When it comes to keeping cool, Australia’s hipsters know good taste – and now you can sip it for yourself
A taste of laid-back Aussie life has landed in London this summer. Craft-brewed in a family brewery, Bundaberg Ginger Beer has been keeping Australians refreshed for over 50 years, and now it’s here to revitalise your summer drinking. Whether you’re sunning yourself on the Southbank, relaxing in the park or partying on a roof terrace, Bundaberg Ginger Beer is sure to add a touch of spice to summer.
The secret to Bundaberg is the three-day craft-brewing process that uses ginger and cane sugar from the Bundaberg region, north of Brisbane in Australia’s Queensland. First, ginger root is ground into a flour, then it is mixed with cane sugar and water, and heated to release starch – just like making beer. Next, yeast is added to start the fermentation and to extract the ginger flavour. Finally, the drink is matured to give it a full-bodied taste.
There’s a little secret to unlocking this big flavour and getting the most of the craft process: simply invert the bottle for a few seconds before you pop the top, so the real pieces of ginger are evenly mixed throughout the drink. Then you can sip it as a sophisticated soft drink, mix it with spirits or use it to add a kick to cocktails. So check out these refreshing summer serves and get mixing...
Moscow Mule
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
50ml vodka
25ml lime juice
10ml sugar syrup
Two small pieces of ginger
Lime wedge to garnish
Glass: copper mug
Method: Muddle the ginger and combine with vodka, lime juice and sugar syrup in a shaker. Shake and strain into a mug with ice. Top with Bundaberg Ginger Beer and garnish with a lime wedge.
Crushed Sailor
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
50ml spiced rum
10ml berry liqueur
20ml lime juice
Dash of Angostura bitters
Berries to garnish
Glass: tall glass
Method: Combine the rum, berry liqueur, lime juice and bitters into a shaker. Shake, then pour into a tall glass and top with Bundaberg Ginger Beer. Add ice and berries to garnish, and serve.
Appley Ever After
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
50ml dark rum
15ml apple liqueur
20ml lime juice
30ml cloudy apple juice
Apple fan to garnish
Glass: tumbler
Method: Combine the rum, apple liqueur, lime juice and apple juice into a shaker. Shake, then pour into a tumbler and top with Bundaberg Ginger Beer. Add ice and an apple fan to garnish – and enjoy!
Bundaberg Ginger Beer costs £1.36 per bottle or is available in packs of 4 x 375ml for £4.49. Click here to find your nearest stockist.
This article was published 20 August 2015