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When you think of cocktails, you might first picture a classic Negroni, an icy Margarita, or even a timeless Old Fashioned. But what if you could take these well-loved cocktails and add a Kimberley twist—infusing them with the wild, vibrant flavours of Western Australia’s outback?
Here at The Broome Closet, we’ve fallen in love with incorporating native Australian ingredients into our cocktails, bringing a taste of the Kimberley region to each glass. From the tart, zesty pop of finger lime to the sweet and complex notes of Kakadu plum, these ingredients don’t just add unique flavours—they tell a story about the land they come from.
Here’s how you can create your own Kimberley-inspired cocktails at home, using some of the region’s most exciting native ingredients.
Kakadu Plum: The Sweet Star
The Kakadu plum, sometimes called the "bush superfood," packs a flavor punch with its sweet, tangy notes. Often described as having a pear or guava-like taste, this little plum can be transformed into syrups, purees, or even infused into spirits.
How to Use It:
Kakadu Plum Gin Fizz: Muddle Kakadu plum (or use Kakadu plum syrup) with lime juice and a touch of sugar, add gin, and top with soda water for a refreshing cocktail with a burst of sweet, tangy flavour.
Kakadu Plum Martini: Replace the usual olive brine in a Dirty Martini with Kakadu plum syrup for a rich, silky twist on the classic.
Pro Tip: If you can’t find fresh Kakadu plums, look for dried or powdered versions, which can easily be made into syrups or infused directly into spirits.
Finger Lime: The Citrus Caviar
Finger limes, also known as “citrus caviar,” are an absolute game-changer for cocktails. When cut open, they reveal tiny, jewel-like pearls of lime juice that explode with tart, citrusy flavor. This ingredient adds both a visual wow factor and a refreshing zing to any cocktail.
How to Use It:
Kimberley Margarita: Swap traditional lime juice for a finger lime puree, and garnish with finger lime pearls for a tart, zesty take on the classic Margarita.
Finger Lime Spritz: Add a few pearls of finger lime to a classic Aperol Spritz for an extra burst of citrus with every sip.
Pro Tip: Finger lime works best as a garnish; its bright flavour and unique texture are ideal for finishing a cocktail with a little Kimberley magic.
Wattleseed: The Nutty, Roasted Twist
Wattleseed, traditionally used by Indigenous Australians, offers a rich, nutty, roasted flavour. With hints of coffee, chocolate, and hazelnut, it’s a fantastic addition to both sweet and savoury cocktails. Its versatility makes it perfect for adding depth and complexity to drinks, especially those with creamy or bitter profiles.
How to Use It:
Wattleseed Espresso Martini: Add wattleseed to your cold brew coffee for an earthy, roasted twist on the ever-popular Espresso Martini.
Wattleseed Old Fashioned: Infuse your whisky with wattleseed or use a wattleseed syrup to bring an Australian twist to the classic Old Fashioned. Its nutty flavour plays beautifully with the whisky’s boldness.
Pro Tip: You can create wattleseed syrup by simmering ground wattleseed with sugar and water, or you can steep it in alcohol for a flavourful infusion.
Bush Tomato: Sweet and Savory
Bush tomatoes (or desert raisins) have a sweet yet savoury flavour that’s somewhat similar to sun-dried tomatoes but with more earthy, complex undertones. They're an unexpected addition to cocktails and can be used in the same way you might use tomatoes in a Bloody Mary or other savoury drinks.
How to Use It:
Bush Tomato Bloody Mary: Muddle bush tomatoes with vodka, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce for a smoky, savoury twist on the traditional Bloody Mary.
Bush Tomato Negroni: Add a splash of bush tomato syrup to a classic Negroni to give it a subtle savoury edge, balancing the bitterness of the Campari.
Pro Tip: Dehydrate your own bush tomatoes for a fresh garnish, or simmer them into a rich, flavourful syrup.
Lemon Myrtle: The Aromatic All-Star
Lemon myrtle, with its refreshing and bright citrus flavour, can replace traditional lemon or lime juice in many cocktails, adding a uniquely Australian flair. It works beautifully in syrups or as an infusion and offers a delicate floral aroma along with its zesty taste.
How to Use It:
Lemon Myrtle Gin & Tonic: Infuse your gin with lemon myrtle for a fragrant, citrus-forward G&T that feels like a breath of fresh Kimberley air.
Lemon Myrtle Sour: Use lemon myrtle syrup in a Whiskey Sour for an aromatic, slightly floral twist that adds complexity to this classic cocktail.
Pro Tip: Make a lemon myrtle simple syrup by steeping the dried leaves in hot water, then mixing it with sugar. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be added to a wide range of drinks.
Creating Your Kimberley Cocktail Experience
The beauty of crafting cocktails at home is that you can experiment with these incredible local ingredients to create drinks that are personal, flavourful, and truly representative of the Kimberley region. Whether you’re using a splash of finger lime or a dash of Kakadu plum syrup, these native ingredients offer a new way to experience both classic cocktails and original creations.
So next time you're mixing drinks at home, think beyond the ordinary. Bring the flavours of the Kimberley into your glass and toast to the rich, diverse tastes of Western Australia’s wild side. And if you're ever in Broome, make sure to stop by The Broome Closet to try some of our inspired creations firsthand!
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