The weather is warming up and the lowveld is starting to stir. Donning sandals and shorts, with a comfy tee, we love nothing more than lounging around on the deck or at the pool with a tall, ice-cold glass of something refreshing and delicious.
Cocktails are an art in themselves, from the heady concoctions that boast all colours of the rainbow and pack a punch like a Moscow Mule, to the more sedate (but just as enticing) classic favourites.
Think old-fashioned mint julep, negroni, martini, and of course the ever-trendy G & T. An afternoon or evening of cocktails is the perfect way to wind down after a long day. It takes the edge off and makes everything look a little more rosy.
Mocktails have become just as, if not more, popular than their alcoholic counterparts, and are no less interesting for their lack of boozy beverage. A few examples are a Virgin Mary, a rock shandy or Shirley Temple, just a few of which have become firm favourites and show no signs of going out of style.
Proudly local!
Once again, our very own Gin & Co has done us proud. Based in the tranquil setting of Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre outside White River, this celebrated microdistillery is famous for its range of African-inspired, exceptional hand-crafted gin.
Tanya Cruse, the director of Gin & Co, and her fab team have scooped the esteemed gin trophy at this year’s Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards, a substantial accomplishment for both the brand and the Lowveld.
Hotly contested, the Michelangelo Awards evaluate more than 1 500 entries every year. “Our Safari African Gin not only competed, but excelled, securing the highest honour in the gin category,” Tanya smiles proudly. “Our commitment to combining exceptional spirits with the unique flavours of Africa is stronger than ever, along with making sure we place Mbombela firmly on the global map as a centre for world-class gin production.”
Safari African Gin is crafted with conservation in mind, and with 10% of all sales going towards wildlife and nature conservation, it epitomises a spirit of purpose, highlighting Tanya’s dedication to the preservation of South Africa’s biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty.
Muddled blueberry, lime and mint G & T
Ingredients
• 3 tbsp frozen blueberries
• 2 mint leaves plus extra for garnish
• ½ cup gin
• 1 cup ice
• 1 lime
• 1 cup tonic water
Method
Put the mint and berries into a large glass and give them a good bash. Add the gin and muddle until mixed.
Strain the mixture (optional).
Add to glasses, top with tonic and add a squeeze of lime, a few extra blueberries and a sprig of mint.
Enjoy!
Mix and match your gin accompaniments to get the best flavour match for your favourite G & T. Berries, – strawberries, blueberries raspberries and blackberries – are old favourites, along with citrus fruits like blood orange, lime and grapefruit. Other fruit options that marry rather well are dried fig, grapes, apricot and pear. Herb and spice options are pink peppercorns, thyme, rosemary and wild basil. Going a step further, the savoury flavour
of tomato is perfect for a Red Snapper (a Bloody Mary with gin instead of vodka), and of course the much-loved martini, which wouldn’t be the same without olives. Vanilla, rose, lavender and jasmine are ideal for bringing out the floral accents of your G & T. Don’t stop there, these are just a few ideas to bring your gin to life.
Home-made lemonade
Ingredients
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
• 8 lemons, plus one sliced
• Cold water, to dilute
• Mint
Method
Bring the sugar and water to a simmer, stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar.
Roll the lemons around on your countertop to loosen and soften.
Cut them in half lengthwise, and squeeze the juice. Leave the pulp but discard any seeds. Continue juicing until you have about a cup of fresh juice and pulp.
Pour the lemon juice and cooled simple syrup into a pitcher. Add about 2 cups of cold water. You can add more, but remember that the ice will dilute the lemon, and you might want to add sparkling water or wine.
If the liquid is too sweet, add more lemon juice; if too tart, add a little more sugar syrup. Add mint leaves and a few lemon slices. Refrigerate for an hour and serve with ice.
Fruit water
Adding fruit, vegetables and/or herbs to your water helps to boost your immune system, helps to promote weight loss and gives you loads of extra energy. Fill jugs with ice cubes, add the fruit or veggies of your choice, and top with still or sparkling water. Bubbles work just as well!
A few great combinations to try are strawberry, lemon and mint; apple, carrot and lemon; apple, pear and cinnamon; lemon, cucumber and celery; watermelon and strawberry; blueberry and rosemary; orange and lime; and pineapple and strawberry; and of course lemon water or cucumber water, because you can’t go wrong with the classics.
Use whatever you have on hand and try different combinations. Fruit water is great for the kids and keeps you cool and hydrated.
Dragon fruit mocktail
Ingredients
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tsp maple syrup or honey
• 2 tbsp pitaya or matcha powder (available at pharmacies and online)
• 1 dragon fruit, peeled and chopped
• Mint leaves
• Lime sparkling water
Method
Add the lime, dragon fruit, powder and mint to a pitcher and lightly mash with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon. Pour in the lime sparkling water and mix.
Add a slice of lime and few sprigs of mint and enjoy.
Note: For a bit of a kick, add 100ml of white rum to the mix. Gently stir, top with lime soda and pour over fresh ice.
Temple with a twist
Ingredients
The classic Shirley Temple contains grenadine, ginger ale and cherries, but we’ve muddled
things up a bit with our favourite twist on the traditional.
Method
Splash 2 tablespoons of grenadine over ice.
Top with half a cup of lime soda and half a cup of ginger ale. Swirl together gently.
Add fresh strawberries and enjoy.
It’s wonderful for the children and ensures you’re fresh and hydrated.
Shandon lodge
Shed the stress of the day when you indulge in one of our scrumptious cocktails, served ice-cold at our E-Tree Restaurant with beautiful views of forever. Our skilled barman knows a thing or two about whipping up all your favourites; watch him whizz, shake and blend
with the ease of an expert. Add another dimension to a business lunch or spoil yourself and a friend while enjoying an afternoon or evening watching the sun go down with an Electric Lemonade, margarita or Sex on the Beach.
Details: 083 556 5698
Cicada
Let Calvin, Rebecca and Mike shake, stir and blend the perfect mix of fresh fruit, syrups and alcohol while you relax in our craft bar or on our stoep, enjoying the vibe while sipping on a cocktail. Firm favourites include the Unicorn Gin, which is topped with berries and cotton candy, and our lolly cocktails, which are tropical flavours infused with a kick and topped with a juicy ice lolly. They are perfect for balmy Lowveld days. The passionfruit daiquiri is a refreshing mix of fresh locally grown grenadilla pulp, mint and white rum. Try our Gin Cocktail Flight – three seasonal G & Ts with home-made syrups and
proudly Lowveld garnishes for only R99. Every
Wednesday and Saturdays – R49 cocktail special.
Details: 013 741 1751
Gin & Co
Dollie Gin, a familiar name in the Lowveld, has made waves with its artisanal gin range since it was first introduced. Crafted with precision, it offers bold flavours and botanicals, each batch is infused with the finest and freshest ingredients, ensuring a unique and delightful experience in every sip. The fabulous foursome of gins cater
to various palates, promising the perfect match for all. Savour over ice with your favourite tonic, in colourful cocktails or on the rocks, it is sure to make you feel jolly. Cheers to the art of gin-making, and the story of Dollie Gin – every bottle is a masterpiece.
Details: 013 750 1696
