Mastering the art of campground mixology

No bar, no problem

At Tasman, we reckon the best drinks aren’t mixed by a bartender - they’re made between stories, laughter, and a quick raid of the mini fridge. Whether you’re pouring into enamel mugs on your site, topping up something fizzy at your cabin table, or improvising with whatever’s left in the cooler, this is mixology, the Tasman way.

Forget the glassware and garnish - these campsite cocktails are all about easy ingredients and even easier vibes. The kind you can throw together while the snags are sizzling and someone’s queuing up the next playlist.

So, grab your crew, find your spot, and raise a glass to doing absolutely nothing - and doing it spectacularly.

🎤 Every good holiday needs a soundtrack. Hit play on the good vibes- get yours.

Campground classics - The Tasman way

Because fancy bars don’t let you wear thongs. A few easy “recipes” that prove holiday drinks don’t need garnish - just good company.

🥂 The Sunset Spritz

Bright, bubbly, and best served with zero plans.
You’ll need: soda water + Aperol (or OJ for a no-alc twist) + citrus slice.
Best enjoyed while the sky turns pink - preferably somewhere coastal and calm.

Pro tip: Swap the Aperol for blood orange soda or a splash of grapefruit juice for a perfectly tangy mocktail that looks (and feels) just as fancy.

🔥 The Campfire Mule

Spicy, zesty, and made for long stories by the fire.
You’ll need: ginger beer + lime + vodka (optional).
Serve it in whatever vessel you can find - it’ll taste good either way.

Pro tip: Go zero-proof by skipping the vodka and adding a dash of mint syrup or apple juice - it’ll still kick with that ginger-lime zing.

🍷 The Esky Sangria

The “use what you’ve got” masterpiece.
You’ll need: leftover fruit + cheap wine + soda water.
Let it sit, tell a story, and pretend you planned it this way all along.

Pro tip: Turn it into a crowd-pleaser by swapping the wine for cranberry and grape juice, keeping the soda for sparkle. Let the fruit soak a little longer - it tastes even better when it’s “accidentally” dessert.

🍍 The lazy piña

Sweet, sunny, and just the right amount of lazy.
You’ll need: coconut water + tinned pineapple + rum.
Perfect for when you’ve lost track of time (and love it that way).

Pro tip: Skip the rum and add a squeeze of lime or a splash of coconut cream for the ultimate tropical mocktail. Bonus points if you drink it straight from the tin like you’re starring in your own island daydream.

🤪 The “What’s Left in the Esky” mix

Part mystery, part miracle.
You’ll need: whatever’s still cold and vaguely drinkable.
A splash of this, a slosh of that, and a dash of chaos - somehow still good.

Pro tip: Go full mystery mocktail by starting with soda water or lemonade and letting everyone pick one extra ingredient - no rules, no regrets. (Name it whatever your crew decides on. The sillier, the better.)

Mocktails that still deserve an umbrella

Simple, fresh, and a little bit fancy - made for all ages and any excuse.

🫐 Smoothie in a jar

Yoghurt, frozen berries, banana, oats.
Shake it, sip it, spoon it - whatever works. A breakfast-slash-dessert-slash- “snack emergency” winner.

🥥 Coconut water cooler

Coconut water, a squeeze of lime, and any tropical fruit you can find rolling around in the esky. Bonus points if the kids decorate their cups with beach finds.

🍋 DIY Lemonade bar

Lemons, soda water, sugar, and herbs for flair.
Let the little ones run their own “holiday bar” - just watch out for creative pricing.

Perfect for sharing at Yallingup Beach, where the grown-ups can toast marshmallows while the kids sip their “mocktails” and call themselves mixologists. And if you fancy an upgrade, the Margaret River region’s just down the road - the perfect place to stock up on local syrups, fresh fruit, or something a little stronger for later.

Where to sip, stir & stay

For foodies & flavours

Yallingup Beach, WA - Near the Margaret River region, known for artisan wine, local syrups, and small-batch goodness. Bring a few local flavours back for your evening mix.

Moama on the Murray, NSW - Part of the Echuca Moama Food & Wine Trail, perfect for pairing a riverside sunset with something homemade.

Papamoa Beach, NZ - Local markets, fresh fruit, and coastal air that makes any drink taste better. Why not visit Papamoa’s community market for some goodies.

For epic views & easy evenings

Racecourse Beach, NSW - Oceanview villas made for golden-hour spritzing.

Ohiwa, NZ - Quiet estuary outlooks, where even your mocktail goes serene.

👉🧺 Hungry (or thirsty) for more? Our Paddock to Picnic hitlist serves up the best local eats and drinks near your next Tasman getaway.

Holiday tipples, Tasman style

Because the best drink on holiday is the one you didn’t overthink. The one poured mid-story, or halfway through a laugh. Whether it’s a campfire mule, a fruity mocktail, or whatever’s left in the esky, it all just hits better when it’s shared.

Your holiday bar’s already open - no menu, no rules, just good company and a view worth toasting to.

🌅 Find your sundowner spot → Explore our parks.