Cape Town has always been the land of wine and vines, but in recent years gin has emerged as a contender for the hearts of Capetonians.
We have become smitten with the delightfully-bitter drink and as we continue to sip, we keep looking for new ways to stir it up.
If you’re feeling the need to mix up your gin-drinking approach, here are a few tips to do just that.
1. Get a good tonic
An easy way to add a little extra flavour and even colour to your gin experience by throwing in quality tonic.
Fitch & Leeds has just introduced their new Blue Tonic, which adds hints of cardamom and juicy blueberry aromas to any drink.
They have a delightful Pink Tonic worth trying too, which embodies rose and cucumber scents to a tee.
2. Try SECCO
SECCO is a fabulous gift for gin-drinkers everywhere, with a number of delicious flavours to sample.
Neatly packed in sachets, various dried botanicals and spices perfectly compliment a glass of gin, adding tastiness, colour and aesthetic once hydrated.
Flavours include Raspberry Rose Hibiscus, Spiced Fig, Citrus Cinnamon, and Pepper Berry. Available at Bar Keeper.
3. Opt for a flavoured gin
A good classic gin is always a winner, but if you’re in need of a little adventure why not try a gin infused with a unique flavour?
Blind Tiger’s Rarely Sighted gin is the perfect bottle to try for this purpose, with slightly sweet citrus notes, touches of lemongrass and tropical nuances.
Other uniquely-flavoured gins we recommend adding to your gin list: Six Dogs Blue, Pienarr & Son Orient, Phantom Kysna Gin.
4. Flex your green thumb
Head over to your closest garden centre or nursery and grab a few potted herb plants.
Keeping some herbs growing on your balcony or garden and tossing clipped sprigs into your gin is a great way to keep your drinks fresh.
Thyme, rosemary, mint, basil, lavender, and many more herbs can be easily grown to compliment your drink infusion. Try a new combo you haven’t before.
5. Get sugar smart
Try sugar-free alternatives to tonics. Despite its bitterness, tonic water actually packs a lot of sugar.
There are a good number of tonic alternatives that come without the sugar, including sparkling water options.
If you want to avoid drinking too much sugar with your gin, even The Duchess alcohol-free gin makes for a good mix.
Pictures: Pixabay
