Just when you thought the holidays couldn’t get any more festive, Kindred Spirits pulls a rabbit out of a hat (or a Santa out of a chimney?) with the all-new Sugarplum Cape Holly and Wild Plum Candy Cane Spirit Cooler!
Introduction
From the brilliant minds behind Sugarbird Gin, Kindred Spirits is offering a delectable adult alternative to cookies and milk this Christmas. Infused and inspired with beautifully local botanicals, this spirit cooler is a fun fusion of traditional and South African interpretations of Christmas.
Inspiration
Sugarplum Cape Holly & Wild Plum draws inspiration for its flavour profile from the Sugarbird gin varietal of the same name, Sugarbird Cape Holly and Wild Plum. This unique gin varietal, introduced as a limited edition for inclusion in the popular Sugarbird Gin Crackers Festive ’21 collection, showcases two trees native to South Africa, Ilex mitis (Cape Holly) and Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum).
First impressions
I assumed the dominant flavour would be minty candy cane, but I was pleasantly surprised at the first sip by the complex layers of sweet, tart, juicy and fruity, making this aperitif the perfect serve before, after or during dinner. The fruits of these two native South African trees offer punches of plum and red berries, with any expected overbearing sweetness mellowed out by the nuanced undertones of fresh garden mint.
With its strikingly good looks and white candy cane stripes, this bottle begs to be the center of attention, or the center of your table decoration. Versatile and adaptable, you can enjoy Sugarplum in many different ways – neat as a chilled shot, a long drink with soda or sparkling water, or, of course my personal favourite – as a cocktail.
Did you know?
The Candy Cane has its roots in Cologne, Germany. A local confectioner made ‘candy sticks’ to quieten children in the Cologne cathedral nativity. The shape he chose, reminiscent of the shepherds’ staff became the candy cane confectionery we enjoy today.
The Ginger Plum Fairy
The Tall Hedonist is our resident mixologist and cocktail maker in The Little House. After a tasting of Sugarplum, he came up with a gorgeous summer evening sipper, called The Ginger Plum Fairy. We also enlisted the help of another Kindred Spirits favourite, Granny’s Bear Vodka, to elevate this mixed drink to festive proportions. Because we’re all friends, right?
INGREDIENTS:
(makes two drinks)
2 shots Sugarplum Cape Holly and Wild Plum Candy Cane Spirit Cooler
1 shot Granny’s Bear Vodka
2 shots 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
Approximately a cup of zesty ginger beer
Ice and a mixing jug
Fresh lime quarters
METHOD:
Half-fill your mixing jug with ice and add the Sugarplum, vodka and cranberry juice.
Stir until well mixed. Top with ginger beer and stir again.
Pour into glasses filled with ice (you can also mix directly into the glasses) and add a squeeze of lime to each glass.
Garnish with your favourite festive addition and enjoy!
In conclusion
I served The Ginger Plum Fairy with “weisse pfeffernüsse” – small spice cookies coated in white chocolate. These are traditional holiday treats in Germany, Denmark, and The Netherlands. With just the right amount of warm spices, they make the perfectly paired aperitif, with a nod to the roots of the humble candy cane.
Sugarplum Cape Holly and Wild Plum Candy Cane Spirit Cooler captures the absolute essence of a South African Christmas in one sleek, handsome bottle. It’s playful, it’s cheerful and it’s bold. A bespoke gift for a loved one or for yourself, brighten up your holiday with this quintessential Christmas cooler.
Find Candy Cane online and in-store from: Mother City Liquors, Deeliver, Makro and soon on Takealot.
RRP: 249.95
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are solely those of The Little Hedonist, given in good faith and in no way influenced by the company or its affiliates. All images, unless otherwise stated / credited, are also my own.
The Little Hedonist endorses responsible drinking.
Don’t drink and drive. Not for persons under 18.
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