On board a salivating mixology journey

Nothing beats an exceptionally mixed cocktail – or even better – a drink mixed by your favourite mixologist who takes time and effort to get just the right balance in each drink and keeping you coming back for more. In celebration of the looming festivities as we draw close to the end of the year, we’ve teamed up with mixologist, photographer and all-round creative, Mahlatse Kekane to curate three drinks you should try.

These drinks aren’t only easy to mix but are absolutely delicious and refreshing – the perfect cocktails for any occasion! Having dabbled in bartending and mixology in order to make a bit of extra cash back in his varsity days, Mahlatse realised that he actually enjoyed
bartending when he saw the smiles his mixes brought to people’s faces.

“I stopped bartending just before I started working full time but found that when I had friends over or I was visiting friends or family I always became the ‘barman.’ I’ve always kept the passion of serving drinks and found that it’s an additional way I can express my creativity,” he said.

Mahlatse’s full-time job has seen him use his Instagram page, @__hlats, as his personal creative outlet. Here he posts cocktail recipes, DIY videos, and aesthetically pleasing photos. Going
through some of his videos is sure to get you salivating while he takes you through his original recipes – from mixing to taking the first sip.

“Now through my Instagram page, I am able to express myself and share with my friends and family new drinks, recipes and explore my creativity through drinksmaking/mixology, photography and video-making.”

First on our list is Mahlatse’s Mixed Berries Vodka Cocktail. This summer cocktail recipe is sure to give you a fruity and delectable kick. Get yourself some mixed berries (blackberries, strawberries and blueberries), add lots of ice and two shots of your favourite vodka topped up with lemonade and fresh mint leaves.

Now, for the classic Gin and Tonic. Get yourself lots of ice, two shots of gin, preferably Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla, add a hint of pure cinnamon and top up with Indian tonic and freshly diced lemon.

“I made a couple of cocktails using the new Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla. Such an interesting gin. The bitter sweetness really comes through while maintaining the dryness synonymous with the London dry gin,” Mahlatse said.

What’s a good cocktail without a little bit of Scotch whisky? The Whisky Sour is a timeless classic and easy to make. For a perfect mix, fill a shaker with ice, add the Scotch whisky, lemon juice, sugar syrup. Three dashes of bitters and egg white. Shake the mixture vigorously until the surface of the cocktail shaker feels chilled.

Check out our must try cocktails for the summer below: