International Gin and Tonic Day is celebrated on October 19 with a rousing cheer and clinking of ice across the planet.
The day, started in 2010 by Mary Edith Keyburn’s family, is held in honour of the 95-year-old who passed away with her favourite drink close by. The cocktail was smuggled into hospital in a water bottle and decanted into a teacup for her to enjoy as a guilty pleasure.
Professional bartender Spha Mthethwa, also known as the Spirit Chef, is an expert on all things alcoholic. Gin cocktails are one of his favourite drinks to prepare for patrons as the spirit is versatile and can produce a drink for any palate.
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Mthethwa says, “Durban is well known for its warm weather and golden beaches, but it should also be known for the legendary bars and bartenders we’ve produced.”
The expert bartender says that he fell in love with cocktails, the craftsmanship involved in the process, and making drinks for happy patrons after spending time bartending in a Florida Road bar.
“The smiles made me do it. That moment when a customer takes a sip, pauses and their face lights up. That’s where all of my fulfilment comes from as a bartender. That is why I dedicated my life to learning more about the art of drink-making – because of that instant connection to people. “
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Initially introduced as a medicinal treatment by Benedictine monks who distilled it in Italy, the passion for gin grew across the continent, and then the planet. In the 1800s, the British discovered quinine was an excellent malaria treatment and due to the substance being a component of tonic water, sugar, lime and gin were speedily added to the drink to make it more palatable for travellers and people living in adventurous places.
Today, gin drinkers need not be avoiding tropical diseases to enjoy the distilled spirit. To celebrate the day, try Mthethwa’s favourite gin cocktail or your own personal favourite, upload a pic and tag us on social media.
Spha Mthethwa’s Ruby Gin and Tonic
50ml of Rivertown Ruby Grapefruit Orange Blossom Gin
25ml of grapefruit juice
15ml of orange liqueur
15ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Top up with your choice of tonic water.
Add all ingredients to a gin glass full of ice, add tonic water, stir until well and garnish with a dehydrated grapefruit slice.
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