Summer is here. Cue the Christmas wind down, the breezy nights and long afternoons spent around the BBQ enjoying good food with friends. 

Because they can be incorporated into so many types of dishes, macadamias make a great addition to any summer entertaining event. Served as savoury nibbles, as part of a cheese platter or made into a delectable dessert, their velvety crunch is usually a talking point among guests.

However, macadamias aren’t just for eating. They also make an intriguing ingredient in summer cocktails. Here’s how you can add some macadamia magic to your favourite summer drinks.

Macadamia Martinis

Follow a standard martini recipe by stirring together 75ml of gin and 7.5ml of dry vermouth then toss in two salted, roasted macadamia nuts instead of olives at the end. For best results, use a gin that is distilled using macadamia nuts. The nuts give these gins a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. Four Pillars Modern Australian Gin and Brookie’s Gin from the Cape Byron Distillery are our favourites.

Macadamia Pina Colada

Pina Coladas are the perfect cocktail for summer entertaining. Even if you don’t have a tropical poolside setting, these drinks (especially when served with tiny umbrellas) evoke a relaxing, resort-style vibe that makes your guests feel carefree. Cutting the usual coconut cream with macadamia milk gives the drink a nutty quality as well as making it a little lighter. By leaving out the rum, this drink can be adapted into a lovely mocktail for the designated driver or non drinker.

Choc Nut Combo Cocktails

Chocolate and macadamia nuts are a well known and loved combination when it comes to food, but it also works as a creamy cocktail combination. This simple ‘Macadamia Madness’ mixer from The Grove Distillery in Western Australia combines macadamia liqueur, coconut liqueur and chocolate liqueur with cream for a decadent after dinner drink. No dessert needed. You can buy the macadamia liqueur from specialist retailers or directly from the distillers.

What is your favourite way to use macadamias in summer entertaining? Head over to our Facebook page and share it with us?