\nOnce 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.
\nTanya Cruse, the director of Gin & Co, and her fab team have scooped the esteemed gin trophy at this year\u2019s Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards, a substantial accomplishment for both the brand and the Lowveld.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2023\/10\/MA-Awards-Photo-400x400.jpg\")
Hotly contested, the Michelangelo Awards evaluate more than 1 500 entries every year. \u201cOur Safari African Gin not only competed, but excelled, securing the highest honour in the gin category,\u201d Tanya smiles proudly. \u201cOur 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.\u201d
\nSafari 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\u2019s dedication to the preservation of South Africa\u2019s biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty.<\/p>\n
Muddled blueberry, lime and mint G & T<\/strong> 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 Home-made lemonade<\/strong> Fruit water<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u00a0extra 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!<\/p>\n 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\u2019t go wrong with the classics. Dragon fruit mocktail\u00a0<\/strong> Temple with a twist<\/strong><\/p>\n Ingredients <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Shandon lodge<\/strong><\/p>\n 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 Cicada Gin & Co<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":16371,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[738],"tags":[6141,6143,6142,407,73,1712,1244],"class_list":{"0":"post-16363","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-food-wine","8":"tag-ginandtonic","9":"tag-lemonade","10":"tag-proudlylocal","11":"tag-cocktails","12":"tag-getitlowveld","13":"tag-mocktails","14":"tag-spring"},"yoast_head":"\n
\nIngredients
\n\u2022 3 tbsp frozen blueberries
\n\u2022 2 mint leaves plus extra for garnish
\n\u2022 \u00bd cup gin
\n\u2022 1 cup ice
\n\u2022 1 lime
\n\u2022 1 cup tonic water
\nMethod
\nPut the mint and berries into a large glass and give them a good bash. Add the gin and muddle until mixed.
\nStrain the mixture (optional).
\nAdd to glasses, top with tonic and add a squeeze of lime, a few extra blueberries and a sprig of mint.
\nEnjoy!<\/p>\n
\nof tomato is perfect for a Red Snapper (a Bloody Mary with gin instead of vodka), and of course the much-loved martini, which wouldn\u2019t be the same without olives. Vanilla, rose, lavender and jasmine are ideal for bringing out the floral accents of your G & T. Don\u2019t stop there, these are just a few ideas to bring your gin to life.<\/p>\n
\nIngredients
\n\u2022 1 cup brown sugar
\n\u2022 1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
\n\u2022 8 lemons, plus one sliced
\n\u2022 Cold water, to dilute
\n\u2022 Mint
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2023\/10\/melissa-walker-horn-lo_udD1o_lk-unsplash-266x400.jpg\")
\nMethod
\nBring the sugar and water to a simmer, stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar.
\nRoll the lemons around on your countertop to loosen and soften.
\nCut 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.
\nPour 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.
\nIf 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2023\/10\/monika-grabkowska-ktMU5IS407s-unsplash-266x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nUse whatever you have on hand and try different combinations. Fruit water is great for the kids and keeps you cool and hydrated.<\/p>\n
\nIngredients
\n\u2022 Juice of 1 lime
\n\u2022 2 tsp maple syrup or honey
\n\u2022 2 tbsp pitaya or matcha powder (available at pharmacies and online)
\n\u2022 1 dragon fruit, peeled and chopped
\n\u2022 Mint leaves
\n\u2022 Lime sparkling water
\nMethod
\nAdd 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.
\nAdd a slice of lime and few sprigs of mint and enjoy.
\nNote: 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.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2023\/10\/whitney-wright-TgQkxQc-t_U-unsplash-325x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nThe classic Shirley Temple contains grenadine, ginger ale and cherries, but we\u2019ve muddled
\nthings up a bit with our favourite twist on the traditional.
\nMethod
\nSplash 2 tablespoons of grenadine over ice.
\nTop with half a cup of lime soda and half a cup of ginger ale. Swirl together gently.
\nAdd fresh strawberries and enjoy.
\nIt\u2019s wonderful for the children and ensures you\u2019re fresh and hydrated.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2023\/10\/Shandon-400x266.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nwith 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.
\nDetails: 083 556 5698<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2023\/10\/cicada-267x400.jpg\")
<\/strong>
\nLet 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
\nproudly Lowveld garnishes for only R99. Every
\nWednesday and Saturdays – R49 cocktail special.
\nDetails: 013 741 1751<\/em><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2023\/10\/Dollie-Gin-Cocktails-400x335.jpg\")
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
\nto 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.
\nDetails: 013 750 1696<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"