This summer is going to be a little different from those gone by.

Yes, COVID-19. Let’s say it and get it out of the way nice and early.

Travelling abroad is also a tad more cumbersome so maybe you’re keeping things closer to home.

Fine, because we’re in for a bumper summer of good weather (wind aside), our beaches are open, and so are our throats.

I intend to mix things up a little, which is why I’m recommending you take a long, hard look in the mirror and do the same. Whispers emanating from some of Cape Town’s most popular watering holes are that there is a new drink in town.

Over the past 18 months, rum has been hailed as the ‘new gin’. I have space in my life for both, but we’re calling it early.

The Phantom R&R is going to be the drink of choice for summer 21/22. It’s also going to kickstart South Africa’s rum revolution.

The Phantom R&R is reminiscent of the R&R drink made famous in Mozambique with Tipo Tinto rum spirit, so there’s a chance you’ll find it brings back some memories.

Perfectly served, it’s made as follows:

• Fill a glass with ice
• Add 50ml Elephantom Rum

• Top up with Bixie Sparkling Raspberry Soda
• Garnish with fresh lime

Simple summer smash hit sorted.

Better still, you’ll find the Elephantom R&R is available at the following Cape Town outlets:

• Oranjezicht City Farm Market bar on Wednesday nights and on weekends
• Bacini’s on Kloof Street (ask for the Elefanté)
• Mantra Café in Camps Bay
• Judd’s Local on Kloof Street
• Mulberry & Prince in the CBD
• Pilcrow & Cleaver in the CBD

Stride with purpose to the bar, request the bucket special, and you can mix and match your own Phantom R&R. You’ll get a 200ml Elephantom Rum along with four cans of Bixie Sparkling soda to kickstart your jol.

From December, the Phantom R&R will also be available at the St Francis Brewery. Rather spend your money there than at other questionable establishments.

Elephantom Rum, which claimed the ‘Best Rum in Show’ accolade at the internationally recognised 2021 Old Mutual Trophy Spirits Awards, has quite the backstory.

Folklore tells of a bull elephant from the Knysna Forest that would magically appear and disappear as he pleased.

With hunting and habitat destruction decimating this once flourishing herd of forest elephants, the legend of the bull continues to inspire.

The rum, triple distilled from pure fermented cane molasses in a copper pot still and aged in bourbon casks, is created in honour of that lone bull elephant – a magnificent creature that stokes curiosity and fascination.

You’re left with a rich, rounded fruity flavour that’s full of complexity, as well as caramel notes that fade to reveal cooked peaches, light spices, vanilla, and hints of apple.

Summer is here. Elephantom Rum is here. Get with it, good people.

Vive la rum révolution!