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Peter Matika

COCKTAILS have become some of the most sought-after melanges in bars, nightclubs and restaurants, novel as they may seem, they are not so much of a new drink in Zimbabwe.

Cocktails are either a combination of spirits, or one or more spirits mixed with other ingredients such as tonic water, fruit juice, flavoured syrup, or cream. 

They vary widely across regions of the world, and many websites publish both original recipes and their own interpretations of older and more famous cocktails.

Cocktails have always been here, all thanks to the integration of the world as well as our own mixologists and adventurous barmen and ladies, who have mastered the art of mixing.

This past week we went out to try a new cocktail at a recently buffed establishment – The Thistle Room Lounge, located at Bulawayo Centre.

The cocktail named after the bar – The Thistle Delight – is a drink that many would appreciate especially if you are seeking to experiment with something new in terms of alcoholic beverages.

The Thistle Delight is a signature drink developed by the barman – Larry Dube (Umadesha), who claims to be the best in the business.

The drink consists of a double shot of white rum, half a shot of lime, orange juice, and strawberry liqueur blended with a dash of grenadine.

“The drink is built on ice. The alcohol and orange juice are layered carefully at the bottom before placing the strawberry iced slushy on top to give it a beautiful appearance. 

“It has a sweet aroma that consists of citrus from the orange juice and orange garnish as well as the strawberry pieces and berries that we add in the build of the drink,” said Larry, who says he learned the art of mixology while he was working at different bars in South Africa.

After having tasted the cocktail, it is only fair to note that it’s a good drink to kick start the weekend, as well as to get your mood up.

It has a zesty and limey taste and feeling on the taste buds and keeps you wanting more, kind of like chilli.

In his experience in bars, Larry said he had done quite some research on the eating and dining out behaviour among women over the years. He says there are several reasons women love cocktails and food.

“The number one reason why women love cocktails and food is because it gives them something to talk about. They love to discuss the options, laugh about the titles and plan among themselves, as friends or sisters, what they are going to order; fruit or sour drinks, rum or vodka infused combinations,” said Larry.

He noted that the second reason why women love cocktails is because they love to share.

“Sharing is the ultimate prize, that it doesn’t matter if you ordered the wrong thing, with a cocktail you can at least have a taste to check out what you will have for your next cocktail (it is part of the unspoken deal when ordering that you will taste each other’s cocktail),” says Larry.

He says the fact that a cocktail is prepared in front of you and you can have a say in what goes in it makes it even more special.

“Women love the care and attention that is lavished on the making of their cocktail and having a chance to see it made in front of them, this provides so much added value and something to talk about!

“Cocktails make you feel good, essentially, the moment you taste your first cocktail of the evening is the best it gets. 

“You look the best you can (full make- up, beautifully dressed and ready for a great night) and somehow, on account of the fruit juice, you feel you are drinking something healthy in a cool glass. 

If you are offering cocktails: the key is to refine your recipe, have a menu with all the details to help customers make a choice, and prepare the drink in front of customers. I also think great looking glassware and presentation are key.

λ Tell us what you think of these drinks if ever you get a chance to taste them. If you have an establishment and think your drink has what it takes to be profiled send an email to [email protected] or WhatsApp 0772337433

REMEMBER alcohol is not for sale to those under the age of 18 and let’s not forget to drink responsibly.