The Easy Australian Christmas Drink? We’ve Found It.

Christmas in Australia presents a unique set of challenges.

While our northern hemisphere counterparts are cosying up with mulled wine, we’re often managing a smoking barbecue under a relentless sun. The never-ending humidity plays havoc with making the signature Pav and our coif.

When it comes to stylish summer drinks, the last thing anyone needs is to be stuck playing bartender. The question hangs in the stifling air: what’s the perfect, effortless, yet suitably festive aperitif? Or in this case, aperitivo?

While the ECSC team is an avid fan of the Limoncello Spritz, this moodier cousin is a sparkler worthy of our Christmas Day.

This year, the answer comes from an unexpected place: the rolling, vine-covered hills of the Yarra Valley.

Zonzo Estate, known for its considered and sustainable winemaking, has just unveiled RoRo, a ready-to-pour aperitivo spritz that feels like it was designed specifically for helping out Aussie Christmas hosts. It’s the one-pour solution for easy Christmas party drinks. It requires nothing from you but a chilled glass, plenty of ice, and a slice of fresh orange.

The deep, jewel-like red hue instantly looks the part.

Surprisingly, it’s not a sugary concoction.

RoRo is a more refined sip.

Citrus-driven and vibrant, with a whisper of bitter orange, makes it familiar to Negroni fans. Unlike a Negroni, RoRo Aperitivo Spritz is lighter and fun. RoRo solves the drink problem without sacrificing an ounce of style.

The faint echo of Chinotto is subtle but adds a refreshing, herbal bitterness that cleanses the palate. It’s semi-sweet, but those complex, grown-up flavours and a subtle hint of caramel on the finish balance the sweetness.

While the ECSC team is an avid fan of the Limoncello Spritz, this moodier cousin is a sparkler worthy of our Christmas Day.

It makes for easy pre-Christmas lunch drinks while you open the pressies pre-turkey. And ready-to-pour makes it even better as you watch the Aussies demolish the Poms from the comfort of your lounge with a plate piled high with ham.

Insider’s Tip:

The secret to the perfect serve is its simplicity. Don’t overcomplicate it. Pour a generous amount over large ice cubes in a lowball, big wine glass or a balloon G&T Copa like the Spanish so cleverly use. Garnish with a thick, juicy wedge of orange. That’s it. Or do as we do; make ice cubes from orange or blood orange juice. You’ve just made the perfect festive cocktail, and you didn’t miss a single conversation or a single blinding Mitch Starc delivery.

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Disclaimer: The ECSC was gifted its first bottle of Roro. (The second and third however were willingly puchased!)