Staff Reporter
As spring arrives in the Cape, Groot Phesantekraal is marking Cap Classique Month with a cocktail that brings together sparkling wine, fresh citrus and an unexpected savoury twist.
The Farmhouse Spritz is built around Groot Phesantekraal’s Cap Classique Blanc de Blanc, made from Chardonnay, and is designed for the kind of relaxed afternoons that make the Cape Winelands so appealing. Fresh, herbaceous and sparkling, the cocktail combines limoncello and homemade lemon syrup with olive brine and soda water, before being finished with a generous pour of Cap Classique.
Created by mixologist Julian Short, better known as The Flavourist, the drink takes its inspiration from the atmosphere of the farm.
“It’s fresh and playful, but the olive brine gives it a savoury character that makes you want to have another sip,” says Short. “Most importantly, it’s a drink designed for sharing – around a table, with good food and even better company.”
Served over cubed ice in a highball glass, the Farmhouse Spritz is finished with fresh mint and olives. The citrus brings brightness, while the olive brine adds depth and a subtle savoury note that sets it apart from a traditional spritz.
The Farmhouse Spritz
Herbaceous | Minty | Sparkling | Savoury
Ingredients
- 20 ml limoncello
- 20 ml lemon syrup
- 10 ml olive brine
- 30 ml soda water
- 60 ml Groot Phesantekraal Cap Classique Blanc de Blanc
- Mint sprig and olives, to garnish
- Cubed ice
Method
Build the limoncello, lemon syrup and olive brine over cubed ice in a highball glass. Stir lightly, then top with the Cap Classique and soda water. Give the drink a final gentle stir and garnish with a sprig of mint and olives.
Homemade Lemon Syrup
For the lemon syrup, thinly slice 600 g lemons, removing the pips. Combine with 300 g white sugar, 10 g citric acid, 4 g tartaric acid and 5 g fine salt. Cover and leave to infuse overnight.
The following day, add 300 g hot water and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Fine strain, bottle and refrigerate.
The result is a bright, concentrated citrus syrup that gives the cocktail its distinctive freshness.
The Groot Phesantekraal Cap Classique Blanc de Blanc is available from the estate, making it possible to recreate the Farmhouse Spritz at home – or simply enjoy the Cap Classique chilled and shared around the table.
For more information, visit the Groot Phesantekraal cocktail page or contact the estate directly.
Groot Phesantekraal Farm
Klipheuwel Way (R302)
Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa
Tel: +27 (21) 825 0060
