A TOAST TO SPRING
As the weather warms up, it’s time to chill the glasses and get out the gin and tonic
The gin market is growing rapidly in SA and across the globe. This is due to its versatility that allows people to be more adventurous and imaginative when creating their drinks. The Old Packhouse Distillery (OPD) near Tzaneen produces artisanal gin, and with its four double gold and four gold awards is ranked among the best craft gin distilleries in the country. OPD is the first and only African gin to have been awarded a Double Gold SIP award in California for their Moringa Gin, specifically created for stand-up comedian Mashabela Galane. With Spring in the air, OPD has identified major gin drinking trends for the new season.
PINK DRINKS
With the weather warming up and the flowers coming into bloom, pink gins are all the rage. From a straight pink gin and tonic to the addition of champagne, pink candyfloss or grapefruit, pink is everywhere.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GARNISH
Until recently the only garnish seen gracing a G&T would have been a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber. Dressing gin has become as important as the actual drinking. Gin drinkers are experimenting with different garnishes, from fresh herbs and fruit to the more exotic spun sugars and toasted marshmallows.
GIN GARDENS
A big trend is the movement towards organic, homegrown freshness, and an adventurous spirit of combining flavours in unique and exciting ways.
Enter the growth of “gin gardens” — home gardens cultivated with your G&T in mind. From fresh chilies to rosemary, lavender, sage and exotic lemongrass, homegrown garnishes are a growing trend. Edible flowers are another hot addition, adding elegance to the gin cocktail and enhancing its flavour. Celebrating the success of Old Packhouse Distillery, the Johannesburg International Flower Show has awarded OPD the task of making 3,000 limited edition bottles of Johannesburg International Flower Show Gin, each presented in a collector’s box designed by artist well-known Karen Obojkovits. OPD will be serving its collection of hand-crafted gins throughout the show.