Whether you’re an amateur mixologist or simply enjoy hosting friends for a drink, the right cocktail mixers can take your home bar from ordinary to impressive. In Australia, where social gatherings often revolve around good food and great drinks, having a collection of premium mixers is the key to crafting delicious cocktails without the fuss.
- Classic Tonic Water for Refreshing Gin Creations
- Ginger Beer for Spicy Zing
- Vermouth for Timeless Classics
- Soda Water for Light and Effervescent Drinks
- Margarita Mix for Easy Summer Entertaining
- Grenadine for Colour and Sweetness
- Bloody Mary Mix for Brunch Favourites
- Bitters for Complexity and Depth
- Simple Syrup for Sweet Balance
- Fruit Purees for Tropical Vibes
- Stocking Your Home Bar for Success
From classic staples to unique flavour infusions, here’s a guide to the best cocktail mixers to help you shake, stir, and pour like a pro.
Classic Tonic Water for Refreshing Gin Creations
Tonic water is a home bar essential, particularly for gin lovers. The balance of bitterness and sweetness pairs beautifully with botanicals, creating a crisp, refreshing drink. Premium tonic waters often come in a variety of flavours, from traditional to citrus or floral blends, adding an extra twist to your G&T.
Ginger Beer for Spicy Zing
With its bold, spicy kick, ginger beer is a versatile mixer perfect for Moscow Mules, Dark ‘n’ Stormy cocktails, and non-alcoholic mocktails. Look for craft ginger beers with natural ingredients for a richer, more authentic flavour. Many Australian brands offer small-batch options with just the right balance of heat and sweetness.
Vermouth for Timeless Classics
Vermouth, a fortified and aromatised wine, is an essential ingredient in classics like the Martini, Negroni, and Manhattan. Sweet vermouth adds depth and richness, while dry vermouth delivers a crisp, herbal profile. Investing in a good-quality vermouth will instantly elevate your cocktails.
Soda Water for Light and Effervescent Drinks
Soda water might be simple, but it’s a must-have for highballs, spritzers, and light cocktails. It’s perfect for lengthening drinks without overpowering flavours. Premium soda waters offer fine bubbles and a cleaner taste, making them ideal for mixing with delicate spirits like vodka or gin.
Margarita Mix for Easy Summer Entertaining
Nothing says summer like a perfectly balanced margarita. Pre-made margarita mixes save time while still delivering that tangy lime flavour and a hint of sweetness. Choose a quality mix with natural ingredients, and pair it with tequila and a salted rim for a crowd-pleasing drink.
Grenadine for Colour and Sweetness
Grenadine isn’t just for tequila sunrises — it’s a versatile mixer that adds a vibrant red hue and a fruity, pomegranate sweetness to a range of cocktails. It’s also perfect for mocktails, making it a family-friendly addition to your home bar.
Bloody Mary Mix for Brunch Favourites
For a savoury twist, keep a Bloody Mary mix on hand. Typically made with tomato juice, spices, and seasoning, it pairs perfectly with vodka for a bold brunch cocktail. Look for mixes with a balance of spice and umami, or experiment with adding your own horseradish, hot sauce, or celery salt.
Bitters for Complexity and Depth
Bitters are concentrated flavour extracts that add complexity to cocktails. A few drops can transform a drink, enhancing flavours and balancing sweetness. Aromatic bitters are a staple for Old Fashioneds and Manhattans, while orange or chocolate bitters can add a creative twist.
Simple Syrup for Sweet Balance
A must for countless cocktails, simple syrup blends sugar and water into a smooth sweetener that integrates easily into drinks. While you can make it at home, flavoured syrups — like vanilla, cinnamon, or lavender — are a great way to experiment with new flavour profiles.
Fruit Purees for Tropical Vibes
Fruit purees, such as passionfruit, mango, or strawberry, are ideal for creating tropical cocktails at home. They add natural sweetness, vibrant colour, and a luscious texture to drinks like daiquiris, mojitos, and spritzers. Choose purees with minimal added sugar for a fresher taste.
Stocking Your Home Bar for Success
The best home bars balance classic staples with creative mixers that allow you to experiment. By keeping a variety of high-quality options on hand — from tonic water and ginger beer to fruit purees and bitters — you can craft cocktails to suit any mood, season, or occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a lively party or enjoying a quiet evening drink, the right mixers will ensure your home bar is always ready to impress.
