Drinks to Make at Home

A good drink turns an ordinary evening into an occasion. Some of the best ones take five minutes and a saucepan: a pot of spiced wine for friends, a jar of homemade liqueur to give as a present, a proper cup of tea. Here's our pick of drinks to make at home, plus the ingredients that make them sing.

Warm and spiced

Mulled wine. Red wine warmed gently with orange, cinnamon, star anise and cloves. Never boil it, and it serves a crowd in 25 minutes. Perfect for a winter party or a Christmas in July.
Chai-style tea. Start with black tea, add crushed cardamom, a slice of ginger and milk, then sweeten to taste. Your kitchen will smell wonderful.
Ginger and lemon. Fresh ginger slices and a squeeze of lemon in hot water, with a spoon of honey if you like. Simple, soothing and cheap.

To sip slowly

Chocolate liqueur. Whisky, chocolate and condensed milk, made in 15 minutes. Pour it into small bottles and you have the easiest homemade gift there is.
Coffee. Learn a little about beans and brewing and your morning cup gets better for free. Our coffee page covers buying and storing it.

Fresh and cold

Lime and lemongrass cooler. Bruise a stalk of lemongrass, steep it in hot water, chill, then add lime juice and ice. It tastes like a Thai holiday.
Rosehip tea. Rosehips make a bright, tangy red tea, hot or iced. They grow wild across much of southern Australia.
Nettle tea. Young nettle tips steeped in hot water make a grassy green tea. Wear gloves when you pick them; the sting disappears once they hit hot water.
Mulberry soda. Crush ripe mulberries with a little sugar, strain, and top with sparkling water. Wear an apron. Mulberry stains are forever.
Yoghurt drinks. Whisk plain yoghurt with cold water and a pinch of salt and roasted cumin, the way it's done in India, or blend it with fruit for a sweet version. Lovely next to a hot curry.
Coconut cooler. Shake coconut milk with lime and ice for something creamy and tropical without a blender.

Smoothies

Blended drinks have their own page. Head to our smoothies collection for the fruit, greens and nut combinations we love.

And the best drink of all

Plain water from the tap. In most of Australia it's safe, cheap and fluoridated. Our drinking water guide explains how much you need (less fuss than you think) and how to make it more interesting with slices of citrus, cucumber or fresh herbs.

A note on alcohol

Two of our picks contain alcohol. Serve them to adults only, keep them small, and always have a non-alcoholic option on the table. A pot of mulled wine works just as well made with grape or apple juice: same spices, and the kids can join in.