In this spirited journey, we unveil 5 Fabulously Festive Gins for 2023, because what’s summer without a touch of juniper joy?

 

• From an experiential journey that reflects the spirit of the African biome to a kaleidoscope of colors and flavor combinations – this year’s list has it all!
• If you’re inspired by the Cape floral kingdom or prefer a more international gin, there’s something for all palates.
• With five delicious pours to choose from, the festive season is bound to be one of experiences, exploration and hours of fun.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

 

Get ready to raise your glasses and toast to the most wonderful time of the year, as we dive into the world of summertime spirits! As the temperatures rise, so does the excitement for those refreshing sips that define the season. So, let’s shake off the year that was and welcome the sun with open arms and a delightful gin in hand.

 

Six Dogs Honey Lime

Six Dogs Honey Lime is an irresistible combination of farm honey, home-grown limes and the finest botanical spirit. Sip it and you’ll taste classic notes of juniper, coriander and the earthy tones of angelica, complemented by a bite of zesty limes and a subtle infusion of honey to soften and sweeten the overall taste.

 

This delectable drink is the result of a sustainability project that began when South African bee conservation company, Bee Smiths, approached Six Dogs Distillery to relocate distressed bees to the farm on which the distillery is situated. Their new home, found on the intersection of the Fynbos and Karoo biomes, proved to be the ideal location for the bees.

 

Honey Lime Moscow Mule

Ingredients:
50ml Six Dogs Honey Lime Gin
40 ml freshly squeezed lime
juice
Ginger Beer

 

Method:
Squeeze lime juice into a tall glass, slice and add the peel.
Add ice cubes, then pour in the gin and fill with cold ginger beer.
Stir before serving.

 

Six Dogs Honey Lime is available at most leading liquor retailers and online.

 

Sugarbird Cape Fynbos Gin

Situated in the Cape, Sugarbird is intimately connected to the Cape floral kingdom, drawing inspiration from the beauty found in a multitude of small wonders within the region.

 

In the creation of Sugarbird Original Fynbos, the objective was to achieve a harmonious balance between citrus and floral notes, with a distinct focus on highlighting the unique qualities of fynbos. Agathosma betulina, (round leaf Buchu), plays a central role in this gin. Harvested at a specific time of year to ensure a minty camphor freshness reminiscent of juniper cones, it is expertly blended with rooibos, honeybush, leaves of Pelargonium graveolens (rose geranium), and the Cape May flower.

 

Beyond the floral and subtle fruity notes contributed by black currant, tropical guava, and peach, Sugarbird Original Fynbos is renowned for its rare citrus twang, which has become a trademark of the Sugarbird brand.

 

Pick up your bottle online or visit the Sugarbird website for more.

 

Bombay Sapphire

‘Tis the season for South African holiday magic! Let BOMBAY SAPPHIRE be your canvas for creating that Christmas cheer.

 

They have an uncompromising approach to creating fresh, clean, and versatile flavours that are perfect for creating exceptional cocktails. As the only international gin that is 100% vapour infused, the 10 hand-picked botanicals from exotic locations aren’t subjected to boiling; instead, they undergo a gentle vapor infusion. This method captures their bright and vibrant flavors, guaranteeing an exceptionally delightful holiday cocktail experience.

 

Unleash your inner artist this festive season with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, where crafting your own masterpieces knows no bounds. Stir creativity into your celebrations with unique gin and tonic combinations, from pomegranates for festive fun to a blend of cranberries and rosemary for that very merry touch. Now is the time to bring alive the festive spirit, awakening your creativity and savouring every sip of visually appealing Christmas cocktails.

 

To all merry mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts, raise a toast to unforgettable festive memories at home with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE. Explore some holly jolly G&T recipes, courtesy of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, and make this holiday season truly special.

 

BOMBAY BRAMBLE provides the ideal base for a lighter option for those wishing to enjoy a drink that’s a little lighter in alcohol and sugar, for those long lazy summer days.

 

Festive 75
This is a seasonal expression of the wartime classic cocktail – the ‘French 75’ – an elegant, refined, uplifting tipple, perfect for any celebration.

