In honour of one of our classic flavours, rooibos, we have this wonderful rooibos cocktail creation from mixologist Nkuli Khanyile. ‘This cocktail is in honour of the diversity of edible plants that can be found in the Western Cape,’ says Nkuli. A Toast to Rooibos!

MAKES 1 // COOKING TIME 25 min

INGREDIENTS
For the rooibos syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
2 rooibos teabags
For the vanilla soda
2 tsp vanilla essence
200 ml soda water
For the rooibos cocktail
50 ml gin
20 ml lemon juice
25 ml rooibos syrup
Peel of ½ orange
2 dashes Angostura bitters
210 ml vanilla soda

METHOD
For the rooibos syrup
1. Place the water, sugar and rooibos teabags in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Allow to boil for 10 minutes. Then remove from the heat, strain and set aside to cool.
For the vanilla soda
1. Whisk the vanilla essence into the soda water.
For the rooibos cocktail
1. Add all the ingredients, except the vanilla soda, to a cocktail shaker. Add cubed ice and shake until combined.
2. Strain into a glass and fill with crushed ice. Top off with the vanilla soda.

Styling: Kate Turner
Photography: Samantha Pinto // HMimages.co.za

We love how versatile this flavour is! If you enjoyed this unique beverage, take a sip of our rum, spanspek and rooibos spritzer.