How SA is celebrating World Gin Day

World Gin Day takes place on the second Saturday of June every year and is usually welcomed by a host of festivals and events. Unfortunately, SA is in the midst of Covid-19’s third wave and as such, gin brands, bars and restaurants are celebrating the day with outside events and new gin-based cocktails. The “ginnaissance” of the juniper-infused spirit shows no signs of stopping and SA brands are some of the most innovative, tasty and awarded gins in the world. This is how we are celebrating in 2021:

Gin & Co is hosting a celebration of all things gin at the gorgeous gardens of Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre in White River. Sun hats and Birkenstocks are essential for a day of basking in the winter sun to the live music of Natasha C. Various local gin distilleries will be hosting tastings and there will be several delicious food stalls at this family friendly event. Under 18s are free. Tickets are R150 for those who enjoy a tipple or two.

Musgrave Gin is celebrating its six-year anniversary by releasing a limited edition Musgrave Eleven emblazoned with the art of contemporary artist Jasmine Jagger. Musgrave Eleven reflects a flavour profile that spans a continent and reflects aspects of the spice route. Jagger’s artwork is printed on just 1000 of the bottles. Musgrave Inspired Artwork by Jagger will be exhibiting at the Candice Berman Gallery in Bryanston, Johannesburg until  June 24, and a perfect way to celebrate World Gin Day.

SA’s leading citrus brand, ClemenGold, has distilled its mandarins into a sun-kissed gin. ClemenGold is celebrating the day by introducing new cocktails, such as the Gin Biscotti. More recipes can be viewed on their website.

Gin Biscotti

Ingredients

1. 25ml ClemenGold GinTM
2. 15ml Amaretto
3. 10ml Gingerbread syrup
4. 3-4 dash bitters

Garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel and biscotti

Method

1. Add ice or a large ice rock to a tumbler.
2. Combine the gin, amaretto, gingerbread syrup and bitters in a mixing glass.
3. Add ice and stir until well chilled.
4. Using a hawthorn strainer, strain the mix into the tumbler.
5. Garnish and enjoy.

Bloedlemoen Sagroni

Bloedlemoen gin, made from the tantalising Tarocco blood orange is the first blood orange gin in the world. All ingredients are sourced locally within the Western Cape. Their entry into the celebration is an SA spin on the classic Negroni.

Ingredients

1. 25ml Bloedlemoen gin
2. 25ml Campari
3. 25ml full cream sherry
4. 1 orange twist/peel garnish (pro tip: use a potato peeler)

Method

1. Stir all the ingredients together and strain into a tumbler glass with a big block of ice.
2. Take the orange twist and squeeze the oil over the drink.

Pro tip: Run the peel on the outside of the glass … it gives you a multisensory experience with the orange oil on your fingertips

Muti Gin, receiver of the Gold medal at the 2019 SA Craft Gin Awards is hosting a series of small events with acclaimed artist Lionel Smit. The gin has always been closely linked with art, their many branding and design awards attest to that. Editions, Works on paper, will be showing at his Studio in Somerset West until July 3. Contemporary portraiture and gin; a must-experience cocktail.

The Mutini:

Ingredients and Method

1. One and a half doses of Muti
2. Half a dose of Triple Sec
3. One solid dose of Martini Dry

Add orange zest for garnish

World Gin Day is the perfect excuse to whip up a cocktail or enjoy a boozy, socially distanced of course, night out. The SA gin industry, despite some knocks from Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, provides a world-renowned and innovative taste experience.