While cocktails are typically served before dinner, I find some are better suited to the end of the evening. Here’s my version of five classic cocktails that are perfect after, or instead of, dessert. Make your own simple sugar syrup by combining equal quantities of water and sugar or have fun with the exciting range of flavoured syrups from The Simple Syrup Co. and add a litle more or less depending on how sweet you like things. All recipes serve 1 except for the daiquiri. Chef Paul Carmichael’s Caribbean bakes would be the perfect snack with any of these dessert cocktails (see video below).
Espresso Martini
Alaskan Rock vodka & Mr Black Coffee Amaro
My version of this relatively new cocktail is heavy on the coffee and light on the vodka and sugar. Shake 1 nip Alaskan Rock vodka, 1 nip Mr Black Coffee Amaro, ½ nip simple sugar syrup and a strong espresso with plenty of ice; garnish with a coffee bean or 3.
Brandy Alexander
Hine Cognac & Tempus Fugit creme de cacao
The height of 1970s sophistication, or so I thought, the origins of this sweet, creamy concoction are obscure though it’s obviously based on an earlier gin-based classic simply called Alexander. Shake 1½ nips Hine Cognac, ½ nip crème de cacao and 1½ nips single cream with ice; garnish with grated nutmeg.
Piña Colada
Flor de Caña white rum
Perhaps invented by a cocktail-loving pirate, piña colada (‘strained pineapple’ in Spanish) originated in Puerto Rico, where it’s now the national drink. Blend 2 nips Flor de Caña white rum, 1 nip coconut milk, ½ cup fresh pineapple juice and a good squeeze of lime juice with crushed ice; cocktail umbrella optional.
Poorman’s Sunrise
Archie Rose Poorman’s Orange gin
My riff on California’s tequila sunrise celebrates Australia’s own poormans orange. Chill everything well then pour 2 nips Archie Rose Poorman’s Orange Gin and 200ml freshly squeezed orange juice (poormans if available) into a highball glass, add 1 nip grenadine syrup, which will sink. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Dark Berry Daiquiri
Dos Maderas PX rum
While the only fruit in a classic Cuban daiquiri is lime, I also like a berry version made with dark rum. For 2 delicious adult slushies, blitz 1 cup sliced strawberries, ½ cup raspberries, 2 nips Dos Maderas PX rum, ½ nip lime juice and ½ nip raspberry syrup with shaved ice.
FAQ
Where was piña colada invented? Where does piña colada originate? What does piña colada mean?
Perhaps invented by a cocktail-loving pirate, piña colada (‘strained pineapple’ in Spanish) originated in Puerto Rico, where it’s now the national drink.
What is a daiquiri? Where do daiquiris originate?
The daiquiri cocktail was created in Cuba (near the beach of Daiquiri) and originally contained just white rum, lime juice and sugar. Since then the category has expanded to include various fruits, often strawberries.
What are some sweet cocktails? What’s the best sweet cocktail? What’s a good dessert cocktail?
Sweet cocktails often contain fruit, such as pineapple piña colada or frozen fruit daiquiris. Tequila sunrise (and variations on it) are made with orange juice and grenadine syrup. Some sweet cocktails, like espresso martini, are based on coffee, while others, such as brandy alexander, have a creamy chocolate base.
