1. Midsummer Solstice Bramble
- Crafted using the limited-edition Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice, this refreshing cocktail includes:
- 50 ml of the gin
- 20 ml lemon juice
- 12.5 ml sugar syrup
- Crushed ice
- 5 ml crème de mûre, blackberries, and lemon wedge for garnish
2. Martinez Cocktail
- A winter-worthy creation embraced in South African Hendrick’s Gin promotions:
- 50 ml Hendrick’s Gin
- 15 ml sweet vermouth
- 7.5 ml cherry-flavored liqueur (e.g., maraschino)
- Dashes of both Angostura and orange bitters
- Garnish with orange zest
3. French 75 (Hendrick’s Twist)
- A bubbly adaptation of the classic:
- 30 ml Hendrick’s Gin
- 10 ml sugar syrup
- 10 ml lemon juice
- Topped with Champagne
4. Seasonal Cocktail Events & Icons
- The Hendrick’s Gin O’Clock summer campaign featured bars across SA serving classics like:
- Hendrick’s & Tonic
- Gin Buck
- Orchard Collins
- Gin Mule
Also introduced was the Something Marvellously Unusual cocktail with wild fig and pine needles, available at select venues (Mount Nelson in Cape Town, Oyster Box in Umhlanga, Marble in Johannesburg) during its launch.
Global Hendrick’s Gin Cocktails—Adaptable & Inspiring
Here are a few inventive recipes you can enjoy or adapt in South Africa using Hendrick’s Gin:
- Hendrick Sour with Chilli, Cucumber & Black Pepper
- 50 ml Hendrick’s Gin30 ml homemade cucumber–chilli syrup30 ml lemon juice20 ml egg whiteGarnish with cracked black pepper swirl & finger chilli slice
- Hendricks Basil Cucumber Smash
- 1.5 oz Hendrick’s Gin0.75 oz lemon juice0.5 oz simple syrupMuddle 4 basil leaves and a baby cucumber
- The Clever (French 75 riff)
- Earl-Grey tea-infused Hendrick’s Gin
- Lemon juice & honey syrup (3:1)
- Top with sparkling wine or Champagne
- Go Birds / Mamani G&T
- Hendrick’s Gin, muddled with jalapeño, cucumber, cilantro
- Topped with tonic and garnished with cherry tomatoes
Summary Table
| Cocktail Name | Key Features & Flavors |
|---|---|
| Midsummer Solstice Bramble | Floral-fruity with crème de mûre & blackberries |
| Martinez | Herbal-bitter with cherry liqueur and citrus zest |
| French 75 (Hendrick’s twist) | Bright, bubbly twist on gin fizz |
| Something Marvellously Unusual | Wild fig & pine needle infusion, ultra-premium |
| Sour w/ Chilli & Cucumber | Spicy, tangy, uniquely peppery |
| Basil Cucumber Smash | Herbal-fresh, smooth, cucumber-balanced |
| The Clever | Tea-inspired, elegant, sparkling |
| Go Birds / Mamani G&T | Spicy-herbaceous with a twist of tomato garnish |
Final Thoughts
South African Hendrick’s cocktails beautifully blend local innovation (like Midsummer Solstice Bramble and Martinez) with classic elegance (French 75). If you’re hosting at home or exploring at local bars, there’s a wide palette of botanical, fruity, herbal, and spicy profiles to enjoy.