser Orange Spritz.

Another light and refreshing wine spritzer, the Croser Orange Spritz blends non-vintage Croser sparkling with orange bitters and citrus, perfectly served over ice with an orange slice.

At an affordable $30 a bottle, the Croser Orange Spritz is available at Coles Liquor stores.

Casillero del Diablo Carmenere

Casillero del Diablo Carmenere.

Casillero del Diablo Carmenere is a rich, bold red that pairs beautifully with charcuterie, cold meats and hearty vegetarian meals, complete with a mysterious backstory that is bound to be a conversation starter at all your summer dos.

Meaning Cellar of the Devil, Casillero del Diablo was named after its owner sent a story down the grapevine of a ghost in his cellar, in an effort to keep thieves away from his precious drops.

This Chilean drop is available at BWS and Dan Murphy’s.

Maison Lanson Le Black Creation

Maison Lanson's Le Black Creation.

For those seeking a more refined tipple through their summer celebrations, one of the world's oldest champagne houses and the official supplier to the British royal family, Maison Lanson, has bought their Le Black Creation 257 Down Under.

This four-year aged blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier is available at select Dan Murphys.

Ready-to-drink (RTDs)

Yulli’s Brews/Urban Cactus Ranch Water

Low-calorie, gluten-free and ‘nasty-free’, Yulli’s Brews tequila-based Ranch Water is another epic summer drink, based on the Texan Cocktail of the same name made of tequila, lime and soda.

The Urban Cactus Ranch Water is made by fermenting agave from scratch before adding lime, tequila and water and carbonating.

Available at all good bottleshops.

Urban Cactus' Ranch Water.

Barry Guava Prickly Pear Tequila and Soda

Touted as an “all-Australian” take on a classic highball cocktail, BARRY has blended Australian tequila with guava and pear flavours to create this epic ready-to-drink cocktail, perfect for summer sipping.

Proudly gluten-free, low-sugar, low-carb and low-calorie, Barry Guava Prickly Pear Tequila and Soda is available at Coles Liquor stores.

Barry's Guava Prickly Pear Tequila & Soda.

Fellr x Messina Sorbet Summer Series

Fellr x Gelato Messina's Sorbet Series.

The makers themselves champion this punchy little can as the ‘drink of the summer’ and it isn’t hard to see why, with a combination of Fellr’s award-winning hard-seltzers partnered stunningly with sorbet flavours from Australia’s most-recognised and popular gelato brand, Gelato Messina.

The sorbet series is available in a range of delightful summer flavours including yuzu, salted coconut & mango and blood orange, direct from Fellr, at BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores, as well as in-store at a number of partnered hotels and restaurants around the country.

Isla Vodka Lime & Soda Can

The Isla Vodka Lime & Soda.

There isn’t a more crisp, classic and refreshing beverage throughout the hot months than a good old classic vodka, lime and soda, and Isla has taken it to the next level with their canned variety, blending their signature Australian-made vodka with natural ingredients, leaving this option free from any artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners.

Isla Vodka Lime & Soda’s are available nationally in all Coles Liquor stores, and from the makers.

23rd Street Distillery Pomegranate and Raspberry with Australian Vodka

The 23rd Street Distillery Pomegranate and Raspberry.

23rd Street Distillery is a South Australian gem, owned by the Bickford’s Group, who have been producing top notch drinks since its restoration in 2016, with their spirits stilled in century-old, reclaimed copper stills salvaged from elsewhere in the wine region.

The Pomegranate and Raspberry with Australian Vodka is made with fresh pomegranates, picked from the company’s own orchard less than 100km from the distillery. This RTD is definitely one to add to your must-try list this summer and is available at select bottle shops and bars nationwide.

Cocktails

Rhubarb Collins

The Rhubarb Collins cocktail.

Edinburgh Rhubarb & Ginger Gin is the hero ingredient for this boldly fruity Collins, that leaves a spicy kick on the palate from the stem ginger infused into the gin itself.

This one is the perfect cocktail for summertime revellers looking for something with a kick, that is still light and refreshing.

Edinburgh Rhubarb and Ginger Gin is available at Dan Murphy’s and BWS.

