Ring in the New Year with sunshine, sparkle and a glass that feels
like a celebration all on its own. These 19 summer cocktails bring
together some of South Africa’s most creative chefs and drinks lovers,
each offering their own festive twist – from icy granitas and kombucha
spritzers to rich espresso martinis and classic crowd-pleasers. Whether
you’re toasting poolside, hosting friends, or easing into 2026 with
something bright and bubbly, there’s a drink here for every mood.
Shake, pour, sip – and welcome the year ahead with flavours as
bold and joyful as the season itself.
by Oliver Swart
from Freestyle Cooking with Chef Ollie
A bright, refreshing drink that’s perfect for easy summer sipping and festive toasts. Cheers to sunshine, flavour, and holidays in a glass.
Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini
by Oliver Swart
from Freestyle Cooking with Chef Ollie
“My family and I tested this recipe a few times after a lunch while on holiday. We were very festive after that!”
by Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen
from JAN Voyage
“We can’t tell you how much Aperol is consumed on a Voyage, but a good amount of it does end up in a fluffy Aperol granita.”
by Sinoyolo Sifo
from Sifo The Cooking Husband Vol. 2
“The Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail known for its high alcohol content and refreshing taste. In my version, there is no vodka – hence the name!”
by Sinoyolo Sifo
from Sifo The Cooking Husband Vol. 2
This quick, citrusy Spritz comes together in minutes and brings instant summer-in-a-glass energy to any gathering.
by Dianne Bibby
“A perfect elixir on a hot summer’s day, using local wonder-plant, Spekboom.”
by Mmule Setati
from Feed My Tribe
“This is the perfect summer drink when you want to impress your tribe. Serve it in a big jug and leave your guests to quench their thirst.”
by Hendrik Marais
Also try the Basil Gin and Tonic and the White Wine Berry Spritz.
by Luke Dale-Roberts
from The Test Kitchen
by Dianne Bibby
“Paloma, Spanish for ‘dove’, is a simple, straight-up tequila, lime and grapefruit-flavoured cocktail. Kombucha and prosecco add fresh complexity. And more bubbles. Cheerful and delicious.”
by Zanele van Zyl
from Senidlile Kodwa?
Also try the Whisky Sour, Mint Mojito and Long Island Iced Tea.
by Dianne Bibby
“At first, robust and hard-hitting, settling to a lighter finish. The synergy between dark syrup and bourbon makes for a smooth, well-rounded mouthfeel. Fresh mandarin, although reformist, lends a mellow citrusy twist.”
by Luke Dale-Roberts
from The Test Kitchen
by Nicci Robertson
from Thrive
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