Pavlova Gin Cocktails: Dessert-First Drinking, The Granddad Jack’s Way
At Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery, we don’t do half-arsed drinks – especially not when it comes to Christmas traditions. Our Pavlova Gin takes the classic Aussie dessert and bottles it: strawberries, kiwi fruit, vanilla, brown sugar, passionfruit, cream, meringue – all wrapped up in a dangerously sippable gin that somehow tastes like family lunch without the awkward small talk.
This year’s line-up of Pavlova cocktails has had a proper glow-up. We’ve taken the flavours you already love and built three new serves that are made for balmy summer nights, backyard BBQs and “just one more” kind of afternoons:
- Pav Sour – creamy, tangy and dangerously smooth.
- Pav Slushie – frozen pav in a glass, no dessert spoon required.
- Espresso Pavtini – your espresso martini, but make it pav.
Grab a bottle of Granddad Jack’s Pavlova Gin, crack some ice, and let’s get mixing.
Pav Sour
Think of this as a grown-up slice of pavlova in a coupe. Bright passionfruit and lemon, creamy meringue foam and a hit of strawberry and vanilla from the Pavlova Gin. It’s rich, silky and way too easy to “just quickly make another one”.
Ingredients
- 60ml Granddad Jack’s Pavlova Gin
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 20ml passionfruit pulp or passionfruit syrup
- 15ml vanilla syrup (or simple syrup)
- 20ml aquafaba or 1 fresh egg white
- Ice
Method
- Add Pavlova Gin, lemon juice, passionfruit, vanilla syrup and aquafaba/egg white to a shaker (no ice).
- Dry shake hard for 10–15 seconds to build a thick foam.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again until the tin is frosty.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
Glassware & Garnish
- Glass: Coupe or Nick & Nora
- Garnish: Dehydrated strawberry, a small spoon of passionfruit pulp, or crushed meringue on top of the foam.
Pav Slushie
Hot day, zero chill? This is your answer. The Pav Slushie is fruity, fun and built for esky-side refills. It’s basically frozen pavlova that someone spiked with gin – responsibly, of course.
Ingredients
- 90ml Granddad Jack’s Pavlova Gin
- 60ml cloudy apple juice or pineapple juice
- 30ml passionfruit pulp (or 20ml passionfruit syrup)
- 20ml fresh lime juice
- 10–15ml simple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 2 cups ice
- Fresh strawberries and kiwi slices, to serve
Method
- Add Pavlova Gin, juice, passionfruit, lime juice, simple syrup and ice to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and slushy. Adjust sweetness or texture with a splash more juice or ice if needed.
- Pour into a chilled large wine glass or frozen margarita glass.
Glassware & Garnish
- Glass: Large wine glass, hurricane or margarita glass
- Garnish: Fresh strawberry fan, kiwi slice and a little crumble of meringue on top.
Batch tip: Multiply the recipe, blend in a big jug and park it on the table – let everyone help themselves while you “test” the next round.
Espresso Pavtini
For the coffee drinkers who also firmly identify as dessert people. The Espresso Pavtini brings together rich espresso, creamy vanilla and the bright, fruity pavlova notes from the gin. Think espresso martini, but with a Christmas twist.
Ingredients
- 45ml Granddad Jack’s Pavlova Gin
- 30ml coffee liqueur
- 30ml fresh hot espresso (or strong coffee, cooled slightly)
- 15ml vanilla syrup or simple syrup
- Ice
Method
- Pull a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t explode your shaker.
- Add Pavlova Gin, coffee liqueur, espresso and syrup to a shaker with plenty of ice.
- Shake hard for 10–15 seconds until well chilled and frothy.
- Double strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
Glassware & Garnish
- Glass: Martini or coupe
- Garnish: 3 coffee beans and a light dusting of crushed meringue or grated chocolate.
Upgrade: Rim the glass with a mix of crushed meringue and sugar for extra dessert drama.
Simple Serve: Pavlova Gin & Tonic
Not in the mood to shake or blend? No worries. This simple G&T lets the Pavlova Gin do all the heavy lifting.
Ingredients
- 30–45ml Granddad Jack’s Pavlova Gin
- Long Rays Native Tonic Water (to top)
- Ice
- Fresh strawberries and a wedge of lime or slice of kiwi fruit
Method
- Fill a highball or copa glass with ice.
- Add Pavlova Gin.
- Top with Long Rays Native Tonic Water.
- Gently stir once or twice to combine.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and citrus or kiwi.
Bring the Spirit of Christmas Home
Whether you’re hosting the family, throwing an end-of-year party, or just rewarding yourself for surviving another silly season, these Pavlova Gin cocktails are built to impress. Sweet, tangy and unapologetically Aussie, they’re made for long summer afternoons, late-night card games and “remember when…” stories around the table.
Ready to make your own? Grab a bottle of Granddad Jack’s Pavlova Gin, raid the fruit bowl and get shaking. Dessert is officially served – in a glass.