Best Local Craft Spirits for Heritage Month – Celebrating South Africa’s Rich Botanical Heritage
The start of spring in South Africa signals fresh beginnings and, of course, Heritage Month – the perfect time to celebrate our vibrant culture and unique flavours. At New Harbour Distillery, we’re passionate about creating local South African craft spirits that showcase the country’s most iconic botanicals, from the fynbos-covered mountains to the tranquil bushveld.
If you love discovering unique South African flora, relaxing in nature, and sipping on premium small-batch gin, whisky, brandy, and vodka, you’re in for a treat. Our Rooibos Gin, Spekboom Gin, and other creations are a true taste of South Africa – expertly crafted, beautifully bottled, and perfect for celebrating our heritage in style.
We combine nature’s finest with scientific precision to transform traditional South African ingredients into exceptional spirits. From the Cederberg rooibos to hand-harvested botanicals, each sip tells a story of our land, our people, and our love for quality.
ROOIBOS GIN
Complex and unexpected
This fynbos species is world-renowned for a reason. Khoisan, the indigenous Bushmen of the region, have used it for centuries as herbal remedies and to brew the celebrated rooibos tea. The Cederberg region in South Africa is the only place on earth where it grows naturally.
The red-amber hue of Rooibos Gin is 100% natural, achieved by infusing the base gin with rooibos. It's many of our customers' favourite. You won't taste anything like it – sweet almonds, rooibos, and orange citrus. Try out this cracker of a negroni; it won't disappoint.
How to make Rooibos Negroni
1 shot Rooibos Gin
1 shot Campari
1 shot Sweet Vermouth
Dash of Sweet Orange Bitters
Garnish with a lemon peel
----------------------------------------
MAROELA GIN
London Dry with an African twist
Found in the bushveld, the marula tree was a basic food source in ancient times. Once every year during summertime, the female marula trees bear their delicious fruit, and elephants will travel vast distances to get a taste. You've probably seen the videos of elephants, monkeys, and other wild animals getting tipsy on ripe, juicy fruits.
We infuse the gin with the marula peel for a sweet yet tart taste. The result is a lemony sweetness with a zesty lime-like freshness. It's our co-founder Andri's favourite! She makes killer gin cocktails using simple ingredients, such as the French 75.
How to make French 75
1 shot Maroela Gin
½ shot of freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ shot Marigold & Orange Blossom Cordial Liqueur
± 3 shots Simonsig Brut MCC
Garnish with a lemon twist
--------------------------------------------------
SPEKBOOM GIN
Karoo Dry and distinctly fresh
This small-leaved succulent plant, rich in magnesium and vitamin C, is native to South Africa. Drought-tolerant and fire-resistant, spekboom can adapt to various conditions.
Our Spekboom Gin is a punchy, export-strength spirit with strong juniper and lemon flavours. You'll find a distinctly fresh, tart flavour beautifully rounded by sweet lavender and spicy cinnamon notes. Enjoy the infusions of this magical plant in the Tangerine Gin Fizz – a tangy perfection for pre-dinner drinks.
How to make the Juniper Tangerine Gin Fizz
1 shot Spekboom Gin
2 shots of fresh tangerine juice
1 shot Elderflower, Marigold & Orange Blossom Cordial Liqueur
15ml fresh lemon juice
1 egg white, room temperature
60ml sparkling water
Garnish with a tangerine wedge, fresh juniper, or thyme sprig
-----------------------------------------------
CAPE ALCHEMIST BRANDY
Unfiltered and raw
Proudly South African, Cape Alchemist Brandy is a potstill brandy. It's made from the finest Cape grapes, resulting in a unique blend that is rich, fruity, and complex.
Aged for three years, this Cape brandy has a soft expression, full-bodied fruitiness, and nutty undertones. The finish is smoky, long-lasting and infinitely characterful. Check out the Alchemist's Old Fashioned – a clever twist on an old-time favourite.
How to make the Alchemist's Old Fashioned
50ml Cape Alchemist Brandy
15ml Burnt Cassia & Wild Fig Cordial Liqueur
Dash of Sweet Orange Bitters
Dash of soda water
Garnish with a rosemary sprig, cinnamon stick and lemon rind
-------------------------------------
BUSHVELDT WHISKY
Smoked single grain, double-distilled
We start the distillation journey with only the best single-grain whisky. After the initial three years of ageing, the whisky goes through a unique process where it's finished in heavily toasted Kameeldoring barrels, extracting a spiced oak character.
This whisky will transport you to the bushveld with the unique aromas of smouldering embers, vegetal honey, butterscotch, and toffee. Give the Whisky-a-Gogo a try for a taste of African summer sips.
How to make the Whisky-a-Gogo
50ml Bushveldt Whisky
25ml Burnt Cassia and Wild Fig Cordial Liqueur
25ml lemon juice
1 egg white
Dash of Sweet Orange Bitters
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and dried orange
--------------------------------------------------------
Sip heritage drinks
Our drinks pay homage to the rich landscapes of the place we call home. This Heritage Month, try out local craft spirits and taste the difference!
New Harbour experiments, distils and supplies craft gin, vodka, rum, whisky, Karoo agave, and Cape brandy. Buy online and share your creations on social media using #drinkNHD.
Here's to you, South Africa!
