Festive Essentials To Take to Your Next Barbeque

It’s the end of the year, you’ve activated holiday mode and the invitations to hang out have started rolling in. Whether it’s a backyard barbeque, a park picnic or a casual dinner party, make sure you bring something to enhance the enjoyment factor. Here are our picks.

Croser NV

A glass of sparkling makes a great aperitif and Croser NV ($30 for 750mL) has just the right balance of fruit and fizz to start the party. Like champagne, Adelaide Hills’ Croser NV is made using the méthode traditionnelle to encourage natural sweetness from the pinot noir and chardonnay grapes that make up this pleasing blend. Expect notes of nectarine, cashew and strawberry, and a fine mousse on the palate. Pair with seafood or have it on its own.

Charcuterie

Assemble an amazing charcuterie board to become everyone’s favourite person. The key? A little bit of something for everyone, plus an ingredient that will surprise and delight. A solid selection of cheese is a great foundation, alongside crackers and bread (don’t forget your gluten-free friends). Cold-cuts, crudités and dips are traditional choices, but consider adding a rare condiment or exotic fruit to keep things interesting.

Beysis esky

It’s hot and you want to keep things cold – an esky is the obvious solution. Pack your picnic in a personalised cooler ($189 for 13L; $229 for 20L) by Beysis, which comes in four colours and can be customised with your name. The lightweight cooler features an in-built bottle opener and adjustable handle and promises 12 hours of chill – perfect for planting yourself all day in a prime spot ahead of the New Year’s fireworks.

Jacob’s Creek rosé

For a thoughtful host gift that can be shared straight away, you can’t go past a bottle of something refreshing. Jacob’s Creek Lively Bunch rosé ($20 for 750mL) offers strawberry and currant notes with a crisp mouthfeel, ideal for pairing with barbeque favourites like salad, grilled chicken and soft cheese.

Sunscreen

Any summer outing where you bring the SPF50+ when everyone else has forgotten makes you a hero. The best sunscreen is a personal choice, but there are plenty of great local brands – and a luxe New Zealand label – offering formulations that are less greasy and more effective. Don’t forget to reapply if you’ll be outside for a while.

Fruit platter

Balance out the barbequed meats and protein with a fruit platter. Summer brings tropical favourites like mangoes, pineapples and passionfruit, as well as stone fruits like cherries, peaches, nectarines and plums. Juicy melons and refreshing berries round out the selection. You can even go on an excursion to pick your own. 

The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

To keep the conversation flowing as the night closes in, enjoy  the The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($99 for 700mL) with the ones that appreciate the fine things in life. Matured for at least 12 years in American oak casks before being transferred to Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casksthis smooth and mellow Scottish drop offers a nutty sweetness with cinnamon spiciness that can be taken neat or with a few drops of water to expand the flavours. Perfect to pair with dessert or a bite of after-dinner chocolate.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Liquorland.