As the Springboks face off against the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup this Saturday, there’s no better way to elevate your viewing experience than with a selection of simple yet refreshing cocktails.
Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan or just joining the excitement, these easy-to-make cocktails are sure to add a kick of flavor to your game day braai.
Blueberry Lemonade Mojito
A bright and refreshing cocktail of homemade blueberry simple syrup, lemon, mint and white rum, topped with lemonade. Recipe by Natasha Maseko.
Quantities per glass
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
For the blueberry simple syrup:
1 cup blueberries fresh/frozen (if frozen you don’t need to thaw)
1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
For the Cocktail:
5 fresh blueberries
A lemon wedge
A few mint leaves
¼ cup crushed ice
1 tbsp. blueberry simple syrup
2 shots of white rum
½ cup lemonade
METHOD:
1. To make the blueberry simple syrup combine all the ingredients in a saucepan then bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn down the heat and simmer on low for 10 minutes until the sauce is thick. Then pass sauce through a strainer. Pour syrup into a sealable jar and refrigerate.
2. To make the cocktail: in a glass, using the back of a wooden spoon, gently crush fresh blueberries, a lemon wedge and a few mint leaves. Then add ice, blueberry simple syrup and white rum. Fill the glass up with lemonade then garnish. Enjoy!
Pineapple Cocktail
Refreshing cocktail by Mogau Seshoene (Lazy Makoti) and Zanele van Zyl (Cooking with Zanele).
Serves 4 / PREP TIME 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
100g pineapple cubes
1 tot gin
1 cup crushed ice
1 can tonic
METHOD
- In a glass, add pineapple cubes. Using the back of a wooden spoon, muddle the pineapple cubes.
- Add gin, crushed ice and top up with tonic.
FOOD TIP
Garnish with mint and pineapple wedge on the rim of the glass
Spiked strawberry lemonade cocktail
This simple strawberry lemonade cocktail is by Mogau Seshoene (Lazy Makoti) and Zanele van Zyl (Cooking with Zanele).
Serves 4-6 / PREP TIME 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Cocktail
1 pint fresh strawberries, stems removed. Leave 2 or 3 for garnish
Few sprigs mint
Juice of 3 lemons
4 cups water
1 1/2 cups vodka
METHOD
For the simple syrup
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to simmer until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
For the cocktail
- Remove the pot from heat and let it cool, about 30 minutes.
- Puree strawberries and mint leaves together in a blender or food processor.
- Combine all the simple syrup, strawberry-mint puree, lemon juice, water, and vodka in a jug. Stir to combine.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour in the lemonade. Garnish with strawberries and some more fresh mint, if desired.
Frozen margaritas
This refreshing frozen margarita recipe is by Mogau Seshoene (Lazy Makoti) and Zanele van Zyl (Cooking with Zanele).
Serves 6-8 / PREP TIME 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup tequila
1/2 cup orange liqueur
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tbsp simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
4 cups ice, or more to taste
METHOD
- Salt and finely chopped mint to rim glass
- Place all ingredients into a blender
- Blend on high until smooth. If you want a thicker frozen margarita, add more ice.
- Serve margarita in a salt and mint-rimmed glass with a fresh lime wedge.
Also see: 3 Simple salad ideas for the Springbok game day braai
