The Ultimate Drinks Guide For The Season

The Ultimate Drinks Guide for the Season

As the summer season approaches, it's time to elevate your entertaining game with a selection of the best seasonal drinks. Whether you're hosting a lavish dinner party or enjoying a casual braai with loved ones, these selections are guaranteed to delight every palate.

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The gin category offers endless possibilities for light, refreshing, and tantalizing cocktails, making it the perfect hard liquor for warm-weather celebrations. Hendrick's Gin stands out as an exceptional choice for the season. Its unique, signature infusion of rose and cucumber provides a delightfully crisp and invigorating base for a variety of summer drinks.

Cocktail Suggestion: The Festive Cucumber Cooler

While enjoying a traditional South African braai, a simple yet sophisticated cocktail is key.

Ingredients: 50ml Hendrick's Gin, 150ml premium tonic water, 3 thin slices of cucumber, 2-3 dashes of rose water (optional for an extra floral note), and plenty of ice.
Method: Combine the gin and tonic in a highball glass over ice. Gently stir. Garnish generously with the cucumber slices and a sprinkle of rose petals if available for that extra festive touch. This drink perfectly cuts through the richness of grilled meats and is incredibly refreshing under the summer sun.

To cater to all your guests, consider stocking up on a few other seasonal favourites:

Sparkling Wine & Champagne: Nothing says celebration quite like the pop of a cork. A dry Prosecco or a classic French Champagne is essential for toasts and light aperitifs. For a local twist, explore excellent South African Cap Classiques (MCCs).

Brandy: KWV Brandy are for those who prefer a darker, warmer spirit. This brandy is ideal for creating winter-inspired cocktails, even in the summer heat. While it is superb enjoyed neat or with a single block of ice, this brandy is also a perfect accompaniment for your classic cocktails. Its rich flavour profile provides a magnificent, layered foundation that elevates iconic drinks. For instance, it brings a new level of sophistication to the Sidecar, where its inherent fruit and oak notes beautifully complement the lemon and orange liqueur. Furthermore, it adds a distinct, authoritative backbone to an Old Fashioned, transforming the whiskey-based classic into a truly memorable brandy cocktail experience. Our personal favourite- the KWV VS and the 15-Year-Old Brandy is not merely a spirit; it is a refined sensory experience, perfect for savouring and sophisticated mixing alike.

Rhum Agricole: If your occasion leans towards tropical flavours, a good Rhum Agricole (made from fresh sugarcane juice) offers grassy, vibrant notes perfect for high-end mojitos or sophisticated daiquiris.