Festive consumerism has birthed some fun and delicious indulgences that are hard to resist, but with America leading the way in Christmas feasting traditions, sadly for us, many of these are suited to snowy backdrops and a family gathered around a roaring fire. On this side of the hemisphere, Christmas looks a little different, and sipping on a gingerbread latte or warmed eggnog after sitting down to a roast turkey with all the trimmings doesn’t quite have the same appeal. Heroes of our day are the blistering hot sun; a backyard slip and slide and our beloved BBQ full to the brim. It doesn’t mean we’re missing out; it just means we have to do things a little differently. Here, we round up ten favourite festive foods and drinks destined to make an Aussie Christmas the best kind of Christmas.

1. A Christmas Sangria

While our northern hemisphere friends are warming their hands and hearts with spice-infused mulled wine, we’ve found the perfect summer-loving substitute – Sangria! Red wine and the hot sun may not sound like the greatest mix, but our Spanish friends have proven us wrong with this refreshing beverage. And it couldn’t be a better addition to your Christmas spread. Start with chilled red wine, and put a festive twist on it with the inclusion of fruits like cranberries and pomegranate; add in some slices of pineapple, kiwifruit, mango, and strawberries, mix in a splash of cranberry juice and top with soda water for a fizzy, festive finish. To make your Christmas Sangria extra special, select a drop from one of the Real Review’s Top Wineries of Australia, and you’ll be supporting homegrown businesses while you get merry.

2. A cranberry kick
Thanks to its festive colour and winter abundance, this pint-sized festive berry is featured heavily in Christmas celebrations. It comes as a sauce, garnish, and glaze; you’ll find it stuffed in a turkey, too. But over this side of the globe, we’re making cranberry cooler with a cranberry kick! This gin-based cocktail is the perfect refreshment for a summer’s day and oh so festive looking. Simply mix cranberry juice with your favourite local gin – Sydney-based Archie Rose is our top pick – add some ice, a sprig of rosemary, and a few whole cranberries, gently mix to combine and sip away.

Special mentions for other outstanding local gins go to the Yarra Valley’s beloved Four Pillars Gin, Never Never Distilling Co. in McLaren Vale for its highly regarded Triple Juniper Gin, Margaret River’s internationally acclaimed West Winds Distillers, and Patient Wolf Distilling Co. for its hugely popular Melbourne Dry Gin.

3. Eggnog cocktails

We’re resurrecting eggnog at Christmas but making it our own with this chilled, shaken variety that’s sure to bring plenty of cheer. The basic formula of eggs, sugar, milk and cream with your choice of brandy, rum or whiskey gets the summer treatment by pouring it into your ice-filled cocktail shaker for a vigorous mix, then filing a favourite cocktail glass with this delectable drop. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for bonus festive and aesthetic points. If you’re a brandy fan, your eggnog cocktail is best made with the addition of a well-crafted local tipple – seek out St Agnes Distillery or Bass & Flinders Distillery for some of our nation’s finest.

4. Relax with a nice cold one in hand

Cocktails bring the party vibes, but for some of us, a nice cold beer is the perfect pairing for a sunny day of festivities. This year, skip your Belgium and Mexican go-to brews and instead seek out and support your local brewers with either a visit or a purchase. Here are some of our top picks across the states:

• NSW – Pick up Stone & Wood’s signature Pacific Ale for laid back beachy Byron vibes, an easy-drinking Kolsch from 4 Pines Brewing Co, or try iconic Young Henrys hugely popular Newtowner Pale Ale.

• WA – Head to Little Creatures in Fremantle to grab some classic craft beers, or better yet, spend Christmas day planning an outing to soak up the laid-back vibes with Pale Ale and pizza on-site at the brewery.

• SA – Stock up on traditional and sparkling ales from family-owned Coopers Brewery in Adelaide or hoppy brews, IPAs and Pale Ales from Pirate Life Brewing.

