Why do we think a classic gin and tonic is the ultimate cocktail. It is simple, delicious, and refreshing. But don’t just take our word for it the enjoyment of a gin and tonic is actually science. Gin and tonic water actually taste better together than apart... While ice adds a cool crispness to the taste, it also dampens the molecular activity. This is why extra bubbly tonic helps to deliver more flavour — by transporting the chemicals up the liquid and into our mouths.

Although the basic recipe remains the same, the gin and tonic has evolved over the years and now there are many twists on this classic drink.

Our team at Morukuru Ocean House and Morukuru Beach Lodge take inspiration from the 34000 hectares of Fynbos that surround both properties and include Buchu in their interpretation. Buchu is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and is a protected plant and has a long history as a medicinal herb. The indigenous Khoisan believed it to be an elixir of youth. The Inverroche Distillery is the pioneer of South African craft gin and is famous for infusing the abundant local fynbos into their small-batch gins so it is fitting that’s the one barman Blessing chose for this delicious creation.

 

Gin & Tonic recipe for Morukuru De Hoop:

50ml - Inverroche Classic Gin

300ml - Finch& Leeder Indian Tonic

4 or 5 blocks of Ice

2x Slices of cucumber

2x Slices of lemon

1x small bunch of Buchu

strong>Method:

Add blocks of ice to glass

Add Inverroche Classic Gin to ice

Add cucumber, lemon and Buchu

We asked Ryno van der Elst our General Manager at AtholPlace House & Villa for his take on the gin revival. “Gin has always been popular but in the last couple of years, it has really taken off. The emergence of a vibrant craft beer and spirits movement in South Africa has definitely encouraged demand. Plus, gin is a versatile spirit and is used and loved worldwide”. The team at AtholPlace House & Villa always has the following ingredients on hand to whip up the perfect G & T; fresh lime, fresh or frozen berries, dried or fresh lemon and orange, mint, rosemary, basil, cucumber, and a selection of premium tonic waters. Tatenda Gwiriri our barman chose the delectable Pink Lady, which dates back to 1910, to showcase his bartending skills and puts those berries to good use.

Pink lady:

2 shots Malfy gin

1 shot brandy

2 shots of fresh lemon juice

Half shot grenadine

1 egg white

Shake them together with ice in a shaker till it’s foamy and creamy.

Served in a Martini Glass, Garnish with two strawberries on a skewer and lay it across the top of the glass.

The Marula tree is known as “the king of African trees” and is abundant in the Madikwe Reserve which means you are bound to spot one when out on a game drive. The edible fruit is fleshy, almost round and ripens to yellow and is most well known as the fruit that 'drives elephants mad' because elephant love to indulge in lightly fermented, Marula fruit on the ground. Appropriately the team at Morukuru Family Madikwe selected Flowstone Marula gin for their perfect G & T. Marula has a hard-to-pin-down flavour that combines a clear tangy edge with a rich almost sweet citrus. Those in the know say it is similar to passion fruit mingled with lime. On your next visit to the bush ask for a Flowstone Marula G & T and see how your tastebuds respond.

Flowstone Marula gin & tonic

Ingredients

2 tots x Flowstone Marula Gin

200ml of tonic water

Ice cubes

Garnish of your choice

Method

Pour your Flowstone Marula gin into a glass.

Add your ice cubes

Fill the drink up with your tonic water

Garnish as you prefer.