As the holiday season approaches, the world anticipates the magic of Christmas in their winter wonderland. In the Southern Hemisphere, however, Christmas is celebrated during the peak of summer, and South Africa offers a unique twist to this festive season. So why not celebrate with a South African touch, by exploring our exclusive Christmas drink guide? We have curated a list of five tantalising and refreshing concoctions, each capturing the essence of the holiday season in unique ways. From a local twist on a classic cocktail to tropical delights, these drinks promise to elevate your festivities. Sip, savour, and celebrate as we unveil these irresistible South African Christmas creations.
1. The South African Summer Sangria
South African wine is renowned worldwide, and this Christmas, we’ve created the South African Summer Sangria to showcase the country’s rich wine culture. This delightful concoction combines the finest South African red wine with a medley of fresh tropical fruits, adding a local twist to this classic Spanish drink. It’s a refreshing and fruity way to toast to the holiday season.
2. Pomegranate and Rooibos Mojito
Rooibos tea is a South African specialty, and a Pomegranate and Rooibos Mojito is a perfect marriage of tradition and innovation. This exotic mojito blends the earthy flavours of Rooibos tea with the zing of fresh pomegranate and mint, creating a drink that’s both refreshing and comforting, making it a true South African Christmas delight.
3. Tropical Pineapple and Coconut Punch
Christmas in South Africa is synonymous with sunny beaches and tropical vibes. Another stunning drink for you to make this hot festive season is Tropical Pineapple and Coconut Punch as it perfectly captures this essence. It combines fresh pineapple juice and creamy coconut milk, creating a deliciously tropical sensation that will transport you to a South African paradise with every sip.
4. Cranberry and Naartjie Spritzer
A naartjie, also known as a tangerine or clementine, is a South African citrus fruit, and it’s a holiday favourite in the region. This Cranberry and Naartjie Spritzer marries this delightful fruit with tart cranberry juice and a splash of sparkling water. The result is a zesty and effervescent drink that’s perfect for raising a toast during the festive season.
5. Spiced Gin and Tonic with Fynbos Honey
No South African celebration is complete without a good old G&T. But for a Christmas twist, we’ve added a South African touch by infusing it with the unique flavours of Fynbos honey and a dash of aromatic spices. The Spiced Gin and Tonic with Fynbos Honey will tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
This Christmas, escape to a South African summer wonderland with our exclusive Christmas drink guide, and experience the unique flavours and festive spirit of the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you’re celebrating on a sun-drenched beach or in the comfort of your own home, these South African Christmas creations will add a special touch to your holiday festivities. So, raise your glass and toast to a South African summer filled with tantalising and refreshing drinks that capture the essence of the holiday season in unique ways. Cheers to a memorable and delicious Christmas celebration!
See all the recipes for these exciting drinks down below.
1. The South African Summer Sangria
Ingredients:
– 750 ml South African red wine
– 250 ml orange juice
– 125 ml brandy
– 60 g sugar
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 lime, sliced
– 1 apple, diced
– 1 peach, diced
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, orange juice, brandy, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the sliced fruits and diced apple and peach to the pitcher.
3. Refrigerate the Sangria for at least two hours to allow the flavours to meld.
4. Serve the Sangria over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Enjoy!
2. Pomegranate and Rooibos Mojito
Ingredients:
– 2 Rooibos tea bags
– 250 ml boiling water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 60 ml pomegranate juice
– 60 ml white rum
– Juice of 1 lime
– Fresh mint leaves
– Pomegranate seeds for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Steep the Rooibos tea bags in 250 ml of boiling water. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
2. In a glass, muddle a few fresh mint leaves with honey and lime juice.
3. Add the cooled Rooibos tea, pomegranate juice, and white rum to the glass. Stir well.
4. Add ice cubes and garnish with fresh mint leaves and pomegranate seeds.
3. Tropical Pineapple and Coconut Punch
Ingredients:
– 500 ml fresh pineapple juice
– 250 ml coconut milk
– 125 ml white rum
– 60 ml coconut cream
– 60 ml lime juice
– Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a shaker, combine pineapple juice, coconut milk, white rum, coconut cream, and lime juice. Shake well.
2. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the punch mixture over the ice.
3. Garnish with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries. Enjoy your tropical punch!
4. Cranberry and Naartjie Spritzer
Ingredients:
– 250 ml cranberry juice
– 125 ml fresh naartjie (tangerine) juice
– 750 ml sparkling water
– Lime slices for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, combine cranberry juice and fresh naartjie juice.
2. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the juice mixture over the ice.
3. Top off with sparkling water and garnish with lime slices. Stir gently and savour the spritzer.
5. Spiced Gin and Tonic with Fynbos Honey
Ingredients:
– 60 ml gin
– 250 ml tonic water
– 15 ml Fynbos honey
– 1 star anise
– 1 cinnamon stick
– Lemon peel for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a glass, combine gin and tonic water.
2. Add Fynbos honey and stir until well mixed.
3. Drop in a star anise and a cinnamon stick for a few minutes to infuse the flavours.
4. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and ice cubes. Enjoy your spiced G&T with a South African twist!
