Cape Grace Hotel's Bascule Bar Launches Locally-inspired Cocktails

Part of the iconic Cape Grace Hotel, recently named one of the “Top City Hotels in Africa” in the Travel and Leisure 2017 World Best Awards, the bar in Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred yacht marina is popular with trendy Capetonians and visitors alike. Offering an intimate atmosphere, picture perfect Table Mountain views and the best selection of drinks in the city, the hotel is commencing the countdown to its 21^st birthday in December this year with a new cocktail menu. With cocktails made from delectable local ingredients grown only in South Africa, guests embark on an exploration of the country’s landscapes, folklore and history.

The new menu is set to surprise and delight in terms of innovative design, thematic style and flavour combinations. A variety of new cocktails categorised as ‘A Taste of 21’, ‘Signature’, ‘Whisky’ and ‘Non-Alcoholic’, each one tells a unique South African story incorporating local flavours and fragrances such as rooibos, marmalade and citrus.

Bascule Bar Manager, Victor Kirkbride, says: “It is such an honour and pleasure to be unveiling this new collection of beverages to our guests. Guests are becoming more adventurous with their palates and the new menu is designed to get people excited about local, unique ingredients. We champion only the finest hand-crafted local spirits such as fynbos gin, multi-award winning brandy and Methode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wine made in the surrounding winelands, honouring the deep agricultural roots as well as the heritage of production that has been passed down from one generation to the next.”

The new ‘Taste of 21’ cocktail range includes:

Cape Classique

Nothing signals a celebration quite like the ‘pop’ of a champagne cork, or in South Africa’s case, an MCC cork! This cocktail variation consists of KWV 10 year old Brandy and Rooibos syrup topped with Méthode Cap Classique.

Amber Martini

Whilst Orange Marmalade has long been a favourite spread, you may be surprised to learn that it also makes an incredible cocktail ingredient. This 21^st variation consists of Inverroche Amber Fynbos Gin, Orange Marmalade, Triple Sec (orange liqueur) and fresh lemon juice.

Rooibos Whisky Sour

Rooibos has become part of South Africa’s way of life and is considered by many as the national beverage. Grown exclusively in the Western Cape’s Fynbos region, this unique South African plant is recognised across the world for its versatility and refreshing taste. This delicious cocktail variation consists of Three Ships Bourbon Cask Whisky, fresh lime juice and Rooibos syrup.

“While whisky is at the beating heart of Bascule”, continues Victor, “with a selection of over 400 whiskies from around the world, our skilful bartenders have also mastered the art of mixology to shake up a delightful new range of signature cocktails. Our ‘Perfect Negroni’ – consisting of London Dry Gin, Rosso Vermouth, Campari and Aperol and ‘Basil Smash’– blended with London Dry Gin, Basil, Lemon juice, honey and sparkling water are just a taste of what is available from our new signature cocktail selection.” Local and foreign bubbles as well as white and red wines from around the Cape and beyond complete a list fit to satisfy even the most particular of tastes.

Visit website: https://www.capegrace.com