Raise your glass and let the countdown begin! These four super sips are here to turn every toast into a mini celebration. Whether you’re craving a tropical zing, a citrusy refresher, a fiery kick or a floral fizz – we’ve got you covered.
For the mindful sipper: Baobab & granadilla mocktail

Serves 2
Ingredients
1 tsp baobab powder
150ml (about 4 granadillas) granadilla pulp + extra for serving
1 Tbsp agave syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
100ml cold still or sparkling water
Ice
Mint and lime, for serving
Method
- In a shaker or large glass, combine the baobab powder, granadilla pulp and syrup.
- Stir well to dissolve baobab powder.
- Add water and mix well.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the granadilla mixture over the ice.
- Garnish with mint, granadilla seeds and lime.
Recipe by: Jane Nshuti
Photography by: Zhann Solomons
For the citrus seeker: Paloma

Makes 1 to serve
Ingredients
2 grapefruits, juiced
2 Tbsp simple syrup
2 limes, juiced
2 tots (50ml) Tequila blanco
1 sprig rosemary, optional
To serve
Soda water
Crushed ice
Sliced grapefruit
Citrus twirl
Method
- Place ingredients with a handful of ice into a cocktail shaker or sealable jar. Shake for 30 seconds, then strain into a cocktail glass.
- Top up with soda water, ice, sliced grapefruit and a citrus twirl.
Recipe & styling: Sjaan Van Der Ploeg
Photography: Zhann Solomons
For the spice lover: Dirty pineapple margarita
Makes 1
Ingredients
For the jalapeño simple syrup
1 jalapeño, halved
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
For the salt rim
3 Tbsp salt flakes
2 limes, zested and juiced
For the margarita
2 tots (50ml) Tequila Blanco
1 lime, juiced
2 Tbsp jalapeño simple syrup
¾ cup pineapple juice
To serve
Pineapple, cut into triangles
Pineapple leaves (optional)
Sliced jalapeños
Method
- For the simple syrup, add all the ingredients to a pot over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and simmer for 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Combine salt rim ingredients, except the lime juice, and set aside.
- Dip the rims of two cocktail glasses in the lime juice and coat with salt mixture. Set aside.
- Add a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker or sealable jar, along with the margarita ingredients. Shake for 30-45 seconds, then strain into serving glasses.
- To serve, garnish the glasses with pineapple, pineapple leaves (if using) and sliced jalapeños.
Recipes and styling: Sjaan van der Ploeg
Photography: Zhann Solomons
For the floral fizz fan: Rooibos and rosé fizz

Makes 1 cup syrup
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
4 rooibos tea bags
1 bottle sparkling rosé wine edible flowers or rose petals
Method
- Combine sugar, water and tea bags over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then set aside to infuse.
- Strain the syrup and cool.
- Add 1-1½ tots rooibos syrup to a champagne flute and top with sparkling rosé wine. Decorate with edible flowers or rose petals.
Recipe & styling: Liezl Vermeulen
Photography: Fresh Living magazine, Zhann Solomons
