In the pink
Nothing says "I'm relaxed" quite like the fresh blush of a cool pink summer’s drink. And when thirst trumps hunger in the heat, you don't want to mess around with heavy or hot cocktails, nor do you want to slave away for hours to get your fix.

In November, the emphasis is on simplicity and speed, so we've rounded up non-alcoholic and alcoholic, easy-to-throw-together beverages for you to try out this festive season. Take your minted sparkling rose water on the grass with healthy picnic snacks like wholewheat crackers and cheese, or break the early evening mould with a refreshing ruby grapefruit gin cocktail - that's two birds with one hassle-free stone.

Whether you prefer peaches, plums, strawberries or cherries, make yours a refreshing pink fix. And get the freshest seasonal ingredients from a farm stall, market or fruit and veg outlet near you.

Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes

6 radishes
100g caster sugar
2 limes, halved
3 fresh gherkin cucumbers, halved lengthways
300g fresh berries, halved
1/2 ripe papaya, peeled, deseeded and sliced into 4
2 litres lemon or peach ice tea, for serving
4 celery sticks, rinsed and trimmed
4 asparagus spears, rinsed
1 2-litre pitcher for serving

Using a sharp mandolin, shred the radishes then toss with the caster sugar. Squeeze the lime juice onto the rim of a pitcher and line with the sugared radish to create a frosted effect. Fill the pitcher until three quarters full with the cucumber, strawberry, papaya, lime and top up with ice tea. Using a vegetable peeler, shave long ribbons of celery and asparagus, and use to decorate the pitcher. Serve chilled.

25ml Tanqueray gin
4 basil leaves
4 peeled grapefruit segments
10ml coconut milk
10ml strawberry syrup
5ml lime juice
strawberry, sliced thickly, and cut into star shapes with a mini-cookie cutter

Muddle basil and grapefruit in a mixing glass. Add rest of the ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a glass filled with cubed ice. Garnish with strawberry stars.

We asked barmen around the country about their favourite pink drinks.



"The Watermelon Ling with gin, fresh root ginger, watermelon, and jasmine-infused sugar. Our visitors can't get enough of it!" - Mark Finnemore, Julep, Cape Town

"The Kir Royale never gets old. It's crème de cassis topped with champagne and garnished with a cherry - simple and sweet." Mark Villiers, Cubana, Bloemfontein

"For the Rose Water Martini, we combine raspberry flavoured vodka, extra-dry vermouth and garnish it with a rose petal. It's very elegant." Guy Wood, Bean Bag Bohemia, Durban

Serves 4

3 cups frozen mixed berries
1/2 cup rose syrup
2 litres soda water
fresh mint, to garnish
crushed ice, for serving

Add the frozen berries to a blender and pulse until crushed. Spoon into a large iced jug and top with the rose syrup and soda water. Garnish with sprigs of mint and crushed ice and serve in frosted glasses.

With its gorgeously dry blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Pongrácz Rosé is a must-have instant pink injection. Fruity black berry and delicate yeasty tones makes it a refreshing easy-drinker with heaps of stylish sophistication.

Eco-friendly, child-friendly and original gifts at Blubird night market
5, 12, 19 and 26 November
A firm favourite gets extended hours so you can shop, shop, shop some more ... and then relax.

White lights, picnics and season cheer at Spier
4 December
The gorgeous Spier Wine Estate hosts its Festival of White Light again - great performances and fantastic wine are on the cards.  

A summer market at Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate
12 December
Head into the Swartland for the Riebeek Valley's choice olives and wine, and many more kitchen treats.

Summer Elegance at the House of Krone
12 December
Step out on a Saturday for vintage cars, high fashion, delicacies like oysters and sushi, and wine tasting in Tulbagh.

Happy 240th birthday Gordon's London Dry Gin

De Krans goes pink

Get someone else to pack your summer picnic

RMB WineX results

Two great books for your kitchen