Shake, Stir & Celebrate: Festive Cocktails To Spritz Things Up

From tropical rum spritzers to indulgent coffee creations

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This festive season calls for clinking glasses, bold flavours, and a touch of indulgence. From tropical twists with premium rums to reimagined classics that showcase South Africa’s heritage spirits, our cocktail line-up is designed to inspire your celebration.

Mauritian Sunshine Spritz - A festive cocktail with Britannia Rum

Bright, refreshing, and perfect for summer celebrations, the Mauritian Sunshine Spritz showcases the fresh sugarcane and citrus notes of Britannia Rum. It’s a playful nod to the island’s heritage, elevated with tropical flavours that make it an ideal festive-season crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients (serves 1)

50ml Britannia Premium White Rum
25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
15ml sugar syrup (or cane syrup for authenticity)
50ml pineapple juice
Top up with sparkling wine (or soda water for a lighter version)
Garnish: Fresh mint sprig and a pineapple wedge

Method

Fill a shaker with ice and add rum, lime juice, sugar syrup, and pineapple juice.
Shake until chilled, then strain into a large wine glass filled with ice.
Top with sparkling wine (or soda water).
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a pineapple wedge for a tropical flourish.

Think island holidays, clinking glasses under the summer sun, and a cocktail that captures the spirit of Mauritius in every sip.

The ICE Glow Cocktail - A vibrant mix that matches Smirnoff ICE’s bold new look

This cocktail is unapologetically fresh — just like Smirnoff ICE’s new design. It’s fun, zesty, and tailor-made for summer grooves, rooftop sundowners, or festive season link-ups.

Ingredients (serves 1)

1 can of Smirnoff ICE (Storm or Guarana work best)
25ml Smirnoff Vodka (optional, for an extra kick)
25ml passionfruit purée (or mango purée for a twist)
10ml fresh lime juice
Top up with lemonade or soda water
Garnish: Lime wheel and a sprig of mint

Method

In a tall glass filled with ice, add vodka (if using), passionfruit purée, and lime juice.
Pour in chilled Smirnoff ICE and stir gently.
Top with a splash of lemonade or soda water for extra fizz.
Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.

Bright, bold, and instantly Instagrammable — the ICE Glow is the perfect cocktail to kick off a festive night. Think DJ sets, rooftop clinks, and that unmistakable Nakanjani energy.

Amarula Espresso Indulgence - A luxe coffee cocktail made with Nespresso

The Amarula Espresso Indulgence is velvety, smooth, and unapologetically festive. It blends the rich, premium flavour of Nespresso coffee with the creamy sweetness of Amarula — South Africa’s iconic liqueur — to create a cocktail that feels indulgent yet effortless.

Ingredients (serves 1)

50ml Amarula Cream Liqueur
1 fresh shot of Nespresso espresso (40ml, your choice of pod)
35ml Drambuie (Honey)
15ml Orgeat Syrup
25ml Condensed Milk
2 dashes of Cocoa Bitters
Garnish: a few coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder

Method

Brew the shot of Nespresso espresso and let it cool slightly.
In a shaker with ice, combine all the ingredients then shake until well-chilled and slightly frothy.
Strain into a chilled glass.
Garnish with coffee beans or cocoa dusting for that finishing touch.

Sophisticated yet comforting, this cocktail delivers a touch of indulgence for the festive season. It’s a nod to premium convenience — the ease of Nespresso meets the decadence of Amarula — making it the ultimate “luxury coffee moment” at home. And with Nespresso now readily available to order on the Mr D app, you can have your favourite pods delivered straight to your door — no festive rush required.

Festive Brandy Punch - Discover the SA Brandy Route this Festive Season

South Africa’s oldest spirit has a new lease on life with the relaunch of the SA Brandy Route — the ultimate journey for those wanting to sip, savour, and celebrate our country’s rich brandy-making heritage. Stretching across the Western Cape, the route connects historic Brandy Homes — from the potstill pioneers of the Klein Karoo like Boplaas, to the refined cellars of Van Ryn’s near Stellenbosch — with contemporary Brandy Hubs in Cape Town’s vibrant city centre, where mixologists are reimagining this heritage spirit in world-class cocktails.

Each stop along the way tells a story: Tokara pairs its award-winning XO brandy with artisanal chocolates on the Helshoogte Pass, while Boschendal leans into local culture by matching aged brandies with South African dessert classics. At Lanzerac’s Craven Lounge, brandy ambassadors take guests through curated flights, showcasing just how versatile this spirit can be.

For those who like to experiment, brandy’s renaissance isn’t just about sipping it neat. Try it stirred into a Brandy Old Fashioned, shaken into a Brandy Sour, or uplifted with citrus and spice for a festive punch that’s made for sharing. The SA Brandy Route makes it easy to explore, with digital tools to help plan your journey — whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor keen to discover a new side of Cape Town’s winelands.

This festive season, make it a journey worth toasting: scan the QR code below to discover the new SA Brandy Route map and raise a glass to 330 years of South African craftsmanship.

Perfect Pairing - ZYN Nicotine Pouches

For those looking to elevate their festive cocktail even further, ZYN Nicotine Pouches make the perfect accompaniment. With bold new flavours like Apple Mint, Spearmint, and Citrus, ZYN offers adult nicotine users a smoke-free option that complements the layered flavours of this indulgent drink.

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