There are many ingredients you can use to make Australian cocktails at home, depending on the specific cocktail you're making. However, here are some essential ingredients that you may want to stock up on to make a variety of Aussie cocktails.
1. Spirits
A good Australian cocktail will usually have a base spirit such as vodka, gin, rum, or whisky. MOUNTAIN Distilling provides a range of premium Australian-made spirits to give your cocktails an authentic Aussie twist. Below are some of our favourite MOUNTAIN Distilling products you can purchase to use at home when making your own Australian made cocktails:
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MOUNTAIN Gin: Inspired by locally foraged botanicals, MOUNTAIN Gin uses new growth pine needles and native mountain pepperberry found throughout the area. This, in tandem with fresh orange zest, lemon myrtle, juniper and coriander, creates a scent and flavour reminiscent of fresh mountain air and the smell of tall pines.
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MOUNTAIN Vodka: This purely Australian-made vodka offers clean aromas of smooth wheat vodka - hinting at peel, melon and tropical notes. Candy and alcohol deliver up front, with a subtle spice coming in late. Fresh fruits and native botanicals resolve to contribute an unmistakable MOUNTAIN essence to this contemporary Vodka.
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MOUNTAIN Red Gum Malt: Distilled in the Macedon Ranges, MOUNTAIN Red Gum Malt utilises 100% malted barley. It captures the flavours of the Australian native Red Gum as the only wood influence in the maturation process, creating a distinctly Australian profile.
2. Mixers
Used to dilute the spirits and add flavour to the cocktail, mixers can include soda water, tonic water, ginger beer, fruit juices, and syrups. There are several popular mixers that can be used in making Australian cocktails. Some of the most common ones include:
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Ginger Beer: Ginger beer is a popular mixer in Australian cocktails, especially in drinks like the Moscow Mule and the Dark and Stormy. It has a refreshing ginger flavour with a subtle sweetness and effervescence that adds a pleasant kick to cocktails.
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Lemon/Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice is often used in Australian cocktails to provide a sour and tangy flavour that balances out the sweetness of other ingredients. It is commonly used in drinks like the Margarita and the Whiskey Sour.
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Soda Water: Soda water, also known as sparkling water or club soda, is a versatile mixer that can be used in a wide range of Australian cocktails. It adds a fizzy texture and a neutral taste that can help to lighten and refresh drinks.
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Fruit Juices: Fruit juices such as pineapple juice, orange juice, and grapefruit juice can be used to add natural sweetness and tang to Australian cocktails. They are commonly used in tropical-themed drinks like the Piña Colada and the Sex on the Beach.
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Tonic Water: Tonic water is a popular mixer in Australian cocktails, especially in drinks like the Gin and Tonic. It has a bitter flavour and a distinct quinine taste that pairs well with gin and adds a unique twist to cocktails.
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Coconut Cream: Coconut cream is a creamy and sweet mixer that is commonly used in Australian cocktails with a tropical flair, such as the Blue Hawaiian and the Coconut Daiquiri. It adds a rich and indulgent texture to drinks and can complement the flavours of other tropical ingredients.
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Cranberry Juice: Cranberry juice is a tart and tangy mixer that can be used to add a vibrant red colour and a tangy flavour to cocktails. It is often used in drinks like the Cosmopolitan and the Sea Breeze.
These are just a few examples of popular mixers used in Australian cocktails. The choice of mixer depends on the specific cocktail recipe and personal taste preferences.
3. Citrus Fruits
Lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits are some examples of citrus fruits that are often used to add a tangy and refreshing flavour to Aussie cocktails. You can also use Australian native fruits, such as finger limes or Davidson plums, to give your cocktails a unique twist. Citrus fruits are commonly used in Australian cocktails to add a tangy, zesty, and refreshing flavour. Some popular citrus fruits used in Aussie cocktails include:
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Lemon: Lemon is a versatile citrus fruit that is commonly used in Australian cocktails. Its tangy and sour flavour adds a bright and refreshing note to drinks like the Whiskey Sour and the Lemon Margarita. Lemon zest can also be used as a garnish to add an aromatic twist to cocktails.
