Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve
ANZAC Day is a time of reflection, respect, and coming together.
For many of us, it also becomes a long weekend spent with family and friends, whether that is at home, at a BBQ, or simply enjoying some downtime.
When it comes to drinks, this is not about over the top or novelty cocktails. It is about keeping things simple, familiar, and easy to share.
In this guide, I have put together a selection of Australian inspired cocktails that are approachable, beginner friendly, and suited to the occasion.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
A Note on Respect
Before we get into the drinks, it is important to acknowledge what ANZAC Day represents.
This is a day of remembrance for those who have served and sacrificed. The intention here is not to commercialise or trivialise that, but to offer simple drink ideas for those gathering with family and friends over the long weekend.
Planning Your Long Weekend Drinks
If you are building out your drink options, think balance.
A mix of lighter drinks, a few richer options, and something easy to batch will make hosting far easier.
If you are also planning for upcoming seasonal events, you can check out my guide on Easter cocktails to try this year in Australia, which focuses more on fun and dessert style drinks.
1. Golden Dawn Old Fashioned
A simple, warming drink inspired by golden syrup flavours and early morning reflections.
Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
60 ml whisky
10 ml golden syrup
2 dashes bitters
Ice
Method
Stir all ingredients over ice until well combined.
Non Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
60 ml brewed black tea (strong)
10 ml golden syrup
Dash of orange bitters (non alcoholic)
Ice
Method
Stir and serve over ice.
2. Oat & Honey Coffee Martini
Smooth, balanced, and inspired by comforting flavours.
Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
30 ml vodka
30 ml coffee liqueur
30 ml espresso
15 ml honey syrup
30 ml oat milk
Method
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
Non Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
60 ml espresso or strong coffee
30 ml oat milk
15 ml honey syrup
Ice
Method
Shake and strain.
3. Coastal Honey Highball
Light, refreshing, and easy to drink.
Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
45 ml coconut rum
10 ml honey syrup
Soda water
Ice
Method
Build over ice and top with soda.
Non Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
10 ml honey syrup
Soda water
Splash of coconut water
Ice
Method
Build and stir gently.
4. Autumn Spiced Sour
Warm and balanced, perfect for cooler weather.
Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
45 ml spiced rum
20 ml lemon juice
10 ml maple syrup
Ice
Method
Shake and strain.
Non Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
20 ml lemon juice
10 ml maple syrup
60 ml apple juice
Ice
Method
Shake and serve.
5. Caramel Sunset Whisky
Rich, smooth, and best enjoyed slowly.
Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
45 ml whisky
15 ml caramel syrup
Pinch of salt
Ice
Method
Stir over ice.
Non Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
60 ml apple juice
15 ml caramel syrup
Pinch of salt
Ice
Method
Stir and serve.
6. Aussie Lemon Spritz
Clean, simple, and refreshing.
Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
45 ml Australian gin
60 ml soda water
15 ml lemon juice
Ice
Method
Build and stir gently.
Non Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
60 ml soda water
15 ml lemon juice
10 ml sugar syrup
Ice
Method
Build and stir.
7. Honey Ginger Refresher
Easy, familiar, and great for groups.
Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
45 ml vodka
10 ml honey
Ginger beer
Ice
Method
Build and stir.
Non Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
10 ml honey
Ginger beer
Ice
Method
Build and stir.
8. Spiced Vanilla Cream
Soft, smooth, and lightly indulgent.
Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
30 ml vanilla vodka
30 ml cream
Pinch cinnamon
Ice
Method
Shake and strain.
Non Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
60 ml milk or cream
Dash vanilla extract
Pinch cinnamon
Ice
Method
Shake lightly and serve.
9. Brown Sugar Reserve
Deeper, richer flavours with a simple build.
Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
60 ml dark rum
10 ml brown sugar syrup
Bitters
Ice
Method
Stir over ice.
Non Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
60 ml cola or dark soda
10 ml brown sugar syrup
Dash bitters alternative
Ice
Method
Build and stir.
10. Honey Lemon Long Weekend Spritz
Light, refreshing, and inclusive.
Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
30 ml vodka
15 ml lemon juice
10 ml honey
Soda water
Ice
Method
Build and stir.
Non Alcoholic Version
Ingredients
15 ml lemon juice
10 ml honey
Soda water
Ice
Method
Mix and serve.
Beginner Tip
If you are new to cocktails, this is where you start.
Keep it simple. Focus on balance rather than perfection. Taste as you go and adjust to what you like.
That is how you build confidence quickly.
Before You Start Mixing
Before we start mixing, make sure you have your cocktail kit ready to go. A proper shaker, jigger and strainer will make the process smoother and help you create a better balanced drink. If you are still building your home bar, we recommend the Barillio cocktail kit here. Now let’s shake up something great.
Final Thoughts
This long weekend is not about doing anything over the top.
It is about good company, simple food, and easy drinks that bring people together.
Keeping things simple often works best.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you serving this long weekend? Let’s keep the conversation going.
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here.