Your Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Summer Cocktail Season

Featuring King Island Distillery Bass Strait Spirits 

Summer is just around the corner – and with it comes long, golden afternoons, sunset gatherings, and a fresh excuse to perfect your home bar. If you want to impress guests (or simply treat yourself) this season, now is the time to get your bar summer ready. Here’s how to set up, style, and stock your bar so you’re ready to shake, stir, and pour like a pro – featuring the must-have addition to your spirits line-up: King Island Distillery Bass Strait. 

1. Start with the Essentials 

A well-curated bar begins with quality over quantity. Stock versatile staples that allow you to mix a variety of classic and signature cocktails. At minimum, you’ll want: 

• Vodka – For spritzes, martinis, and refreshing highballs 
• Gin – Your go-to for G&Ts, martinis, and summer punch bowls 
• Bitters & Aperitifs – To elevate your serves with depth and complexity 
• Fresh Mixers – Soda water, premium tonic, ginger beer, citrus juices 

This summer, elevate those essentials with King Island Distillery Bass Strait’s award-winning range – including Waterwitch Vodka, King Island Coastal Gin, and Gidley Dry Gin. Each spirit is created with King Island rainwater and inspired by the island’s rugged beauty, bringing pure, crisp character to every serve. 

2. Upgrade Your Glassware 

Presentation matters – especially when entertaining. Invest in a few key glassware styles: 

• Coupes or Nick & Nora glasses for martinis and spritzes 
• Highball glasses for tall, refreshing serves 
• Rocks glasses for spirit-forward cocktails over ice 

Crystal-clear, oversized ice cubes or spheres (made with an ice mould) will instantly give your drinks that bar-quality finish.


3. Bring in Summer Flavours 

Celebrate the season with fresh garnishes and seasonal ingredients: 

• Citrus: Grapefruit slices, lemon wheels, dehydrated orange 
• Garden herbs: Mint, basil, thyme – ideal for vodka spritzes 
• Berries & stone fruits: Muddled for colour and sweetness 

Pair them with King Island Coastal Gin for a coastal gin & tonic, or craft a Waterwitch Vodka Highball with pear juice and thyme for a bright, elegant serve.

4. Style Your Bar Like a Pro 

Make your bar cart a talking point. Think coastal textures, linen napkins, and a mix of polished metal and natural wood. Add a small bowl of seasonal fruit or a sprig of island-inspired greenery for a fresh, welcoming vibe. 


5. Plan Your Signature Serve 

Every great host has a signature cocktail for the season. Try one of these King Island Distillery Bass Strait recommendations: 

• King Island Coastal Martini – Crisp, clean, and garnished with a lemon twist 
• Waterwitch Vodka Spritz – Vodka, soda, grapefruit, thyme 
• Gidley Negroni – A refined take on a classic, with equal parts gin, vermouth, and bitter aperitif 

Final Touch: The Story in Every Bottle 

The beauty of including King Island Distillery Bass Strait spirits in your bar is that you’re not just serving a drink – you’re sharing a story. Every bottle has been created with its own unique story – highlighting the beauty and history of King Island. From the pure rainwater used in distillation to the meticulous small-batch craft, these spirits embody a sense of place and purpose – making your summer gatherings that much more memorable.

To read more about King Island Distillery Bass Strait - CLICK HERE

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