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Lime: Lime is another popular citrus fruit used in Aussie cocktails. Its tart and tangy flavour is commonly used in drinks like the Margarita, the Daiquiri, and the Mojito. Lime juice can also be used to add acidity and balance to cocktails with sweet or fruity flavours.
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Orange: Oranges, both sweet and bitter varieties, can be used in Australian cocktails to add a sweet and citrusy flavour. Sweet orange juice is commonly used in drinks like the Screwdriver and the Tequila Sunrise, while bitter orange liqueurs like Cointreau and Grand Marnier are used in cocktails like the Margarita and the Sidecar for their distinct flavours.
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Grapefruit: Grapefruit is a tangy and slightly bitter citrus fruit that can add a refreshing and unique flavour to Aussie cocktails. Its juice can be used in drinks like the Paloma and the Greyhound, while grapefruit zest can be used as a garnish to add an aromatic twist to cocktails.
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Blood Orange: Blood oranges are a type of orange with a distinct flavour that is slightly sweeter and less acidic than regular oranges. Their vibrant red colour and unique taste make them a popular choice in cocktails for their visual appeal and flavour profile. They can be used in drinks like the Blood Orange Margarita and the Blood Orange Gin Sour.
These are just some of the popular citrus fruits used in Australian cocktails. The choice of citrus fruit depends on the specific cocktail recipe and personal taste preferences. Always use fresh, high-quality citrus fruits for the best flavour, and remember to use them in moderation to achieve a balanced taste in your cocktails.
4. Herbs and Spices
Australian-inspired cocktails often use herbs and spices such as mint, basil, thyme, and cinnamon to add depth and complexity to the drinks. Herbs and spices can add unique flavours and aromas to cocktails, enhancing their taste profiles. Some popular herbs and spices used in Aussie cocktails include:
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Mint: Mint is a classic herb that is commonly used in Australian cocktails, such as the Mojito and the Whiskey Smash. It adds a refreshing and cooling flavour, with hints of sweetness and a pleasant aroma.
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Basil: Basil is another herb that can be used in Aussie cocktails to add a fresh and aromatic note. It pairs well with fruity and citrusy flavours, and can be used in drinks like the Strawberry Basil Margarita and the Basil Gin Smash.
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Thyme: Thyme is a herb with a slightly earthy and floral flavour that can add a unique twist to cocktails. It can be used in drinks like the Lemon Thyme Collins or the Thyme-Infused Vodka Martini.
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Ginger: Ginger is a versatile spice that is commonly used in Australian cocktails to add a warm and spicy kick. It pairs well with citrus, tropical, and whiskey-based cocktails, and can be used in drinks like the Ginger Whiskey Sour and the Ginger Pineapple Margarita.
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Cloves: Cloves are a warm and aromatic spice that can add a rich and intense flavour to cocktails. They are often used in drinks like the Mulled Wine and the Spiced Rum Punch to add a warming and festive note.
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Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a popular spice that can add warmth and sweetness to cocktails. It is commonly used in drinks like the Apple Cinnamon Bourbon Smash and the Cinnamon Pear Margarita to add a cosy and comforting flavour.
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Cardamom: Cardamom is a fragrant spice that can add a complex and exotic flavour to cocktails. It pairs well with citrus and floral flavours, and can be used in drinks like the Cardamom Rose Gin Fizz or the Cardamom Orange Old Fashioned.
These are just a few examples of herbs and spices that can be used in Australian cocktails. The key is to experiment and find the flavours that complement the base spirits and other ingredients in your cocktail recipes. Always use fresh, high-quality herbs and spices for the best results, and remember to use them in moderation to achieve a balanced flavour profile in your cocktails.
5. Ice
An essential ingredient for any cocktail, ice helps to chill and dilute the drink. You can use regular ice cubes or get creative with different shapes and sizes of ice.
By keeping these essential ingredients on hand, you'll be well-equipped to make a variety of delicious Aussie cocktails at home.
If you’re still not sure about making your own cocktails at home, we have craft Cocktail Cans to purchase from our online shop. Alternatively, we also have a Bar & Tasting Room located at our distillery in the Macedon Ranges, VIC, where you can kick back whilst sipping on cocktails made by our in-house professional bartenders.
