Ah, witblits—the fiery, unrepentant spirit of the Cape! A clear, home-distilled grape brandy often compared to moonshine, but with far more personality. Despite its rustic roots, witblits shines in sophisticated cocktails, especially when given some West Coast flair.
Atlantic Storm
The ocean breeze in a glass: brisk, bright, a little wild.
Ingredients: 50 ml witblits; 25 ml lime juice; 15 ml honey syrup (honey + warm water 1:1); a pinch of flaky sea salt. Top with soda water and garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of dune sage. Pair with fresh oysters or smoked mussels straight from the tin.
Fynbos Fizz
Cape botanicals dancing through bubbles.
Ingredients: 40 ml witblits; 15 ml elderflower cordial or buchu syrup; 10 ml lemon juice. Top with sparkling wine or tonic water and garnish with an edible flower or a lemon zest twist. Pair with grilled snoek and apricot jam, or crumbed calamari.
West Coast Mule
A fisherman’s wife with style reimagines the Moscow Mule
Ingredients: 50 ml witblits; 20 ml fresh lime juice. Top with ginger beer and a dash of Angostura bitters. Garnish with a lime slice and bruised mint leaves. Pair with braaied crayfish tails or spicy boerie rolls.
These cocktails are pure West Coast: a mix of sea air, mischief and good taste without fuss. Gesondheid! (cheers).
