Every year on the second Saturday in June, gin aficionados sip and celebrate World Gin Day, an occasion dedicated to the juniper-infused spirit that has captivated palates for centuries. But why leave the comfort of your warm home during a biting cold front when you can transform your kitchen into a personal speakeasy and craft your very own mixologist-approved cocktail? Whether you’re getting a head start on your celebrations, perfecting your technique ahead of World Gin Day on 14 June, or simply saving your taste buds for the main event, now is the ideal time to experiment with the diverse world of gin.
Few things bring me as much joy as a gin-based cocktail – the variety is endless, and no two are ever quite the same. The beauty of gin lies in its versatility. From classic G&Ts to complex concoctions, the spirit is an excellent canvas for many flavours. My go-to is the famous yet controversial Negroni: it’s bitter at first sip, sure, but savour it a lot longer and you’ll discover a strange kind of sweetness. The Dirty Martini is also a favourite of mine, a true test of a bartender’s skillset. So, in celebration of World Gin Day, we turned to mixologists from some of South Africa’s finest cocktail bars and establishments in search of some drinks we can make in the comfort and warmth of our own homes. Here are three of our favourites.
The cocktail: Citrus Burst
The venue: The Oyster Box Hotel (2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban)
- 031 Gin
- Elderflower syrup
- Rooibos tea
- Citrus juice
- 3 dashes of orange bitters
- 3 dashes of vegan-free foam
This go-to for many is a vibrant and refreshing concoction. It expertly blends 031 Gin with elderflower syrup, rooibos tea and citrus juice, brightened by orange bitters and a smooth, vegan-friendly foam finish. Follow the example of The Oyster Box’s Wesley Alexander and double strain the ingredients into your coupe glass, then garnish with a dehydrated orange and edible flowers.
The cocktail: The Proud Mary
The venue: Proud Mary (The Bank, 26 Cradock Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg)
- Tanqueray Gin
- Strawberry-infused Chenin Blanc
- Lemon juice
- Peach bitters
- Sugar syrup
A signature serve and true reflection of the venue it’s named after, the Proud Mary is a bold, original creation that balances elegance with playful flavour. This cocktail is fruit-forward, refreshing, and layered with nuance. Finished with a strawberry fan garnish, it’s as striking in presentation as it is on the palate.
The cocktail: Gripa Martini
The venue: 9th Avenue Waterside (2 Maritime Place, Harbour, Durban)
- Malfy Rosa Gin
- Passion fruit
- Grapefruit
- Aquafaba
A well-balanced, elegant cocktail with an underlying sweetness from the passion fruit and just a touch of complexity from the grapefruit juice. Mixed by Spha Mthethwa, this gin is best made with The Malfy Rosa gin – it provides a smooth, floral backbone.
