I’m OBSESSED with a good ol’ fashioned Bloody Mary. I’d bath in them. I’d take them on walks on the promenade. I’d go to the movies with them and hold their hand. I also don’t have a sweet tooth, so a fiery, sharp and savoury drink is right up my alley. For these very reasons I don’t really give myself the opportunity to drink much else – so when I was invited to judge the new cocktail menu at Pure Restaurant at Hout Bay Manor, I was excited and a tad nervous.
Hout Bay Manor, built in 1871, is a boutique hotel and restaurant. They’ve recently hired a very on-the-ball foods and beverage manager who wants to make Pure Restaurant the very best it can be. So far, he is doing a fabulous job.
The first change he has made is 2-4-1 cocktails – just for the ladies.
Kayli vs The Martini
- They import the full Absolut Vodka range
- They don’t use those thick, oozy flavourings, just premium Monin Syrups.
- The whole point is to NOT TASTE ANY ALCOHOL. So, unless otherwise stated, all tasted alcohol-free = wonderful and dangerous
- Scoring is out of 5
1. Chilli Chocatini – Absolut Blue. Giffard Chocolate Syrup. Fresh chilli.
A nice change from a rich, creamy chocolate drink, it was clear and light with a hint of spice. Taste 3. Presentation 3
2. Kiwitini – Fresh kiwi. Kiwi Monin Syrup. Absolute pear. Lime.
This was easily one of my favourite drinks. That “spice” of the kiwi contrasted beautifully with the sweetness of the pear. It was beautiful looking and beautiful tasting. I finished the whole thing. Taste 5. Presentation 4.
3. Peach Martini – Absolut Mango. Peach Monin Syrup. Peach juice.
The mango and peach combo made this taste like a naughty Just Juice. We could taste a little alcohol in this one. It was refreshing, but a little expected. It could have been lifted with some bubbly. Taste 2. Presentation 3.
4. Cherrylicious – Absolut Berry. Black Current Juice. Maraschino Cherries.
A clear, dark drink, which was sweet without being overpowering. I just wish I had been lying next to a pool (they have one, so I’m going to make this happens soon). Taste 3½. Presentation 4.
5. Walk Me Down – Absolut Blue. Silver Tequila. Lime. Orange Liquor.
In honour of the brides that walk down the gorgeous path to Pure on their wedding day, they created this feisty blue (something old, new, borrowed and something blue?) martini. Unlike the tequilas of my past, it didn’t make me cringe. Never did I think that I would enjoy, and finish, a tequila-based drink.
6. HBM – Amarula. Rose Monin Syrup.
I really like the flavour of Amarula, but often find that cocktails made with it are sickly sweet. And rose, well, it’s my worst. So obviously this drink was… the BEST. It was creamy but not rich. It was beautiful, light and moreish. The rose and Amarula are gorgeous together. Taste 5. Presentation: 5.
7. Melon Drop – Absolut Pear. Melon Syrup. Fresh Melon, Apple Juice.
Like biting into a melon, this drink was fresh and sweet. The apple juice gave it crispness and mellowed the sweetness, and the Absolut Pear added an extra layer of flavour making this a beautifully rounded drink. Taste 5. Presentation 4.
8. Litchitini – Absolut Blue. Litchi Juice. Litchis.
I don’t eat litchis and after this martini, I don’t drink them either. I found the drink acidic and stale. And I could taste the alcohol. Not for me. Taste 0. Presentation 3.
9. Apple and Pear Martini – Apple, Pear and Cucumber syrups. Absolut Pear.
The cucumber syrup neutralised the sweetness of this delicious drink. It was absolutely divine. A perfect combination, perfectly presented. Taste 5. Presentation 4.
10. Tropic Mango – Absolut Mango. Mango syrup. Fresh mango. Orange.
Although also in the Naughty Just Juice flavour group, I preferred this to the Peach Martini. The orange gave the mango some life. Taste 3. Presentation 4.
11. The Rice Fields – Absolute Pear. Pear, cucumber and kiwi syrup. Lime.
This beautiful green drink topped with a white bougainvillea, is not only the prettiest of the lot, it’s delicious too. Although it very similar to the Apple and Pear Martini, which could actually be taken off the menu. Refreshing, crisp and flavoursome, a perfect ending to a brilliant tasting. Taste 5. Presentation 8.
By the end of this drinking extravaganza I was happy, rosy-cheeked, and well… drunk. I wasn’t driving (thanks Jess!) and I had a good few hours to sober up while reviewing the restaurant. But that’s another story…