• QLD – Co-founded by surfer Mick Fanning, pick up a few of Balter Brewing Company’s cult favourite XPA to taste this award-winning, tropical, fruity, and fully hoppy brew.

• TAS – You’ll be spoiled for choice with Moo Brew (on the grounds of MONA); as the biggest craft brewery in Tassie, you’ll find everything from lagers to dark ales and everything in between!

• VIC – A Melbourne craft beer pioneer, stock up on Mountain Goat Beer’s certified organic, cold fermented Steam Ale or head to regional favourite Bridge Road Brewers for a few of their flagship Pale Ales.

5. It’s seafood for the win!
With the ocean on our doorstep, delicious fresh seafood is a staple and key ingredient in a great Aussie Christmas feast. A fun way to deviate from the typical prawn cocktail or shrimp on the barbie tradition is to mix freshly cooked and peeled prawns with mango and lime to make the best Christmas salad you’ve ever tasted. You can still chuck a shrimp on the barbie, grill it to perfection, chill and add generous, juicy slices of mango, avocado and your own zesty lime dressing. Take your garnish in a festive direction with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds and parsley. This salad has it all – it’s light and refreshing, incorporates seasonal produce, and ticks the red and green box, too!

6. Lamb it up

Lamb it up this Christmas by indulging in a low-maintenance rack of lamb. Perhaps the best part of this dish is that it can be done in a smoker or the oven, meaning once you’ve done the prep, you can stand outside with a cold beer (or cocktail) in hand while your trusty appliance does the hard work. Once you’ve sourced some quality lamb racks from your local butcher, whip up a rosemary, garlic and parmesan crumb, chuck it in the oven or smoker, rest it for a bit, get carving and watch your guests’ mouths water. This juicy and tender recipe makes for a delicious low-fuss main course for lunch or dinner.

7. Traditional ham with a seasonal twist

Christmas ham is one of the most iconic and traditional main dishes for any holiday meal, and for many of us, the day isn’t complete without it featured on the table (and in sandwiches for subsequent days). While our version isn’t entirely unique, we suggest making the most of seasonal produce and whipping up a sweet, sticky summer glaze that utilises some of our favourite stone fruits like peaches and apricots. This tangy addition gives the classic ham dish a fresh, summery twist, coating every bite in delicious tropical flavours perfect for an Aussie Christmas.

8. Apricot and amaretto cheesecake
With an abundance of delicious fruits available at our local markets over the summer months, subbing out heavy wintery puddings for something lighter and fresher is a great way to round out your day without sinking into a food coma. While usually it’s pavlova or trifle on a traditional Christmas menu, this apricot and amaretto cheesecake is well worth the change from the norm. Standout flavours are fresh, juicy apricots and amaretto – a sweet liqueur made from apricot kernels and almonds. You can even pick up a bottle of the first Australian-made amaretto, White Possum, handmade in Melbourne, to make your cheesecake extra special.

9. Gingerbread ice-cream

Starbucks can keep their gingerbread lattes – we’re choosing a cold, sweet, refreshing scoop of gingerbread ice cream to beat the heat this Christmas. Quite possibly the tastiest Christmas-themed ice cream with mass appeal, you can whip it up with some elbow grease or invest in (or borrow) an ice cream maker for a less intense experience. For added spice, make an adult-only version by adding a dash of Kimberly Region’s famous Hoochery Distillery’s award-winning Premium Ord River Rum.

Keep it local…

Dean Martin may be serenading us with ‘Let it Snow,’ but Christmas down under is more swooping magpies, backyard barbies, buzzing cicadas and coconut-scented sunblock. Let’s embrace what’s ours by keeping it Aussie and keeping it local. The best ways to do this are embracing new takes on old traditions and supporting local businesses when shopping for ingredients for your festive feast. When you buy locally, your money stays in the community, supporting local jobs, local families, and growth in your region.

If you’re ready to start new traditions in a new home, contact your local First National Real Estate. We’ll help you find your keys to happiness for many Christmases to come.

DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.