Jacob’s Creek, Kahlua, Allt-A-Bhainne, Gelatissimo: ultimate guide to the best drinks this summer

It’s the biggest party night of the year.

With December 31 drawing closer, Australians are getting ready to ring in the New Year with drinks flowing.

And if you want to impress your guests and shake up your New Year’s Eve party, there are new trendy drinks to look out for over summer.

Here, FEMAIL has rounded up the ultimate drinks guide to welcome 2019.

Prosecco spritz rosé

If Aperol Spritz is usually your go-to summer cocktail, then Prosecco Spritz Rosé and Le Petit Rosé Brut Cuvee are the perfect drinks for you

If Aperol Spritz is usually your favourite go-to summer cocktail, then Prosecco Spritz Rosé is the perfect drink for you.

Retailed at $19.99, the stylish wine by Jacob’s Creek is an exciting blend of effervescent Prosecco with pink grapefruit and botanicals to deliver a refreshing drink with balanced bitter notes and a juicy grapefruit flavour.

Available in a 750ml bottle, this ready-to-serve aperitivo is best served chilled and poured over ice with a slice of pink grapefruit.

‘It’s the perfect stylish drink for summer, whether you are relaxing with friends on a warm afternoon or getting ready for a fabulous night out,’ to Jacob’s Creek sparkling winemaker Trina Smith said. 

‘It’s subtle pink grapefruit flavour is a new twist on the already popular Jacob’s Creek Prosecco Spritz which has blood orange notes.’

The wine brand has also launched Le Petit Rosé Brut Cuvee, retailed at $21.99, which is a crisp and refreshing Australian Rosé with a little French style.

‘Le Petit Rose is a delicate savoury rosé made in a French style with Australian grapes,’ Trina said.

‘We’ve added some bubbles which lift the floral notes up to the nose and extend its already tremendous appeal to sparkling wine lovers. It’s a celebration of the start of summer and the holiday season.’

Espresso martini in a can

Coffee-flavored liqueur brand Kahlúa has launched Australia's first ready-to-drink espresso martini in a can just in time for summer

Coffee-flavored liqueur brand Kahlúa has launched Australia’s first ready-to-drink espresso martini in a can just in time for summer

Coffee-flavored liqueur brand Kahlúa has launched Australia’s first ready-to-drink espresso martini in a can just in time for summer.

Served with a modern twist, the creators have managed to keep the iconic creamy froth at the top of the beverage because it’s fitted with a nifty ‘nitrogen widget’.

Once the can is cracked open, just pour into a glass and wait 20 seconds for the bubbles to form on the surface – and voila! You have a classic espresso martini.

‘Kahlúa has made the preparation of one of Australia’s favourite cocktails simple with the new can – delivering consistent flavour and great quality every time,’ the brand said.

‘With a rich, velvety smooth texture and made with carefully selected ingredients, it tastes exactly like a freshly prepared espresso martini.

‘This innovative can is fitted with a smart nitrogen widget, which forces bubbles to the surface as soon as the can is opened, creating the classic crema.’

With a recipe boasting roasted coffee, Kahlúa’s liqueur and a dash of Vodka, the can, which serves two, is perfect for parties or picnics.

Distillery Allt-A-Bhainne has launched its new sweetly Peated Speyside single malt scotch whisky, retailed at $80

Distillery Allt-A-Bhainne has launched its new sweetly Peated Speyside single malt scotch whisky, retailed at $80

Scotch whisky

Distillery Allt-A-Bhainne, founded by Chivas Brothers, has launched its new sweetly Peated Speyside single malt scotch whisky, retailed at $80.

Offering a taste of the 70s, the brand encourages women to swap their red wine for a glass of whisky this summer. 

‘We know that whisky drinkers have evolved. They are becoming more adventurous with their repertoire and want to try something new. That’s why we’ve decided now is the perfect time to launch Allt-A-Bhainne,’ master distiller Richard Clark said.

‘Convention said we shouldn’t mix peat with Speyside and that smokiness and sweetness wouldn’t work together. But we followed our nose, distilled the whisky in the way we know and trust, and [the product] is the result. It’s a match that might go against traditional Speyside conventions, but that’s something we’re not afraid to challenge.’

Capturing its bold personality, the bottle design features strong, geometric shapes to create an energetic look that resonates with the 70s style of the distillery on the label.

