I can clearly remember when bringing gin to a party was somewhat frowned upon, and people would crack jokes about why I drank liquor that was usually reserved for bored housewives and Wimbledon tennis fans.

Fast forward a decade or so, and gin is everywhere, with the V&A Waterfront recently hosting the first Fitch & Leedes Gin & Tonic Festival to hit Cape Town, and gin bars popping up all over the city.

The same is true for other parts of South Africa, too, and now the world is taking notice. Take for example this video, put together by Voice Of America News:

You’re right, it is a really delicious drink, and there’s just something special about tasting flavours that are uniquely South African.

The Cape craft gin scene is exploding at the moment and, given that 70% of plants in the Cape Floral Kingdom aren’t found anywhere else in the world, we have some truly unique flavours to choose from.

The video above mentioned rooibos, and if that’s your cup of tea then Cape Town Gin’s Rooibos Red should be your first port of call.

This tasty concoction is infused with organic rooibos sourced from the Cederberg mountains. A harmonious blend of subtle juniper and the nutty, slightly sweet flavours of rooibos, it’s best enjoyed neat on ice, or with fresh lime and Fitch & Leedes Ginger Ale.

If you’re a fan of something a little more regal, the Pink Lady should be to your liking. Consistently ranking amongst the top-selling alcohols on Takealot, the Pink Lady is made with the purest neutral spirit and then infused with rose petals, hibiscus flowers and a heavenly hint of rosewater.

The result is a delicious gin with fresh floral aromas and a slightly sweeter aftertaste. I find it to be the perfect hangover cure, to get things rolling on a Saturday.

Finally, for the real purists, there’s the Classic Dry, which is made in the traditional Dutch style with rich juniper and vibrant citrus aromas.

This ensures a smooth, clean finish, with the pros recommending that you serve it with Fitch & Leedes Tonic Water and fresh basil.

Look, pretty much everything tastes better with a little fresh basil thrown into the mix, so don’t be shy.

We’re just glad that the world is noticing the quality of our local craft gins, and recognising exactly what it is that sets them apart from what the rest of the world has to offer.

Rumour has it that Cape Town Gin also has a few surprises in store for gin fans ahead of Christmas, so I’d advise keeping an eye on their Facebook page to stay ahead of the curve.

Cheers to drinking gin without being looked down upon!

[sources:voanews]