Gin is made from juniper berries, referred to as “super berries”, from comprising flavonoids which improve blood circulation assisting in stopping water retention, these are the health benefits drinking gin in moderation can have. In the middle ages, gin was used as a form of herbal medicine.
Gin has captured the hearts of many South African, it’s become the “the it” alcoholic drink to have, with many South African produced gin brands manufacturers using distinctively South Africa botanicals, including fynbos and other indigenous plants and trees; with bold and unusual flavor profiles, recognized internationally. Lishe had the pleasure of reviewing the Cape Town Gin Company gin range, reveling the vivacity diversity of Cape Town – with handcrafted, radical intimate collection of gins that are available in three styles: The Pink Lady, (served with ), Classic Dry (best served in a classic dry martini or a trendy mojito) and Rooibos Red (delicious even as a sipping gin).
Cape Town Pink Lady Gin
Cape Town Classic Dry prudently balanced spirit with rich botanicals dominated by juniper, punchy citrus notes and a hint of herbs and wild flowers ; a unique gin of great quality and taste.
Cape Town Rooibos Red Gin infused with organic, handpicked Rooibos to extract the essence of this remarkable plant, indigenous to the Cederberg region of the Western Cape. Juniper, orange peel and cinnamon flavors combine harmoniously with the earthy, slightly sweet and nutty flavor of Rooibos.
Here are some fabulous recipes courtesy of the Cape Town Gin Company for you to become a legend among your house guest this winter – make sure to get your nearest Cape Town Gin Company stockist and be inspired.
The health benefits of gin:
- Have gin neat instead of using anti-wrinkle cream.
The antioxidants in juniper berries boost the regenerating cells in your body, which makes for firmer, smoother and healthier-looking skin.
- Gin keeps your waistline trim
Gin is one of the least caloric spirits in the world. One shot of gin contains 97 calories, and the enzymes in its main ingredient, juniper berries, and breaks down food to help aid digestion. Keep your drink neat, as adding tonic adds calories.
- Gin can help you detox
Juniper berries stop the body from retaining water, which allows you to pass more water than you would be drinking any other type of spirits. This means that all the harmful toxins and bacteria consumed prior to your gin drink will be flushed out of your system.
- This miracle drink can also relieve gout
Gin’s juniper berry makeup offers relief to aching joints and gout. This coupled with its alcohol content can also be an effective treatment for chronic pain and inflammation.
- Gin alleviates coughs
The oils contained within juniper berries expels mucus from the throat and aides in lung congestion, which can alleviate a hacking cough. A piece of ginger soaked in gin can also soothe a sore or scratchy throat.
Gin infused cocktails – courtesy of the Cape Town Gin Company:
CAMPSBAY COOLER
The Cape Town Gin Tasting room at Heritage square is called the “Hidden Door” due to one of the doorways leading to nowhere. This cocktail is not as mysterious, but nevertheless very enjoyable on a hot summer’s day. The combination of juniper, cucumber and mint is perfect on a hot Cape summers day.
INGREDIENTS:
50 ml Cape Town Classic Dry Gin
3 Cucumber slices
1 Mint sprig
Tonic water
Ice
PREPARATION: Combine the Gin, cucumber and mint to a tall glass and bruise lightly with a muddler. Top up with ice and Tonic water and garnish with fresh mint.
ROOIBOS ROCKS
This cocktail is a twist on the traditional Pimm’s Summer Cup. Once combined in a tall glass, there are few drinks that will be more satisfying and thirst quenching. The colour mirrors the famous Cape Town sunsets.
INGREDIENTS:
50 ml Cape Town Rooibos Red Gin
50 ml Cranberry juice
50 ml Ginger Ale and Soda Water
Juice of half a lime
Ice
PREPARATION: Combine all ingredients in a tall glass packed with ice and stir well. Garnish with a wedge of orange and a sprig of fresh mint.
THE PINK LADY
If you are looking for the ultimate pre-dinner cocktail, look no further than the Pink Lady. We have adapted the original recipe to include The Pink Lady Gin. The combination of sweet rose flavours, tempered by the acidity of the grapefruit juice, creates a cocktail that everyone can enjoy at any time.
INGREDIENTS:
50 ml Cape Town Pink Lady Gin
100 ml Fresh Ruby Grape fruit juice
Tonic water
Ice
PREPARATION: Combine the Gin,Grapefruit juice and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Serve in a Martini glass and garnish with a cherry on a stick.