Frosé sorbet 

Available exclusively at Gelatissimo stores around Australia, customers can get their hands on a limited-edition Frosé sorbet, until while stocks last

Available exclusively at Gelatissimo stores around Australia, customers can get their hands on a limited-edition Frosé sorbet, until while stocks last.

Celebrating summer with a perfect blend of wine and an icy treat, the refreshing light pink sorbet is made with Chandon Sparkling Brut Rosè and Australian-grown strawberries.

Fruit fusion 

Perfect for summer, Blushing Lady Sparkling Fruit Fusion offers a unique blend of hand-picked and sorted Tasmanian apples, cherries and Pinot Noir grapes, pressed and fermented

Perfect for summer, Blushing Lady Sparkling Fruit Fusion offers a unique blend of hand-picked and sorted Tasmanian apples, cherries and Pinot Noir grapes, pressed and fermented

Perfect for summer, Blushing Lady Sparkling Fruit Fusion offers a unique blend of hand-picked and sorted Tasmanian apples, cherries and Pinot Noir grapes, pressed and fermented, then skillfully blended and lightly carbonated.

Retailed at just $6.99 for a 300mL bottle, the result is a unique union of flavours offering a refreshing palette for easy drinking enjoyment.

Made with the pure taste of Tasmania, the wine brings a more approachable choice to the market, attracting new consumers who are just starting to drink wine, as well as enticing everyday wine drinkers looking for a new alternative.

‘We are excited to introduce a new style of drink with our Blushing Lady,’ wine-making Tasmania CEO Jonathan Lord said. 

‘We saw an opportunity to create a new drink that’s refreshing but not overly sweet; and will impress both wine drinkers and seasoned cider fans, as well as those looking to enjoy something a little different. 

‘Already receiving industry recognition, Blushing Lady was recently awarded a Bronze Medal at the 2018 San Francisco International Wine Competition.’ 

Sparkling coffee

Strange Brew has launched Australia's very first bottled sparkling coffee

Strange Brew has launched Australia’s very first bottled sparkling coffee

If you’re after a product designed to refresh your thinking and to give you a boost of motivation to get whatever it is you need to get done, then Strange Brew is it.

Comes in three flavours, add some sparkle to your summer coffee routine with Australia’s very first bottled sparkling coffee.

Refreshing, natural and energising, you can taste the high-quality caffeine in this very unique beverage.

Cold brewed coffee, steeped for four to eight hours to create a smooth, sweet, but not too sweet taste. Then bubbled and bottled ready for anyone to jolt themselves out of their afternoon funk.

The brand saw an opening in the market after spending 12 months researching what people want from a cold beverage.

A Roy Morgan study found more than 55 per cent of Australians over the age of 18 drink hot coffee, with many loving the kick and a new twist on energy drinks.

And so the Sparking Coffee was born. The drinks have been trialled by Sydney’s coffee-loving university students, and it definitely got people talking.

‘Sparkling coffee? That’s insane. I love it,’ one student said.

‘Very refreshing,’ another wrote.

And another commented: ‘I can’t believe someone thought of this; it’s freaking awesome.’

Available at 7-Eleven, the drinks come in three flavours, including Original, Ginger and Blood Orange.

Top summer drink picks 

BWS data reveal that gin, rose and craft beer will continue to be Aussies’ drinks of choice this summer. No-alcohol products such as zero alcohol beer are also on the increase, as are wine-based cocktails and seasonal spritzers. 

Easy drinking craft beers: There are plenty of lighter craft beers in stores this summer. Try the Pacific Ales and Summer Ales like the Balter XPA, Coopers Summer Session Ale and Wild Yak.

Health-conscious brews: Non-alcoholic and zero alcohol products are on the increase. Non alcohol beer and spirits are both in store for summer.

Rose-all-day: Currently growing at 40 per cent, rose sales will grow at double the rate in November. Drops to try include Cupio Rose and Rambling Rose. For those who prefer sparkling rose, or ‘Sprose’, don’t miss the Santa Margarita Sparkling Rose.

Summer sparkles: Prosecco sales are set to explode over the summer. New lines to try include Santaro Prosecco Spritz, Divici Prosecco and Graham Norton Prosecco. Spritzers and sparkling mixers like Aperol Spritz are also soaring.

Randy for brandy: Brandy sales will lift by 24 per cent and Napoleon Brandy will increase by over 44 per cent from November.

Gin fling: There’s an array of boutique distilleries popping up around the country fuelling Australia’s love for gin. Gin sales have grown by 29 per cent and is expected to be this summer’s most popular tipple.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk