News
Crafting South Africa's National Cocktail
Every country has a drink that instantly comes to mind.
Italy has the Aperol Spritz. Mexico has the Margarita. Cuba has the Mojito. Brazil has the Caipirinha.
But what about South Africa?
For years, the answer has never been obvious. We have world-class wines, award-winning gin, exceptional whisky, and some of the best bars in the world, yet we've never had a signature South African cocktail that people actively seek out.
That's exactly what inspired us to create the Honey Badger.
Built around Bangbroek — South Africa's spicy spirit aperitif — the Honey Badger was designed to capture a little bit of everything that makes this country unforgettable. It's bold without being overwhelming, refreshing enough for a summer afternoon, and carries just enough heat to remind you that you're drinking something proudly South African.
What started as a signature serve has quickly become something much bigger.
In just over a year, the Honey Badger has become one of the most popular cocktails in many bars and restaurants across South Africa, often sitting alongside international favourites like the Aperol Spritz. More importantly, it's become the drink bartenders recommend when visitors ask the question:
"What's the cocktail I have to try in South Africa?"
That's exactly the conversation we hoped to start.
We're not claiming the Honey Badger is South Africa's national cocktail just yet—but every national cocktail has to start somewhere. Ours started with a simple idea: create a drink that's unmistakably South African, easy to enjoy, and memorable enough that people order a second before they've finished the first.
Whether you're visiting Cape Town, exploring the Winelands, or simply looking for a new favourite cocktail at your local bar, we hope the Honey Badger becomes part of your South African experience.
After all, every country deserves a signature cocktail. We think South Africa has finally found one.
Cocktail Culture is on the Rise
South Africa's drinking culture is changing.
While beer, wine, and simple spirit-and-mixer serves have long dominated the local market, a growing number of consumers are discovering the creativity and craftsmanship behind great cocktails. From Cape Town's world-renowned bars to neighbourhood restaurants experimenting with new serves, cocktail culture in South Africa is experiencing a remarkable rise.
Much of this momentum can be traced back to Cape Town's emergence as a global cocktail destination. Local bartenders have gained international recognition for creating drinks that showcase originality, technical skill, and a strong sense of place. Rather than simply following overseas trends, many of South Africa's leading bars are developing cocktails that celebrate local ingredients and uniquely South African flavours.
At the same time, consumers are becoming more adventurous. Premium ready-to-drink cocktails have surged in popularity as people look for convenient ways to enjoy quality drinks at braais, festivals, picnics, and social gatherings. The demand for flavour-driven drinks has never been stronger, particularly among younger consumers who are eager to explore something beyond traditional options.
One of the most exciting developments is the industry's growing focus on local ingredients. Bartenders are increasingly turning to fynbos, rooibos, marula, citrus, honey, and locally produced spirits to create cocktails that reflect the country's diverse landscapes and cultures. The result is a cocktail scene that feels distinctly South African rather than imported.
This shift has also created opportunities for new styles of spirits and aperitifs to find their place behind the bar. As cocktail menus continue to evolve, bartenders are looking for ingredients that bring character, balance, and versatility to a drink. Products like Bangbroek, with its blend of sweetness, spice, and botanical complexity, have naturally found a home in this environment—not as a replacement for classic spirits, but as another tool for creating memorable cocktails and uniquely South African serves.
Ultimately, the rise of cocktail culture in South Africa is about more than just what's in the glass. It's about storytelling, local creativity, and a growing appreciation for flavours that reflect where we come from. Whether you're sipping a cocktail at one of Cape Town's celebrated bars or experimenting with local ingredients at home, there has never been a more exciting time to explore South African cocktails.
And if the current trajectory is anything to go by, South Africa's influence on the global cocktail scene is only just getting started.