Proudly South African cocktails to shake up this weekend

Create these South African inspired cocktails for yourself and friends the next time you’re feeling fancy.

The ama-lekkerlicious

Sweet and peachy-keen with a hint of bitter, is what you can expect from the “ama-lekkerlicious” cocktail created by Kurt Schlechter, the winner of the 2011 FHM SA Brandy competition.

Recipe via SA Brandy

Image found on www.eatout.co.za

Ingredients

• 25ml brandy
• 5ml peach syrup
• 50ml cranberry juice
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 3 splashes of bitters.

Ideally, you’ll need a whiskey glass for this one.

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients.
2. Pour into the whiskey glass.
3. Serve with a smile.

The Fynbos

FHM Brandy Cocktail 2012 competition winner, Eugene Thompson, has shown that “local is always lekker” with his brandy cocktail named “The Fynbos”.

Recipe via SA Brandy

Image found on www.eatout.co.za

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. honey
• 5ml ginger liqueur
• 50ml brandy
• 25ml sugar syrup
• 50ml chilled rooibos tea.

You’ll need a martini glass too.

Method

1. Chill the martini glass before creating the cocktail.
2. Combine the rooibos tea, honey, ginger liqueur, sugar syrup and brandy.
3. Shake well.
4. Strain into the chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a piece of lemon peel.

African Bishop

The Bishop cocktail heralds back to the 18^th century, but this one is different because it has a South African twist to it. Best leave this hot drink for winter though.

Recipe via Spar Tops

Image found on www.topsatspar.co.za

Ingredients

• 5ml brandy
• 35ml fortified wine
• 15ml honey
• 50ml hot water.

Best served in a mug.

Method

1. Combine ingredients in a saucepan over a low heat and then stir well
2. Pour into mugs and serve.

The Skinny Build It

For those who are going sugar-free, this delicious cocktail is especially for you. Now you don’t have to feel too guilty about having the girls over for an evening of indulgence.

Recipe via Eat Out

Image found on www.eatout.co.za

Ingredients

• 25ml brandy
• 3 naartjie segments
• A few mint leaves
• 5ml Agave syrup
• Sprite Zero
• Lots of ice.

Present these in tall cocktail glass for an extra special effect.

Method

1. Place the mint and naartjie segments at the bottom of the shaker.
2. Add the ice and the remaining ingredients.
3. Stir well.
4. Decant into a cocktail glass and top up with Sprite Zero.

If you don’t usually enjoy cocktails because of their sweetness, then why not pour yourself a good quality brandy and drink it neat? Bottoms up.