South African Craft Gins

A Gin and Tonic happens to be one of my favourite drinks, and fortunately for me, we have so many fabulous South African Craft Gins! As important as great gin is, a quality tonic plays an integral role in creating the perfect G&T.

It just so happens that my first choice, when it comes to gin flavour profiles, is a citrus infusion. I also prefer keeping my G&T recipes simple, allowing the unique gin flavour to shine through. Below are a few of my top South African Craft Gins, as well as my go-to choices for tonic water. I have included prices for the gins but please be aware this may vary between retailers.

Hope London Dry Gin

A juniper-forward gin, Hope London Dry Gin, infused with seven botanicals, has a mellow floral character. Hope London Dry Gin delivers a uniquely South African profile created by the addition of lemon pelargonium, which adds bright citrus notes, while the herbaceous flavour of rosemary brings balance. RRP R450 for 750ml, available from Cybercellar.

A newcomer to the SA tonic scene the Fitch & Leedes Grapefruit Tonic is one of my new favourites. I used it in the G&T recipe above with a few slices of grapefruit – it was delicious!

Prohibition Blue Gin

The latest addition to the Prohibition Gin range is their Blue Gin, which is particularly delicious. It gets its striking blue colour from the flower of the Blue Pea, which means it is entirely natural. Also infused with coriander, lemon, angelica, cinnamon & a dash of rose water, giving it a heady perfume. RRP R369 for 750ml, available from various major liquor outlets.

Serve the Prohibition Blue Gin over ice, adding blueberries, slices of lime, mint leaves and Fever-tree Indian Tonic, to create a fantastically refreshing drink.

Clemengold Gin

Clemengold Gin has always been one of my top gin choices! The classic Cape Dry style gin delivers hints of citrus, with a refreshingly smooth finish. Handcrafted using an age-old recipe, Clemengold Gin is infused with nine botanicals. These include ClemenGold and orange peel, cinnamon, honey, ground almond, angelica root and coriander. RRP 379 for 500ml, available online from Yuppiechef.

Serve over ice, with citrus slices and splash of Indian Tonic Water.

Wixworth Gin

Last year Wixworth very kindly sent me a bottle of their gin to try, and it has quickly become a firm favourite. Wixworth Gin is produced in a classic London Dry style, with the addition of a selection of carefully selected botanicals. One of the more unusual botanicals is Renosterbos, which adds herbaceous notes, as well as hints of refreshing pine. RRP 329 for 750ml, available online from Yuppiechef.

Inverroche Gin Amber

Inverroche Gin Amber, one of the first local craft gins I tasted, still ticks all the boxes for me. The amber coloured gin, infused with fynbos from the coastal region and dunes of the Cape Floral Kingdom, is rich and aromatic. You can expect a gin with fresh citrus, slight juniper, sweet toffee apples and delicate floral notes, resulting in a dry, woody finish. Enjoy Inverroche Gin Amber over ice with a splash of Barker and Quin Indian Tonic, and a garnish of lemon zest and raspberries. RRP 459 for 750ml, available online from Yuppiechef.

As I mentioned, there are so many fantastic South African Craft Gins available, and these are only five of my current top choices. Others which I also feel deserve a shout-out are Wilderer Fynbos Gin, Sugarbird Original Fynbos Gin and Triple Three Citrus Infusion.

What are your favourite local craft gins – let me know in the comment section below.