Words: Suzanne van Aswegen
Tsogo Sun mixologist Pieter Brits didn’t quite imagine that he would be the head mixologist for Tsogo Sun’s Johannesburg properties when he first applied for a position three years ago.
Courtesy of: Tsogo Sun
Having studied Hospitality Management at Capital Hotel School in Pretoria, he sent his CV far and wide, aiming for Cape Town at first. When his only interview was at Tsogo Sun, he didn’t know what to expect. He interviewed for the position @Monte, the space which has now been renovated into Jenda; a new tapa’s and wine bar.
Young and energetic, eager to learn, Pieter took the opportunity to create the 3SIXTY Liquid Lounge cocktail menu with open arms. Pieter had the basics down of constructing the perfect drink from his studies, but the art of mixology is self-taught and a skill that he practices at home and work. Always experimenting with new drinks and flavor combinations is what Pieter does best. He believes that the menu of any cocktail bar needs balance, offering drinks to a variety of tastes. Cocktails need to consist of various alcohol combinations and also of different strengths must be catered for. Balance is essential not only in creating the overall menu but also creating excellent cocktails.
*Pieter custom created this cocktail for Jack Parrow based on his song Bloubek released on the album Nag Van Die Lang Pette in 2014
Blowbek Cocktail
Ingredients
37.5 ml Klipdrift Gold
12.5 ml Blue Caraco
15 ml Peach puree
15 ml Fresh lemon juice
50 ml Cranberry juice
Dash of bitters
Maraschino cherries
Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain over a brandy balloon.
Garnish with cherry & pineapple leaf.
*Klipdrift Gold is recommended because of its apricot & peach notes.
About Tsogo Sun
Tsogo Sun is the leading hotels, gaming and entertainment company in South Africa, providing a variety of hospitality and exciting entertainment and leisure experiences. Combining an established heritage with a professional and energised approach, the group proudly encompasses 14 casinos and over 90 hotels in South Africa, Africa, and the Seychelles.
