Ahh, yes, there really is nothing quite like a long weekend. Even though it’s only an extra day or two – the possibilities feel endless. A spur of the moment trip to an Airbnb is suddenly on the cards, and your group chat is running hot with plans to check out a new restaurant every night. The mood is palpable! The work emails are furiously getting answered! It’s just about time to pour yourself a drink and call it a day. Whatever your long weekend plans may be, there’s always time (and an occasion) to throw together a little cocktail – especially if you’re entertaining. We’ve lined up three we think will go down an absolute treat. Get mixing, get shaking and get into the long weekend mood.

Phoenix Fizz

Starward says:
We feel this fizzy, vibrant cocktail perfectly encapsulates that long weekend feeling. It’s light, sweet and easy to enjoy – and even easier to throw together when an impromptu party kicks off at your place. See you there!

Ingredients
30ml (1.0 oz) Starward 100-Proof
40ml (1.3 oz) Riesling
20ml (0.5 oz) Blackberry syrup
80ml (2.7 oz) Soda
Basil leaf garnish

Pull it all together
Grab a tall glass and place all the ingredients in it with plenty of ice for good measure. Top it off with a basil leaf from the garden. That’s fresh!

Ginger Marmalade Soda

Starward says:
Turns out ginger marmalade goes excellently with our Double Gold-winning Starward Nova, who knew? This sweet treat is one to whip out at the end of the meal when you’re too full for dessert, but still have room for a dessert-y cocktail. Make sure you prep your sugar syrup ahead of time if you’re making it yourself!

Ingredients
45ml (1.5 oz) Starward Nova
20ml (0.5 oz) Lemon juice
A spoonful of ginger marmalade
10ml (0.3 ml) Sugar syrup
1 dash of Angostura bitters
10ml - 15ml (0.5 oz) Aquafaba

Pull it all together
Start by shaking all the ingredients in a shaker without ice – this whips everything together. Then add ice and shake things up again. Grab a short glass and add a big ice block, pour over the liquid and garnish with an orange slice and cherry. You nailed it.

Honey Espresso Martini

Starward says:
The classic you love, with an unexpected twist. Don’t tell your mates it’s not a standard espresso martini and watch as their eyes light up when that sweet honey hits their lips. The combination of Starward Nova and honey is going to make this a little more complex and make the flavour profile richer, too.

Ingredients
45ml (1.5 oz) Starward Nova
15ml (0.5 oz) Honey water [2:1 honey : water]
30ml (1.0 oz) Espresso

Pull it all together
Pour all three ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake it real good; then strain the liquid into a glass and enjoy probably one of the tastiest espresso martinis you’ve ever had the pleasure of sipping on.