Whether you’re starting at home with the classics or behind a bar with more complex recipes, the sweet and sour balance is the cornerstone of basic mixology. You simply can’t have one without the other.

When starting out, the base spirit is always the inspiration behind the combination of ingredients. Bitter and sour components then provide the 'fresh' element while sweet ingredients are used to enhance flavours and to balance bitterness or acidity. Generally speaking, the gold standard ratio is 2:1:1 - two parts liquor to one part each sweet and sour/ bitter.

Here’s one that The Cape Town Gin & Spirits Company want you to try - and enjoy!

MOUNT CEDAR

Ingredients   

50ml Cape Town Gin Rooibos Red Gin20ml red vermouth25ml pineapple juice15ml pineapple syrup100ml Indian tonicDried pineapple wheelCinnamon stickCinnamon sugarIce

Preparation

Rim a big stemless wineglass with cinnamon sugar. Pour the Cape Town Rooibos Red gin, vermouth, juice and syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well for 20 seconds. Pour the mix into the sugar rimmed glass (you can pour it with the ice or put fresh ice in the glass and strain the mixture). Top up with the Indian tonic and garnish with a dried pineapple wheel and cinnamon stick.

Be sure to like and follow The Cape Town Gin & Spirits Company on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date on all their latest news and offerings, and book your tasting at the new Cape Town Gin & Spirits Emporium in the V&A Waterfront on their website.