Using locally grown sugarcane from the heart of KwaZulu-Natal and water from the hills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Vodka Vusa is one of the latest local spirits to hit bar shelves. The Vusa (which means awaken) distillery is in the Natal Midlands and you can pick up a bottle for around R250 from TOPS at Spar or Takealot. Details: vusavodka.com
Not resting on their gin laurels, Hope has two spirits which are exceptional festive options. Hope Small Batch Vodka is distilled from a grape base sourced in the Western Cape, with only the pure heart of the distillation run being bottled, ensuring it’s smooth enough to be sipped on ice. Clean, crisp, with hints of citrus fruit, it’s also perfect in cocktails. R350 from hopedistillery.co.za •As it’s not made in Mexico, we can’t call it tequila. Instead, we order a Hope Esperanza Agave. Designed to be sipped, this is a floral, smooth agave spirit … think rich caramel with some spice, and a soft vanilla finish. Not brave enough? Try it in a TnT – a ‘tequila and tonic’ – made by mixing with tonic water and a slice of lime. Tiempo de fiesta. R340 from hopedistillery.co.za
