If you’re a gin drinker, you probably enjoy a diversity of gins. You will not find the same combination of botanicals in two different bottles.
It’s this variety of flavours is what keeps many gin lovers loyal to their drink. In fact, trying out different flavours never gets boring. Before I let you in on the nine gins you must try in South Africa, I want to share my favourite gin cocktail recipe.
The key to making great cocktails is the balance between sour/bitter and sweet. One element should not overpower the other. Taste your drinks and if you’ll be serving over ice, fill your glass to the top. Lastly, remember to drink in three steps, with our eyes first, then with our nose and finally with our mouth.
Strawberry gin recipe
Ingredients
700ml bottle of gin
400g punnet of strawberries, sliced
100g caster sugar
Method
Mix the gin with the strawberries and caster sugar in a large bowl and pour into a 1.5-litre sterilised jar. Store in the fridge and stir every two days for three weeks. Strain though coffee filters or muslin cloth to serve. Recipe from Good Food magazine.
Here are our favourite gins to try in South Africa (in no particular order)…
Autograph Gin
Every drop is curated by hand, each sip is an expression of shared pleasure and passion – the finishing touch on the story of gin. Autograph, South Africa’s newest bespoke Gin distillery and bar, aspires to produce limited volumes of handmade and individually crafted premium spirit products. More information is available at www.autographgin.com.
Vale Gin
They carefully craft their gin from a selection of juniper berries, cassia bark, angelica root, orange peel & coriander seed to create this unique South African gin masterpiece. it’s elegant and smooth. For more information, visit www.nambev.com.
Victoria Stag
Juniper Berries, Cassia Bark, Angelica Root, Orange Peel and Coriander Seed were used to create this mystical masterpiece. Infused with handpicked and air-dried strawberries for a pleasant and sweet experience. For more information, visit www.natures-own-beverages.myshopify.com
Musgrave
An aromatic gin with exotic notes reflecting the spice route of africa. For more information, visit www.musgravegin.co.za.
Black Rose
Every sip of Black Rose gin crafted in Cape Town has a uniquely refreshing burst of pomegranate flavour, followed by a subtle citrus taste to compliment the fresh taste of juniper. Black Rose Blush owes its distinct and unique flavour to the perfect combination of 5 botanicals; carefully combined to give a sweet lasting taste on the palate. Using only natural ingredients, this small batch gin is copper distilled for an extra smooth, taste experience. For more information, visit www.blackrosegin.com.
Clemengold Gin
The sweet and sun-ripened essence of ClemenGold, SA’s leading mandarin, now treats gin aficionados to a classic Cape Town Dry style gin with subtle hints of citrus. Furthermore, it’s excellent in a refreshing gin and tonic; the number one choice for any number of classic gin cocktails … or try sipping it served on ice with a twist of orange (or ClemenGold, in season), or a cinnamon stick. For more information, visit www.citrusgin.co.za.
Victorias Hand Crafted Gin
Inspired by the fascinating flora, serenity and charm a signature gin was created. Victoria handcrafted gin is available in three varietals: Classic pink, Blue and Amber. Twelve signature African and traditional botanicals delicately augment this gin. For more information, visit www.blueskybrands.co.za
Howling Owl
Orange blossom notes provide a floral experience on the nose with a palate pleasing subtle Juniper Berry finish. For more information on this gin available in South Africa, visit www.natures-own-beverages.myshopify.com/
Solo Aviator
This gin is juniper balanced with spicy pine top notes and a hint of citrus. Juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root, cassia bark and orange peel botanicals was used to create this deliciously crisp and clean gin. To order Solo Aviator gin available in South Africa, go to www.natures-own-beverages.myshopify.com.
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