Words: Lucy Sarah O’Connell | Images: Supplied
If the South African food and drink scene in 2017 was all about Mexico, then 2018 is definitely all about Cuba. Focused on vibrant colours, delicious food, great music (and dancing!) and any excuse to celebrate, Cuban culture has found its way into Joburgers’ hearts through the arrival of the popular Cuban-inspired restaurant, The Royale, and an increased prevalence of incredible rum-focused cocktails.
There’s no doubt that rum has seen a complete rejuvenation in the drinks world. While it may have been seen as the juvenile delinquent of spirits (think pirates and grog), global factors including the lifting of the US travel embargo in 2016, have played a part in bringing Cuba’s influence on fashion, decor, food and, of course, drinks to the forefront of every trendsetter’s mind.
American novelist Ernest Hemingway spent much of his adult life in Cuba – and with good reason. Famously at home on a bar stool, there’s no doubt that the enticing rums of the vibrant region played a part in his extended stay at his second home there. In celebration of all things Cuban, Kresan Naidu, mixologist and rum ambassador for Havana Club Añejo 7Años, shares one his favourite cocktails to make with authentic Cuban rum: the Canchanchara. “A predecessor of the daiquiri and a close brother of the Navy Grog, the Canchanchara might very well be the essence of the Cuban cocktail. It has its roots in the fight for independence and is a drink that would have been a quick fix to any ailments suffered in the sugarcane fields,” says Kresan.
The Canchanchara Ingredients:
25ml fresh lime juice
2tsp liquid honey
50ml Havana Club 7
In a low glass, add one teaspoon lime juice and two teaspoons liquid honey. Stir and mix. Add 50ml of Havana Club 7. Stir again to completely dilute the honey. Add six large ice cubes and stir. Garnish with a few coffee beans on top.
For expertly made authentic Cuban cocktails, visit Sin and Tax in Rosebank and Mootee Bar in Melville. Head on over and channel your inner Hemingway:
The Royale
060 575 2471
facebook.com/theroyalesa
Sin and Tax
010 900 4987
sintaxbar.com
Mootee
010 900 1399
mootee.co.za
