Christmas in Australia looks a little different from the rest of the world. While many places are rugged up indoors, we’re usually firing up the BBQ, heading to the beach, or setting up a long table outside with family and mates. Because of that, the drinks we enjoy at Christmas tend to be light, cold, easy to mix, and fit the summer heat.

At St Duke’s Distillery, we’ve noticed that more Aussies prefer simple spirits and fresh mixers during the warm months. We also know that not everyone wants to spend ages in the kitchen preparing complicated cocktails. So we wanted to put together something practical for christmas drinks that anyone can make at home, even if they’re busy hosting or running after the kids.

Each drink uses one of our West Australian spirits and common ingredients you can find at any local shop. These cocktails fit the way we celebrate Christmas here relaxed, outdoors, and focused on good company rather than fussing with fancy bar tools. Below are our top picks, along with why they work so well, the drinking trend behind them, and examples of how people use them at their own gatherings.

1. The St Duke’s Christmas Gin & Soda

We believe a gin and soda is one of the easiest drinks for an Aussie Christmas because it’s cold, refreshing, and lets the flavours of a good gin shine through.

At a Christmas lunch in Fremantle, families often set up self serve drink stations. One group used our Harvey Dry Gin with soda water, lemon slices, and mint from the garden. Everyone made their own drink in less than a minute.

When it’s 30 degrees and the seafood is being served, a simple gin and soda cuts through the heat nicely. It’s not heavy, and guests can adjust the flavours however they like.

2. Peppa Vodka Lime Spritz

We’ve seen how well fresh lime works with vodka, especially on hot days. A vodka lime spritz hits that sweet spot between refreshing and full flavoured without being too strong.

At a backyard Christmas BBQ in Perth, someone mixed our Peppa Vodka with soda water, lime juice, and crushed ice. The drink disappeared quickly, and people started lining up to make their own.

It’s bright, citrusy, and simple. You only need vodka, lime, and soda things most households already have on hand during the holidays.

3. WA Sunset Gin Punch

We think punch style drinks are perfect for big Aussie gatherings because they save time and keep everyone happy without the host mixing drinks all day.

Australian retailers reported that punch bowls and pre batched cocktail mixes increased in sales during the last two Christmas seasons as people turned to easier hosting options.

In Mandurah, a group hosting a Christmas seafood spread mixed a large jug of Harvey Dry Gin, pineapple juice, soda, orange slices, and berries. Guests poured their own drinks, and it stayed cold thanks to a big bag of ice.

It looks festive, tastes fresh, and the host can relax instead of making individual cocktails. Plus, the colours suit the Aussie “summer Christmas” vibe perfectly.

4. Coffee Liqueur on Ice – The Christmas Dessert Drink

We believe coffee liqueur is one of the easiest after lunch Christmas drinks because it feels indulgent without effort. Liqueur consumption increases in December, mainly because Australians enjoy sweet drinks after long holiday meals.

After a long Christmas Day lunch in Bunbury, a family poured St Duke’s Coffee Liqueur over ice for everyone at the table. Some added a splash of milk for a creamy treat. It became the new favourite “Christmas dessert drink”.

It’s the perfect finisher after prawns, ham, pavlova, or cheesecake. No mixing, shaking, or blending, just pour and enjoy.

5. The Quick Vodka Berry Cooler

We often see berries used in summer drinks because they’re in season, affordable, and match well with a smooth vodka.

A couple hosting Christmas at Scarborough Beach added Peppa Vodka, muddled strawberries, and lemonade over ice. It became a hit throughout the afternoon because it was light, cold, and slightly sweet.

It uses ingredients already on the table: berries, lemonade, and vodka. It’s colourful, refreshing, and matches the mood of a sunny day by the water.

The Spirit of an Australian Christmas

Christmas in Australia is all about keeping things simple, cool, and enjoyable. With the warm weather, seafood spreads, backyard BBQs, and long afternoons spent with family, the drinks we choose need to fit the moment, not distract from it.

That’s why we put these five cocktails together. Each one is easy, uses only a few ingredients, and works beautifully with our West Australian spirits. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or spending a quieter Christmas at home, these drinks help keep the day relaxed and full of flavour.

As a local WA distillery, we’re proud to see our gin, vodka, and liqueur becoming part of Aussie Christmas traditions. These cocktails aren’t fancy, they're simple, fresh, and made for the way we celebrate here.

If you try any of these this Christmas, we hope they add a little extra joy to your day. Cheers from all of us at St Duke’s Distillery.