Ingredients

• 50mL Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Gin
• 25mL Sugar Syrup
• 25mL Lemon Juice
• 50mL Soda
• Lemon Peel for Garnish

Method

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker and shake with ice.
2. Strain into a highball glass.
3. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

Watermelon and Lime Punch

The Watermelon & Lime Punch.

Festive and summertime celebrations are simply not complete without a spiked fruit punch, and this Watermelon and Lime version is a must try, delivering a subtle watermelon flavour accompanied by the tang of the lime and fresh orange juice.

Edinburgh Watermelon and Lime Gin is available at Dan Murphy’s and BWS.

Ingredients

• 50mL Edinburgh Gin Watermelon & Lime Gin
• 50mL Orange Juice
• 25ml Grenadine
• Top with Lemonade
• Watermelon slice

Method

1. Pour gin, orange juice and grenadine into the shaker with ice
2. Strain into a highball full of ice
3. Top with lemonade
4. Garnish with a small watermelon slice on the glass

The Pear Tree Classic

The Pear Tree Classic cocktail.

The Glen Moray Pear Tree Classic is an unexpected blend of single malt scotch and apple and pear green tea, which will surprise even the most experienced of scotch drinkers.

The combination of the easy-drinking and fruity single malt with the earthy green tea makes this cocktail the perfect pick-me-up, best served after a day in the sun.

Ingredients

• 50mL Glen Moray Classic Single Malt Scotch *or scotch of choice
• Lemon juice
• Apple and pear green tea
• Fresh pear, to garnish

Method

1. Pour the whisky into a cocktail glass and top with sweetened apple and pear green tea.
2. Add a dash of lemon juice to taste.
3. Garnish with a fanned pear.

The Theobroma

The Theobroma cocktail.

Sweetened by the vermouth and liqueurs and balanced by the oriental spice and cinnamon notes in the Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt, The Theobroma is one of those decadent dessert drinks that pairs perfectly with an evening under the stars.

The Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch is available at BWS and Dan Murphy’s and while not a drink you might immediately dive for by the poolside, its one you really must experience.

Ingredients

• 30mL Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch *or scotch of choice
• 15mL vermouth
• 7ml chocolate liqueur
• 5ml Frangelico hazelnut liqueur
• 2 dashes of Bitters
• Lemon twist to garnish

Method

1. Combine the Chocolate liqueur and bitters.
2. Stir, then add some ice cubes and pour in the whisky.
3. Add a twist of lemon to finish.

Yellowstone Bourbon Bacon Bloody Mary

The Yellowstone Bourbon Bacon Bloody Mary.

If you are someone inclined to indulge in a little ‘hair of the dog’ after a big night, this Yellowstone Bourbon Bacon Bloody Mary is the one to try, combining the ever-desired greasy bacon with a classic hangover cocktail.

Yellowstone Bourbon is available at Dan Murphy’s and BWS, but you can use any preferred bourbon.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Yellowstone Bourbon *or bourbon of choice
• 90ml Bloody Mary Mix
• 2-3 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce

Method:

1. Rim Collins glass with hickory-smoked bacon salt.
2. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake.
3. Strain into Collins glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with bacon and green olives.

Pink Gin Lemonade

The Pink Gin Lemonade cocktail.

A pink gin lemonade is one of those classic favourites to pull out year after year- simple, delicious and refreshing, it makes an ideal breezy summer beverage.

Mayfair Pink Gin is used in this recipe, which is available at Coles Liquor stores, but you can substitute with your favourite variety, or opt for regular gin and bottled pink lemonade instead of sparkling water.

Ingredients:

• 45mL Mayfair Pink Gin *or gin of choice
• 15mL simple syrup
• 45mL lemon juice
• A handful of raspberries
• Sparkling Water
• Ice
• Lemon Wheel and raspberries for garnish

Method:

1. Add raspberries and simple syrup to the shaker and muddle.
2. Add gin, lemon juice and ice then shake well.
3. Strain over ice and top with sparkling water.
4. Garnish with lemon wheel and raspberries.

Aperol Orange Margarita

The Aperol Orange Margarita cocktail.

Can’t choose between two of the most classic summer cocktails to exist, the Aperol Spritz and the Margarita? Don’t. Simply blend them with this stunning Aperol Orange Margarita.

