1. Sparkling strawberry punch

With summer strawberry flavours and plenty of sparkling wine to add bubbles, this punch is made for a party.

  • ½ cup strawberry liqueur
  • 1 (250 g) punnet strawberries
  • 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 sprig mint, leaves picked
  • 1 cup soda water
  • 750 mL bottle sparkling white wine, chilled

Hull and thinly slice the strawberries and place in a jug. Thinly slice the lemon and add to the jug. Add the liqueur, soda water and mint and stir to combine. Top the mix with well-chilled wine and serve immediately.

2. Cranberry Christmas cooler

This drink sparkles with Christmas colours and is sure to beat the heat with its thirst-quenching blend of cranberry and lime. Vodka adds the zing to make it even more special.

  • Ice cubes
  • 200 mL vodka
  • 2 limes
  • 1 litre cranberry juice

Fill a jug with ice cubes. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the rind from one lime and add to the jug. Add in the juice from both the limes. Mix in the vodka and cranberry juice and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

3. Ginger fizz

Embrace one of the true flavours of Christmas with this ginger fizz. Refreshing and with the unique tang or fresh ginger, it is sure to become one of your favourite summer cocktails.

  • 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 750 mL dry sparkling wine

Place the ginger, sugar and ¼ cup water in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Let it bubble for 2 minutes or until it turns syrupy. Remove from the heat and strain, discarding the solids. Set the syrup aside to cool. Set out 8 Champagne glasses, and pour 1 tablespoon of the cold syrup into each one. Top with sparkling wine, and stir briefly to mix. Serve immediately.

4. Summer sangria

This refreshing punch is easy to make and even easier to drink. It's also a great solution for using up any less-than-special bottles of red wine you have on hand.

  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 500 mL lemonade
  • 750 mL red wine
  • 60 mL brandy
  • Ice to serve

Place the lemon and orange slices, wine and brandy in a jug. Stir to combine and place in the fridge for 20 minutes to allow the flavours to mix. Add the lemonade, stir and top up the jug with plenty of ice.

For more refreshing ideas, visit our Drink recipes collection.