 

Ingredients:
25ml BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin
15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
15ml home-made sugar syrup (2:1 ratio)
60ml MARTINI Prosecco (chilled and freshly opened)
1 whole star anise
1 spritzed lemon peel twist

 

Method:
Shake the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar syrup briefly with
cubed ice for around 10 seconds.
Fine strain the mixture into a chilled, sparkling wine glass including 60ml of Prosecco..
Garnish with a trimmed lemon peel twist, spritzed over the drink and placed in, and a whole
star anise.

 

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is available at all good liquor retailers.

 

Whitley Neill Gin

With so many delicious fruits and flowers now in season dressing up your gin cocktail has never been this easy. Try these exciting flavour combinations when experimenting with Whitley Neill Gin – available in seven flavours and in a kaleidoscope of colours.

 

Strawberry and basil, or guava and mint pairs beautifully with the fruitiness of the hibiscus and the floral notes from the protea in the Whitley Neill Protea and Hibiscus Gin. Or try fresh pineapple to complement the back notes of cardamom and coriander.

 

Try using a classic garnish like a twist of orange and maybe some rosemary when using Whitley Neill’s Original Gin. Or for something different yellow pepper and tonka bean grated over the top. Or fennel flower boasting some anise chocolate notes to pair with the gooseberry and baobab in the gin.

 

Be sure to taste Whitley Neill Gin’s other flavours like Raspberry, Blackberry, Blood Orange and Lemongrass & Ginger.

 

Whitley Neill Gin is available at most leading liquor retailers and online at TakeALot and Liquor Drop.

 

Kollegin Rooibos Gin

A unique and flavourful twist on a classic gin, infused with the aromatic and earthy notes of South African rooibos tea to make for a truly delightful and refreshing spirit. It is a recent addition to the ever-expanding world of gin, perfect for those looking to explore new and exciting botanical combinations.

 

At the Michaelangelo International Wine and Spirit Awards, Kollegin Rooibos gin has consistently been recognized for its exceptional quality. Its smooth and balanced flavour profile earned it top honors and received gold medals and double gold medals, solidifying its position as a premium brand.

 

In addition to its success at the Michaelangelo Awards, this gin also excelled at the Merit Wine and Spirit Challenge in 2023. This competition focuses on recognizing excellence among wines and spirits of South Africa.

 

Shop the full range of gins on the Kollegin website.

 

And because it’s the festive season, what would Christmas be without a little something extra? So here is a bonus fabulously festive gin for the 2023 season:

 

Inverroche Amber

Embark on an experiential journey with Inverroche, South Africa’s handmade gin brand, as you create your own Amber Bubbles cocktail. Infused with unique and indigenous fynbos, Inverroche’s gins offer a rare taste of African luxury.

 

This cocktail is not just a drink, but a celebration of nature, sustainability, and community. One that embodies Inverroche’s ethos of interconnectedness.

 

Join in on a rich symphony of flavours that reflect the spirit of the African biome as you mix your very own Amber Bubbles. Let each bubble of this delectable cocktail transport you to a world where luxury meets mindfulness.

 

Here’s to moments of extraordinary taste and meaningful enjoyment. Crafted by nature, savoured by you.

 

Amber Bubble

Ingredients:
25ml Inverroche Amber Gin
10ml Sour Fig Syrup
20ml Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
Topped with MCC (Brut Sparkling Wine)

 

Method:
Shake and fine strain the gin, grapefruit juice and syrup into the coup, top with MCC.

 

Order your Inverroche Amber on the Inverroche website.

 

As we reach the bottom of our glasses and the end of our journey through the realm of summertime spirits, it’s evident that these fabulously festive gins have added an extra sparkle to the most wonderful time of the year. The clink of ice cubes, the burst of botanicals, and the laughter shared over a well-crafted gin and tonic—all ingredients for a memorable summer.

 

So, whether you’re a gin connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, let the flavours of 2023’s finest gins linger on your palate, carrying the essence of this spirited season with you. Here’s to the magical moments, the refreshing sips, and the joyous gatherings that define the festive season – cheers to a season filled with flavour, fun, and the perfect pour!

 

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