While snowy scenes and cosy fires define the holiday for many, down under, we’re enjoying Christmas with a side of sunshine, BBQs, and plenty of outdoor fun. Isn’t it time we swapped out the roast turkey and traditional Christmas pud with a menu more fitting? We’ve rounded up ten favourite festive foods and drinks to make a Kiwi Christmas the best kind of Christmas.
Festive consumerism has birthed some fun and delicious indulgences that are hard to resist, but with America leading the way in Christmas feasting traditions, sadly for us, many of these are suited to snowy backdrops and a family gathered around a roaring fire. On this side of the hemisphere, Christmas looks a little different, and sipping on a gingerbread latte or warmed eggnog after sitting down to a roast turkey with all the trimmings doesn’t quite have the same appeal. Heroes of our day are the blistering hot sun; a backyard slip and slide and our beloved BBQ full to the brim. It doesn’t mean we’re missing out; it just means we have to do things a little differently. Here, we round up ten favourite festive foods and drinks destined to make a Kiwi Christmas the best kind of Christmas.
1. A Christmas Sangria
While our northern hemisphere friends are warming their hands and hearts with spice-infused mulled wine, we’ve found the perfect summer-loving substitute – Sangria! Red wine and the hot sun may not sound like the greatest mix, but our Spanish friends have proven us wrong with this refreshing beverage. And it couldn’t be a better addition to your Christmas spread. Start with chilled red wine, and put a festive twist on it with the inclusion of fruits like cranberries and pomegranate; add in some slices of pineapple, kiwifruit, mango, and strawberries, mix in a splash of cranberry juice and top with soda water for a fizzy, festive finish. To make your Christmas Sangria extra special, select a drop from one of the Real Review’s Top Wineries of New Zealand, and you’ll be supporting homegrown businesses while you get merry.
2. A cranberry kick
Thanks to its festive colour and winter abundance, this pint-sized festive berry is featured heavily in Christmas celebrations. It comes as a sauce, garnish, and glaze; you’ll find it stuffed in a turkey, too. But over this side of the globe, we’re making cranberry cooler with a cranberry kick! This gin-based cocktail is the perfect refreshment for a summer’s day and oh so festive looking. Simply mix cranberry juice with your favourite local gin – Queenstown-based Broken Heart is our top pick – add some ice, a sprig of rosemary, and a few whole cranberries, gently mix to combine and sip away.
Special mentions for other outstanding local gins go to Strange Nature a grape based gin made from New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Coatesvillian signature dry gin a perfect Martini Gin, and Juno Gin, a New Plymouth favourite, using locally sourced botanicals and ingredients.
3. Eggnog Cocktails
We’re resurrecting eggnog at Christmas but making it our own with this chilled, shaken variety that’s sure to bring plenty of cheer. The basic formula of eggs, sugar, milk and cream with your choice of brandy, rum or whiskey gets the summer treatment by pouring it into your ice-filled cocktail shaker for a vigorous mix, then filing a favourite cocktail glass with this delectable drop. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for bonus festive and aesthetic points. If you’re a brandy fan, your eggnog cocktail is best made with the addition of a well-crafted local tipple.
4. Relax with a nice cold one in hand
Cocktails bring the party vibes, but for some of us, a nice cold beer is the perfect pairing for a sunny day of festivities. This year, skip your Belgium and Mexican go-to brews and instead seek out and support your local brewers with either a visit or a purchase. Here are some of our top picks across New Zealand:
Auckland – Pick up Black Sands variety of flavours from Mango & Chilli Sour to a NZ Pale Ale or jump on the Brew bus which explores the best local craft breweries.
Wellington –Head to Brewtown which consists of five breweries (and a distillery) all in one venue, the village is complete with paintball, go-carting, an ice skating rink and ten pin bowling.
Dunedin – Take a Speight brewery tour focusing on their history, ingredients and of course sampling in the tasting room.
Christchurch – Stock up at Three Boys Brewery which is the largest family run brewery in Christchurch. Tours operate here but if that’s not your thing, fill a rigger or order a keg ready for the holidays.
5. It’s seafood for the win!
With the ocean on our doorstep, delicious fresh seafood is a staple and key ingredient in a great New Zealand Christmas feast. A fun way to deviate from the typical prawn cocktail or shrimp on the barbie tradition is to mix freshly cooked and peeled prawns with mango and lime to make the best Christmas salad you’ve ever tasted. You can still chuck a shrimp on the barbie, grill it to perfection, chill and add generous, juicy slices of mango, avocado and your own zesty lime dressing. Take your garnish in a festive direction with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds and parsley. This salad has it all – it’s light and refreshing, incorporates seasonal produce, and ticks the red and green box, too!
6. Lamb it up
Lamb it up this Christmas by indulging in a low-maintenance rack of lamb. Perhaps the best part of this dish is that it can be done in a smoker or the oven, meaning once you’ve done the prep, you can stand outside with a cold beer (or cocktail) in hand while your trusty appliance does the hard work. Once you’ve sourced some quality lamb racks from your local butcher, whip up a rosemary, garlic and parmesan crumb, chuck it in the oven or smoker, rest it for a bit, get carving and watch your guests’ mouths water. This juicy and tender recipe makes for a delicious low-fuss main course for lunch or dinner.
7. Traditional ham with a seasonal twist
Christmas ham is one of the most iconic and traditional main dishes for any holiday meal, and for many of us, the day isn’t complete without it featured on the table (and in sandwiches for subsequent days). While our version isn’t entirely unique, we suggest making the most of seasonal produce and whipping up a sweet, sticky summer glaze that utilises some of our favourite stone fruits like peaches and apricots. This tangy addition gives the classic ham dish a fresh, summery twist, coating every bite in delicious tropical flavours perfect for Christmas.
8. Apricot and Amaretto Cheesecake
With an abundance of delicious fruits available at our local markets over the summer months, subbing out heavy wintery puddings for something lighter and fresher is a great way to round out your day without sinking into a food coma. While usually it’s pavlova or trifle on a traditional Christmas menu, this apricot and amaretto cheesecake is well worth the change from the norm. Standout flavours are fresh, juicy apricots and amaretto – a sweet liqueur made from apricot kernels and almonds. You can even pick up a bottle of amaretto, to make your cheesecake extra special.
9. Gingerbread Ice-Cream
Starbucks can keep their gingerbread lattes – we’re choosing a cold, sweet, refreshing scoop of gingerbread ice cream to beat the heat this Christmas. Quite possibly the tastiest Christmas-themed ice cr eam with mass appeal, you can whip it up with some elbow grease or invest in (or borrow) an ice cream maker for a less intense experience. For added spice, make an adult-only version by adding a dash of award winning Broken Heart Spiced Rum
10. Keep it local…
