August 24

A Gin Hopping Guide to Cape Town

August 24, 2017

Hold in those tears and tour Cape Town the best possible way – with a G&T in hand. Gin is back and has taken Cape Town by a storm of botanicals, floras and any other infusion thinkable. For every gin enthusiast (and non-enthusiast), there is a unique concoction just for you through mixology crafted by the experts – I’ll cheers to that!

For the love of gin and the appreciation of art through experimental cocktails, wet your whistle with this guide:

Gin cocktails at Mother's Ruin gin bar
Photo Credit: Mother’s Ruin

1. Hope on Hopkins Distillery

Undoubtedly the genius of the gin generators, Hope on Hopkins isn’t afraid to play and experiment with flavours. Making use of local botanicals and Table Mountain’s spring water, Hope on Hopkins achieves perfection with their artisan gins known for their noticeable smoothness. Become an expert with their gin production tour and admire the undertones of citrus, wild rosemary and buchu in their Salt River Gin, or olives, rosemary, basil, thyme and cardamom in their Mediterranean Gin, beautifully complemented with garnishing.
Sampling: Saturday Afternoons

Address: 7 Hopkins Street, Salt River, Cape Town

Gin tasting at Hope on Hopkins in Cape Town
Photo Credit: Hope on Hopkins
The 3 gins at Hope on Hopkins in Cape Town
Photo Credit: Hope on Hopkins

2. The Gin Bar

Also known as the Secret Gin Bar to locals, The Gin Bar is truly a special find. Disguised at the back of a chocolate cafe, the bar can often be missed when walking down Wale Street. Make your way through the aromas of chocolate, coffee and other delicious baked treats into a rustic courtyard, draped with fairy lights and filled with acoustic music. Reminisce about a piazza in Italy, book a tasting, and order from there four speciality cocktails or their concoction of weekly specials.

Address: 64A Wale Street, Cape Town CBD, 8000

Gin Cocktails at the secret Gin Bar in Cape Town
Photo Credit: The Gin Bar
Photo Credit: The Gin Bar

3. New Harbour Distillery

Situated in the heart of Woodstock, hipster and culture central, New Harbour Distillery are masters behind the science of handcrafted gin.  This distillery is family-run and brings a character filled and local experience which prides itself on being carbon neutral. Mirroring the flora of the Cape, their gin is infused with Spekboom and Rooibos palates and aromas. Go for a tasting and tour of the distillery familiarizing yourself with the chemistry behind the scenes. Surprise your taste buds to traces of juniper, coriander, spicy citrus, lavender, almonds and orange peel.

Address: Corner of Victoria Road and Woodlands Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925

Gin tasting at New Harbour Distillery
Photo Credit: New Harbour Distillery
The gins offered at New Harbour Distillery Cape Town
Photo Credit: New Harbour Distillery

4. Daddy Cool

Found in the Grand Daddy Hotel, the Daddy Cool bar is the swing and Great Gatsby treasure of Cape Town. Walk down an aisle of digital African art and settle into their white leather couches while admiring the extravagant gold decor. Choose from an array of gin cocktails and watch as the bartender makes an art piece before you!

Address: 38 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001

granddaddy,gin,capetown,bar,hop
Photo Credit: Grand Daddy Hotel
The golden lounge at the Daddy Cool bar in Cape Town
Photo Credit: The Grand Daddy Hotel

Cool cucumbers – plan your trip to the Mother City today and let’s get tasting!

More fun Cape Town activities below:

The Ultimate Guide: The 56 Best Things to do in Cape Town

The 10 Best Day Trips and Tours in Cape Town

The 10 Best Breakfast Spots in Cape Town

Top 5 Museums on Cape Town’s Museum Mile

Snorkeling with the Seals of Cape Town

Creme de la Crumb: A Cape Town Food Market Guide


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About the author 

Jemma Brewitt

Jemma's love for nature and culture grew while growing up on her family's dairy farm in the Natal Midlands. Since then she has been a ski lift operator in the Sierra Nevada, an Au Pair in London, an English teacher in Vietnam and is now writing about her favourite continent - Africa.

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