1. Let’s Gin it up!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n As one of South Africa\u2019s current favourite spirits, gin is a great drink for summer celebrations and James Bay\u2019s Lochside Summer Gin No 5<\/a> is an award-winning citrus-forward gin perfect for light summer cocktails.<\/p>\n Mmiso suggests serving a classic Gin Sour<\/a> or Gimlet<\/a> as a welcome drink or ap\u00e9ritif. \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s light and fresh, and cleanses the palate,\u201d he says. \u201cPeople are also loving simple gin with elderflower tonic this summer.\u201d<\/p>\n Jenny adds that gin pairs well with fresh seafood such as langoustines and mussels and can even be added to the poaching water providing a new dimension to steamed seafood.<\/p>\n 2. Tropical Rum – the ideal summer drink!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Nothing says summer holidays like rum-based tropical cocktails, and Whistling Andy Hibiscus Coconut Rum<\/a> takes the island flavours a step further with an infusion of real hibiscus flowers and coconut. Experimenting with exciting new distilled spirit flavours can add a whole new dimension to meals and drinks, say the experts.<\/p>\n \u201cThis could work well in a citrus and coconut sauce with chicken,\u201d says Jenny.<\/p>\n Mmiso says: \u201cIn a cocktail, it would be great in a coconut daiquiri with fresh pineapple.\u201d<\/p>\n 3. Bringing the Spice with Whiskey<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n American Rye Whiskey generally has a spicier profile than other American Whiskeys. Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey<\/a>, a blend of two straight rye mash bills, aged 4 to 6 years in high-char American oak barrels, adds notes of candied dried orange, clove, and nutmeg to its spicy complexity.<\/p>\n \u201cAmerican Rye Whiskey could pair well with peppered chicken, lamb or steak \u2013 thanks to its spiciness,\u201d says Jenny.<\/p>\n \u201cIn cocktails, it would work with ingredients like fresh apple juice, ginger and bitters,\u201d says Mmiso.<\/p>\n 4. Something Sweet<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n While delicious neat, Flag Hill\u2019s Sugar Maple Liqueur<\/a>, distilled from fresh apples and maple syrup, could also be used to flambe and drizzle over fresh nectarines, topped with mascarpone, for a simple yet showstopping dessert, says Jenny.\u00a0 Using a uniquely flavoured spirit such as Sugar Maple Liqueur also presents opportunities to give a fresh twist to classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned<\/a> or to SA\u2019s old favourite Dom Pedro with milk and ice cream, says Mmiso.<\/p>\n 5. Cooking with Bourbon<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Bourbon, made of at least 51% corn, is typically a bit sweeter than other American Whiskeys. Mmiso says Bourbon is increasingly popular in cocktails, and pairs well with hearty red meat-based meals such as steaks, roasts and braais.<\/p>\n Maker\u2019s Mark Bourbon<\/a>, featuring soft red winter wheat for a distinctive sweetness, adds robust flavour and complexity to festive treats such as Jenny\u2019s Chocolate Bourbon Balls featuring crushed almonds, crumbed shortbread biscuits, cocoa powder, honey and almond essence.<\/p>\n CHOCOLATE BOURBON BALLS RECIPE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n INGREDIENTS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n GARNISH<\/span><\/p>\n METHOD<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Follow US Distilled Spirits on Instagram<\/a> <\/span>and Facebook<\/a><\/span> for more updates!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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