“It’s the best damn gin on the planet”, according to Ryan Reynolds, actor, writer and producer. Reynolds, who tasted Aviation Gin for the 1st time in 2017, liked it so much that he recently acquired an ownership interest in Aviation Gin, an American craft gin company. Reynolds will not only be the face of the brand, he will also be involved in the entire creative process for Aviation Gin, including its marketing and strategy.
The gin revolution is a world-wide phenomenon. One of the biggest drivers in the incredible resurgence of gin over the past few years is the sheer number of craft gin distillers that have popped up. South Africa is following suit with a growing number of craft distilleries opening their doors every other month. No wonder as South Africa provides the natural raw ingredients which allows distillers to produce world-class gins. South Africans are celebrating the revival of gin in everything from festivals, to craft gin clubs to craft gin loyalty cards at liquor stores. Not to mention cocktail bars whose main focus is gin and tonic. I think it is safe to say that gin is here to stay! Continue reading The Gin Revolution
It was the interest in local craft gin amongst South African consumers and spirit traders alike, as well as the versatility of gin as a spirit that lead to the idea to build a lifestyle festival around it. With four successful festivals under their belts, the organisers of the Gin & Tonic Festival continue to provide an unrivaled gin experience. Continue reading Gin & Tonic Festival – JHB
The Gin Box is South Africa’s first craft gin club. According to Jean Buckham, owner and founder of The Gin Box, South Africa is experiencing a gin revolution at present. “South Africa is producing world class gins – thanks to the bravery and innovation of the local distillers but also thanks to the abundance of cape fynbos botanicals – including rooibos, and Highveld bush botanicals which are adding a whole new flavour spectrum to South African gin. Through The Gin Box we hope to inform gin enthusiasts about which are the best gins to purchase, what to drink them with and how to build up a gin collection, i.e. a few good gins to offer guests with paired tonic waters and garnishes”, says Jean. Continue reading The Gin Box
Brian Leopold of Tops Radiokop is the mastermind behind an in-store Loyalty Card For Craft Gin & Beer. Yes, you heard right, you will be rewarded for buying craft liquor! The loyalty card will enable the holder to gain points according to the amount purchased. The points can be accumulated and then be refunded to the holder in the form of a voucher. Vouchers can be redeemed at Tops Radiokop. Points can be earned on all craft liquors, so remember to take your Craft Card with you – no card, no points! Continue reading Loyalty Card For Craft Gin & Beer
A classic G&T is just the thing to help you cool off on a hot summer’s day. It tastes even better in ice lolly form! Continue reading G&T Ice Lollies
This ice-cream has a unmistakable gin flavour. The gin can be substituted with vodka, whiskey or brandy if you prefer. Or omit the gin for a alcohol-free ice-cream. Continue reading Gin Ice-cream
Use your favourite gin and good quality ice cream and turn a G&T cocktail into dessert.
A classic drink in the form of a dessert – what more could you want?
This delicate cake tastes like a lemon sponge with a subtle, refreshing flavour due to the cucumber. The gin-flavoured icing compliments the lemon and cucumber in the cake perfectly. Continue reading Lemon and Cucumber Cake with Gin Icing
Juniper berries pairs very well with venison. Read the post Juniper Berries for more info on this superfood. To improve the flavour and soften the meat, marinate it for several hours or for up to 3 days in the fridge or freezer before cooking. The Cooked Marinade used in this recipe is by Carolié de Koster from the Art of Cooking Recipe book p. 294. Be sure to also try the recipe for German Pot Roast (Sauerbraten). It is an authentic German dish that is flavoured with Juniper berries.
Continue reading Fillets Of Venison With Juniper Berries
Below are a few popular cocktail recipes. Some are classics, such as G&T, Tom Collins and Negroni. Others are based on the classics, but with a modern twist. All the recipes below make a single serving.
It is said that drinking gin has been proven to have countless health benefits – from longevity, to rejuvenation and of course, hydration. Below are ten ways in which drinking gin might actually be good for you (not that I think anyone needs an excuse to drink a G&T!)
Juniper is mostly known as the main flavouring agent used in the distilling of gin. They have many more uses than just flavouring gin though. See my post The Gin Revolution for info on how the G&T came about.
To tie in with the “Gin” theme of the newsletter, we’ve included a variety of recipes – mostly for dessert – that has either gin or tonic, or both, as an ingredient.
Be sure to also try our Gin Cocktails where you will find recipes for everything from the classics, such as G&T, Tom Collins and Negroni. Others are based on the classics, but with a modern twist.
You will find a variety of mouth-watering recipes for the Festive Season here.
Nothing goes as well together as wild game and juniper. This is an authentic Belgian recipe where the classic flavors of juniper, rosemary and sour cream are combined.
Continue reading Belgian Venison Medallions With Gin & Juniper
