Gugulethu Tshabalala
Spring is in full swing, and warmer days bring the perfect excuse to gather friends and family for good food, great company and something cold in hand.
Whether you’re planning a garden lunch, a weekend braai, a birthday celebration or a lazy afternoon with friends, a colourful drinks selection adds a little something special. From fruity favourites to citrus-led refreshers, these are the five worth adding to your spring entertaining menu.
Strawberry & Mint Cooler
Fresh, fruity and beautifully refreshing, this one is made for a sunny afternoon and a very long chair.
You’ll need:
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lemon juice
- Sugar syrup or honey
- Sparkling water or lemonade
- Ice
Method: Muddle the strawberries and mint in a glass or jug. Add the lemon juice and a little sugar syrup, then fill with ice and top with sparkling water or lemonade. Stir gently and garnish with extra strawberries and mint.
Passion Fruit Spritz
Give your gathering a tropical touch with this vibrant, passion fruit-led pour. It looks like effort, but it isn’t.
You’ll need
- Fresh passion fruit pulp
- Orange juice
- Sparkling water
- Ice
- Fresh orange slices
Method: Add the passion fruit pulp and orange juice to a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water, stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
Watermelon & Lime Refresher
Nothing says warm-weather entertaining quite like watermelon. Here, its sweetness meets a little citrus zing.
You’ll need
- Fresh watermelon (cubed)
- Fresh lime juice
- Mint leaves
- Sparkling water
- Ice
Method: Blend the watermelon until smooth, and strain if you prefer a cleaner finish. Pour over ice, add the lime juice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with mint.
Pineapple & Ginger Cooler
For something with a bit more character, try this pairing. Pineapple brings the sweetness, ginger brings the gentle warmth, and ginger beer does the fizzy heavy lifting.
You’ll need
- Fresh pineapple juice
- Ginger beer
- Fresh lime juice
- Pineapple wedges
- Ice
Citrus & Rosemary Spritz
Simple, elegant and refreshing, this citrus-led drink suits an outdoor lunch or a golden-hour gathering equally well.
You’ll need
- Fresh orange juice
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sparkling water
- Rosemary sprigs
- Ice
Method: Combine the orange and lemon juice in a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water, add a sprig of rosemary and garnish with an orange slice.
Make Your Next Gathering a Little More Refreshing
The best gatherings are often about the little details. A thoughtfully prepared drinks station, fresh seasonal ingredients and a beautiful outdoor setting can turn an ordinary afternoon into something memorable.
So whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply enjoying a sunny weekend at home, give these combinations a try.