A unique combination of silver tequila, aperol and lime, this recipe gives a brighter spin on a standard marg, which would normally use a more subtle orange liqueur.

While this recipe uses Vivir Tequila Blanco from Coles Liquor stores, you can opt to use any tequila you have or prefer.

Ingredients:

• 45mL Vivir Tequila Blanco *or tequila of choice
• 30mL Aperol
• 20mL lime juice
• 15mL simple syrup
• Orange zest and salt for glass rimming
• Orange twist for garnish

Method:

1. Rim the glass with orange zest and salt.
2. Add all the ingredients into the shaker and shake well with ice.
3. Strain over ice into the glass and garnish with an orange twist.

Strawberry Basil Gin Smash

The Strawberry Basil Gin Smash cocktail.

This Strawberry Basil Gin Smash cocktail is the perfect balance of fruity and peppery as the strawberry liqueur and muddled strawberries and basil leaves create the perfect base for the pink gin and lemon juice.

As with all these recipes, you can make this your own, by switching out gin varieties, or playing with the fruits and spices you choose to use.

Ingredients:

• 60mL Mayfair Pink Gin*or gin of choice
• 30mL Cocktail collective Strawberry Liqueur
• 4-5 fresh basil leaves
• 15mL lemon juice
• 15mL sugar syrup
• Fresh strawberries & basil sprig for garnish

Method:

1. In a shaker, gently muddle fresh strawberries & basil leaves.
2. Add gin, strawberry liqueur, lemon juice & sugar syrup.
3. Top with ice and shake.
4. Strain into glass then top with ice & garnish.

Whisky Mule

The Whisky Mule cocktail.

A warmer, spicier spin on the classic gin mule, the Whisky Mule is made in this recipe with Unbound Whisky which boasts strong vanilla, crème caramel, toffee, dried fruit and toasted oak flavours.

Unbound Whisky is available at Coles Liquor stores, but can be swapped for any whisky with a similar flavour profile.

Ingredients:

• 60mL Unbound Whisky *or whisky of choice
• 30mL Cranberry juice
• 15mL Lime Juice
• 15mL simple syrup
• Sodasmith Ginger Ale
• Ice
• Fresh Cranberries (Or Maraschino cherries) and a sprig of rosemary for garnish

Method:

1. In a tumbler glass, combine the whisky, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
2. Fill the glass with ice and top with the ginger ale.
3. Stir gently and garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

Patron El Cielo Spritz

The Patron el Cielo Spritz.

White or rose wine brightened further by the premium Patron el Cielo silver tequila, which took over 150 tasting sessions to perfect, come together in this tequila-based spin on a spritz.

Combine this with the subtle refreshing spice of ginger ale and a fresh orange slice, and you might well have made your favourite cocktail yet.

Patron El Cielo, available at Dan Murphy’s, Vintage Cellars and select independent retailers, sits at the pricier end of things but can be substituted for a more affordable option where required.

Ingredients

• 30ml Patron El Cielo *or tequila of choice
• 30ml chilled Pinot Grigio or Provençale rosé wine
• 300ml chilled Fever Tree ginger ale
• Orange slice for garnish

Method

1. In a white wine glass with cubed ice, build all ingredients, stir
2. to combine.
3. Garnish with a fresh orange wedge: squeeze and drop into
4. the glass.

Smoky Paloma

The Smoky Paloma cocktail.

When you imagine a Paloma cocktail, you would immediately expect the classic, vaguely salty, tequila and grapefruit version, but this Smoky Paloma will challenge all expectations. Made with a smoky, peaty whisky, like Wee Smoky, this cocktail offers a bold but smooth experience, where the smoke adds a new depth to the bitter grapefruit.

Wee Smoky is available at Coles Liquor stores.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Wee Smoky *or smoky whisky of choice
• 60 ml Pink Grapefruit Juice
• 10 ml Lime Juice
• 10 ml Agave Syrup
• Soda water

Method:

1. Wet your glass and salt the rim
2. Pour Wee Smoky, pink grapefruit juice, lime juice and agave syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake
3. Pour into a glass filled with ice
4. Top with soda water
5. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge

Originally published as Australia’s top 25 beers, wines, RTD’s and cocktails to enjoy this summer