In February the rooibos harvest is in full swing and the air of the Cederberg mountains is scented with earthy, sweet, woody aromas from the needle-leafed green branches of the rooibos plant as they are cut and bundled. Honey and caramel notes join the heady scent bouquet as they are chopped, fermented and dried in the sun.
South Africans have loved this health-giving plant for many generations. Indigenous to the Western Cape region of South Africa, the rooibos plant thrives in extremes of temperature on fertile mountain soils. The Khoisan knew it as a plant with medicinal properties, early settlers adopted it as a poor man’s “tea” when imported Ceylon tea was an expensive luxury, and eventually in the 20th century it became a much-loved national drink, enjoyed by adults and children alike. Strictly speaking a tisane (a herb-, fruit-, bark-, flower- and spice-infused drink), rather than a tea, rooibos now has a worldwide fan club and has captured hearts and palates from home to Hollywood.
For the love of land and people
This plant has now also given rise to a lovingly hand-crafted gin, in which the Cape Town Gin & Spirits Company sources organic, handpicked rooibos from leading rooibos fair-trade producer Khoisan Gourmet, which is then infused into the gin to impart its botanical essences. Khoisan Gourmet are guided by local insights and centuries-old knowledge working with local Khoisan farmers in an environmentally sensitive way and respecting time-honoured traditions.
For the love of gin botanicals
As in tea, rooibos botanicals are as enticing in a hand-crafted gin: think smoky, earthy, warm, rich with a touch of caramel, a caress of spice. A loving touch of added juniper, orange peel and cinnamon complete the top-secret recipe. Perfect for pairing in cocktails with a twist of orange or hint of ginger, Cape Town Rooibos Red Gin gives the mixologist endless scope for creativity.
For the love of mixing
Mixing it up at home to express your own love of gin? Here are four aromatic ways to pour your Cape Town Rooibos Red Gin:. As a simple gin and tonic with a twist of orange.. Mix with ginger ale and a slice of lime.. Get fruity – add 1 tsp brown sugar to a tot of Cape Town Rooibos Red Gin, then add sliced Cape gooseberries and the juice of two naartjies.. Mix a gin mimosa using 25 ml Cape Town Rooibos Red Gin, 75 ml freshly squeezed orange juice and 75 ml MCC of your choice.
