A Splash of Summer

LA PETITE COLOMBE's mixologist Chane van Zyl whips up the ultimate SUMMER COCKTAILS – playful and full of local flavour.

- JO BUITENDACH

FRANSCHHOEK'S FINE-DINING GEM La Petite Colombe is shaking things up this summer - quite literally. Recently crowned the Eat Out Patrón Mixology Award winner, the restaurant's cocktail menu is every bit as inventive and artful as its food menu.

We caught up with Chane van Zyl, assistant manager and mixologist, to talk about what's trending, what's pouring, and what she'll be sipping by the pool this season. "I'm such a sucker for the classics," she says, "but I always try to add a unique twist."

For her, summer is about freshness and flavour. "A margarita made with a premium tequila is always a winner and so easy to play around with, especially with the fresh fruit that's in abundance during summer," she says. "And nothing beats a classic Pimm's Cup next to the swimming pool. I like to add a cheeky shot of gin to mine!"

She's also a fan of easy-drinking shandies and spritzers, especially when made with local craft beer. "Soul Barrel does a beautiful umqombothi-inspired beer. When you pair that with fresh lemonade, that's summer heaven."