Welcome to 2009! Whether you're back at work or still on holiday we've got loads of goodies to help keep you feeling the summer love! Click here for a taste of what we've got...
With four seasons in one NZ summer day, you need to be prepared. We’ve got a full range of fun summer drinks to keep you cool as a cucumber, whatever the weather decides to do tonight!
Given that the beach is just minutes (if not seconds) away from most of our summer destinations, New Zealand must seem a holiday dream to backpackers from landlocked countries and polluted nations abroad.
However, us locals know that summer doesn’t always mean sun in the land of the long white cloud. How many times have you seen the New Year in with a thunder cloud? Or cooked a barbeque underneath a tarpaulin? Christmas dinners eaten around the fireplace?
Here are a few classy (and easy to make) cocktails, one for every season that you might see in one day, and a little something to beat the hangover blues.
IF It’s Hot… Let’s start with the best case scenario: Summer is actually turning it on. This happens… sometimes. It’s a beautiful day and you and the girls feel like something special. Make a round of Peachy Keens….
How to…
One generous part peach juice (can be from a can, but make sure it's not syrup) Four equally generous parts bubbly One peach slice
Pour the fruit juice into champagne flutes (or plastic cups….or mugs) Top up with bubbles. Do not stir or shake. Garnish with peach slice and perhaps even a mint leaf. Sip and enjoy.
IF Mother Nature Can’t Decide… You know those days. They seem promising, but just as quickly as the sun appears, it vanishes again. On these days, it’s best to sit on the deck (ie: near the shelter) and get something a little strong and silly down you. Don’t be scared of the egg, it just adds some froth to the mix. A round of Everything But will even provide the peeps with their Vitamin C requirements (that’s if they keep it down…)
How to…
Ice cubes One part whiskey One part gin One part lemon juice One part orange juice One egg Half a part apricot brandy (optional, or choose an alternative) One teaspoon caster sugar
Place ice cubes in a shaker with all ingredients. Shake well until smooth and velvety. Pour into highball glass and add ice cubes if required. If you really want to be flash, frost the rim of the glass with caster sugar before pouring.
IF It’s Actually Pouring Down... To save this party you need something to get everyone a little slurry and a little less grumpy. It can’t be anything that will create fights or tears, because you are stuck inside. That means no vodka and no whisky. However, no one said anything about tequila… Margarita, anyone?
The Easy Way... Bottle of margarita mix, available from any liquor store. One bottle of tequila. Salt.
Two-thirds fill an empty coke bottle with margarita mix. Fill the remainder of the bottle with tequila. Shake. Place in the freezer. Play your favorite holiday card game while you wait. When frozen to a slushy consistency, squeeze into glasses and drink!
The Less Easy Way... Crushed ice Three parts Tequila One part Triple sec One part lime juice Egg white Salt Ice cubes
Put crushed ice in blender with tequila, triple sec and lime. Blend. Dip the rim of the glass in egg white and frost with salt. Add two ice cubes and pour the mixture over top. Enjoy!
IF It’s The Morning After... Two words, and trust me on this: Bloody Mary. There is no alternative.
Two parts vodka Six parts tomato juice Teaspoon tomato sauce Dash of Worcestershire Dash of Tabasco Pinch of Salt Celery Stick Dusting of white pepper
Place four ice cubes in a cocktail shaker with vodka and juice. Add sauces and salt. Shake well and strain into glassesDecorate with celery stick and a dusting of white pepper.
Now all you’ve got to do is make sure you take it easy and look after each other and your holiday should go down cool and smooth, in any weather.
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full range of fun summer drinks to keep you cool as a cucumber, whatever the weather decides to do tonight! 
Let’s start with the best case scenario: Summer is actually turning it on. This happens… sometimes. It’s a beautiful day and you and the girls feel like something special. Make a round of Peachy Keens….