Cocktail

For a non-alcoholic tropical treat, simply leave out the white rum and double the amount of pineapple. Pineapple juice can be used instead of crushed pineapple. Note

Falafel can be cooked several hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Reheat in oven at 180°C (160°C fan-forced) for about 10 minutes. Note

Croutes are best assembled close to serving. Note

This recipe can be prepared a day ahead. Assemble just before serving. Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Green prawns can be used in place of scallops. If a small piece of wonton wrapper dropped into the oil sizzles immediately, it is ready to use. Note

Can be made four days ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Pina colada

Try this classic peach cocktail to share with guests, or it is equally satisfying to enjoy solo.

sugar syrup is simply equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar is dissolved, then cooled. Note

This recipe makes about 2/3 cup beetroot dip and 3/v cup tzatziki. Note

Use smoked cheese instead of cheddar. Replace ham with bacon or spinach. Note

Big flavour comes in small sizes

You could substitute salami for the bacon, if preferred. Note

Polenta blini with beetroot dip

Buy vine leaves from delis and some greengrocers; or use fresh leaves, blanched. Note

To make ahead, prepare patties to end of Step 1. Cover, then refrigerate (with remaining egg). Crumb and cook the next day. Dry potato before mashing, then Let patty mixture stand for 10 minutes so it’s easier to handle. Swap canned tuna for the salmon. Note

The batter can made in a food processor or blender if preferred. Note

Try a combination of in-season fruit of choice. Note

Za’atar is a spice blend of sumac, sesame seeds and dried thyme. Roast hazelnuts until golden. Place in a tea towel while hot and use the tea towel to rub away the skins. Note

Use kumara, if preferred. Tails can be lapped with some toasted pine nuts. Note

Replace one of the witlof with radicchio. Scallops are delicate and require minimal cooking. If overcooked they become rubbery. Note

Soak skewers in warm water for at least 15 minutes before threading, to help prevent scorching during cooking. Note

Rice paper rolls are best eaten within a few hours of preparing. Note

A vodka-based punch with all kinds of fruity goodness, perfect for sharing.

You need two limes for this recipe. You can buy cinnamon sugar from most supermarkets or make your own. Combine 1 tablespoon caster (superfine) sugar with a pinch of ground cinnamon. You can buy sugar syrup from liquor stores or make your own. Stir 1 cup (220g) caster (superfine) sugar with 1 cup (250ml) water […]

Using frozen fruit in cocktails eliminates the need to add ice. Note

Is there a more classic cocktail than the martini? With this recipe we've gone all 007 with a gin martini, shaken not stirred, one olive added.

The daiquiri was created in a small Cuban town of the same name by an American engineer, who combined the local spirit (rum) with native limes to make the ultimate pick-me-up after a hot day in the iron mines.

Don't wait until your next trip to a tropical island to enjoy this classic cocktail. Just 5 minutes' preparation will have you imagining you're already there.

Give your hot summer nights a grown up and boozy twist with these fun elderflower cranberry infused vodka ice-pops.

Making finger food often seems fiddly and time consuming, but the ability to buy ready made pastry cases and good quality chicken mean that these dainty smoked chicken and asparagus quiches will be ready before you know it.

One of the true classics from cocktail history, a Tom Collins is a gin based cocktail spiked with lemon, sweetened with sugar and finished off with a maraschino cherry.

Blood orange adds greater depth as well as sweetness to a classic margarita.

You can substitute potato or pumpkin for the kumara, or use a combination of all three ­ it will be just as delicious. Triangles can be made a day ahead to the end of step 3, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Note

Celebrate with this tall cocktail in style. Perfect for a hot day in the sun.

Chicken can be coated in Rice Bubble crumbs up to 2 hours ahead. Keep covered in the refrigerator and bake as required. Note

Celebrate summer with this refreshing, delicious cocktail.

Champagne adds sparkle to a traditional brandy, orange liqueur and lemon juice side-bar. We used cointreau for this recipe but you could use any orange-flavoured liqueur you like.

This recipe is also egg-free and nut-free Cornichon, French for gherkin, is a very small variety of pickled cucumber; they are available from delicatessens and most major supermarkets. Handy hint; you can use a larger cutter of any shape instead of the small cutter used here. The fillings will keep, covered, overnight in the fridge; […]

This cocktail will take you to the beach with it's tropical colours and breezy flavours.

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover sausages, sausages can be served hot or cold. Note

You can buy cooked crab meat at the local fish markets or supermarket. Alternatively, buy fresh crabs and cook them (blue swimmer crabs are good). To tell if crabs are meaty, look at the claws; if they are pointy and sharp it means they have a new shell and don’t have much meat. If the […]

A creamy and tropical Bounty cocktail from Australian Women's Weekly.

Cranberry and lime cocktail, berry recipe, brought to you by Australian Women's Weekly

This classic cocktail is snazzy and iconic as it is constantly referenced in pop culture. Bring a little of that suave to your next cocktail party, or even for a cozy stay-at-home drink with a friend or partner.

You can buy sugar syrup from liquor stores or make your own. Stir 1 cup (220g) caster (superfine) sugar with 1 cup (250ml) water in small saucepan, over low heat, until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, without stirring, 5 minutes. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature. Store in […]

When in season, use blood oranges. Note

Caipiroska is a variation of the “caipirinha”, regarded as Brazil’s national cocktail. The caipirinha is made with cachaça (made from sugarcane that’s fermented and distilled), plus sugar and lime. Caipiroska uses vodka instead of cachaça. Note

Drumettes are the meaty end of the chicken wing. If they are not on display in your supermarket or chicken shop you can ask for them to be prepared specially for you. Note

You’ll need to buy 2 x 270g packets of wonton wrappers. They are available from the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores and most supermarkets. The rolls can be made a day before they’re needed, keep covered with damp absorbent paper, then plastic wrap, in the fridge. Bake the rolls up to an hour before […]

These make a delicious and fresh addition to any share plate that everyone will love. Lobster or prawn meat can be substituted for the crab, if desired.

Celebrate summer with this classic cocktail with a tropical twist.

Frangelico adds a nutty depth to this divine vanilla martini. You can use another hazelnut liqueur if you prefer.