As we look ahead to another beautiful Kiwi summer, the sound of corks popping and ice cubes clinking becomes the sound of the season — heralding the beginning of party season, as a host of thrilling events begin to fill our calendar. An event that we look forward to year-round is the ASB Classic — the most exciting tennis tournament in New Zealand, which is returning to Auckland on 30th December, running through until 11th January, and we’ve got two doubles passes up for grabs. Enter here.
This longstanding competition attracts some of the best players from around the world, promising thrilling competition, athletic excellence, and the joy of summer socialising. And while it is the perfect place for tennis fans to park up and enjoy some exhilarating on-court action, the ASB Classic will have plenty of off-court action too. Schweppes, in the spirit of their motto — Born Social, is inviting tennis lovers and those simply wanting to get in on the action to revel in the delights of the brand’s Schweppes Cocktail Lounge at the Classic, where guests are invited to enjoy signature cocktails and embrace the art of mixing — and mingling.
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This summer, Schweppes invites you to elevate your social game with freshly crafted cocktails that go beyond the pre-mixed convenience of RTDs. Whether it’s a lively soirée, a backyard BBQ, a chic garden party, or courtside at the ASB Classic, the art of making a drink is as much about connection as it is about refreshment — and knowing the basic rules of drink etiquette is key to ensuring you’re the host (or guest) everyone remembers for all the right reasons.
To help you on your way, we’ve compiled a civilised etiquette guide to drink preparation, elevating your summer social prowess to new heights. Start with a Gin & Tonic — the epitome of simplicity and sophistication, and a cocktail that perfectly embodies the art of summer sipping.
01. Keep it clean
Spotless glassware is the first and most essential step when it comes to drink preparation. Residue or smudges can impact both the flavour and presentation of your drink (and your social standing). A crystal-clear glass — that also happens to be made of crystal, signals attention to detail and sets the tone for what’s to come. Which, if you know what you’re doing, is a damn good drink.
02. Ice, ice, baby
Ice isn’t just a garnish — it’s an essential ingredient to any well-conceived beverage. Keep it classy (and practical) by opting for large cubes or spheres that melt slowly, keeping your drink cool without watering it down (no one likes a weak drink). A well-iced drink maintains its chill and its charm, making every sip as refreshing as the first.
03. Perfect the pour
As with most things in life, precision matters. Taking a well-balanced G&T as an example, fill your glass halfway with ice, then pour your gin, followed by tonic water in a two-to-one ratio. Pour gently to preserve the tonic’s carbonation, ensuring your G&T sparkles as brightly as your summer soirée. Use a jigger to ensure the balance of your drink is just right, and remember, too much or too little of any element can shift a cocktail from sublime to subpar.
04. Garnish with intention
A drink’s garnish isn’t just an aesthetic addition for social content — it’s an essential aromatic addition. With a G&T, a wedge of lemon is classic (snooze), but a sprig of rosemary or a refreshing slice of cucumber goes a long way in showcasing your drink-making prowess. Always cut garnishes fresh and handle them with care — presentation is everything, after all.
05. Keep it simple, stupid
Maximalism is out, minimalism is in. Stick to quality ingredients and avoid overcomplicating your drinks with a parade of syrups, liqueurs, or obscure infusions. A great Gin & Tonic showcases the quality of the gin and the freshness of the perfect tonic (enhanced by a simple, singular garnish) — nothing more, nothing less.
06. Master your mixers
A good mixer can make or break a drink. So, don’t risk social ruin and play it safe every time by opting for the original (and most reliable) mixer: Schweppes. Whether it’s a Perfect Match (Schweppes’ take on a Whiskey & Dry), a G&T with a twist, or a Rosa Hugo Spritz (a inventive take on a summer spritz), Schweppes’ mixers ensure every sip is as refreshing as the last.
07. Select your glassware wisely
Any host worth their salt has a glass for every drink and any occasion — and knows which to use when. For those in need of a refresher: a tall Collins glass is for refreshing spritzes, a tumbler works for a neat spirit with a splash of Schweppes, and a coupe is for something celebratory.
08. Sip responsibly
There’s a fine line between enjoying a drink and overindulgence. Pace yourself, stay hydrated (a glass of water between drinks is always a good idea) and make sure you eat plenty of food. Being a gracious host — or guest, means staying composed and considerate at all times.
09. It’s about enjoyment, not perfection
Finally, don’t sweat the small stuff. While precision and quality are important when it comes to crafting the perfect drink, the true essence of enjoyment lies in fostering joy and connection. Whether your G&T is expertly crafted or slightly improvised, the aim is to savour the moment with good company.
But, if you’d rather leave the drink preparation to the pros, head to the ASB Classic and experience the Schweppes Cocktail Lounge at The Serve. Between matches, sip on expertly crafted signature cocktails like The Courtside Classic, Perfect Match, or — our pick, a classic G&T with a twist. Watch the action unfold with a drink in hand, surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere where the art of socialising is redefined.
Mix your way, where you want to, with Schweppes — the original NZ mixer. Whether you’re at home or courtside, freshly mixed beats pre-mixed, and Schweppes is here to prove it.
We’re giving away two doubles passes to the ASB Classic for Friday 10th January, to attend the Men’s Semi-Final day session, including a $250 bar tab to use at the Schweppes Cocktail Lounge.
