South Africa’s drinking culture, much like its food, is deeply regional, shaped by climate, memory, migration, and the ingredients that quietly define each landscape. From coastal kelp forests to inland citrus groves, flavour here is inseparable from place. This new cocktail series begins with that philosophy: drinks as geography, drinks as storytelling, drinks as cultural continuity.

The concept behind Sunset in a Glass is simple and sensory. Across 10 cocktails, each drink is inspired by a specific neighbourhood, translating atmosphere into flavour through indigenous ingredients, local techniques, and contemporary mixology.

Scarborough is where the story begins

There is a particular stillness to Scarborough that feels intentional. Tucked along the southern curve of the Cape Peninsula, where the Atlantic breathes cool salt into fynbos-covered hills, the village moves at a slower rhythm. Wind shapes the dunes, kelp lines the shore, and conversations stretch comfortably into sunset. It’s here that sustainability isn’t trend-driven – it’s lived.

At the heart of this landscape sits The Kelp Shack, led by chef and restaurateur Phil Mansergh, whose work explores kelp not as novelty but as narrative. His approach blends sustainable harvesting with nutritional awareness, highlighting the plant’s natural umami depth and mineral structure. In his kitchen, kelp becomes texture, seasoning, and identity – woven into dishes that feel both coastal and contemporary.

That same philosophy informs the first cocktail in this series: a drink inspired by earth, wood, and ocean. The drink draws from two locally rooted spirits: Hope Gin and Leonista agave spirit – both tied closely to the creative energy of the region. Hope Gin’s botanical profile offers structure through juniper layered with floral Cape notes, while Leonista introduces warm agave depth that pairs naturally with kelp’s saline character.

To build the drink, dried kelp is lightly toasted to release its ocean aroma before being infused into a simple syrup. The result is unexpectedly soft: mineral-forward, slightly savoury, and balanced by seasonal citrus. Wild rosemary and buchu add aromatic lift, grounding the drink firmly in the Cape’s indigenous botanical landscape.

The final profile is clean yet layered: citrus brightness on the front palate, soft saline complexity through the mid-notes, and a subtle woody finish. It’s a cocktail designed for golden hour.

The inspiration extends beyond ingredients. Just above the Scarborough coastline stands a striking wooden home – an eight-year personal project by its minimalist owner, Todd, an accountant by profession but a craftsman at heart. Built to withstand coastal weather while ageing gracefully into its environment, the structure celebrates natural materials and intentional design. Clean architectural lines meet warm timber textures, creating a space that feels both grounded and expansive.

Inside, an exceptional sound system turns sunset into ceremony. Outside, uninterrupted views stretch across the nature reserve and ocean horizon. It’s the kind of space that invites reflection, where conversations slow, music deepens, and time softens.

This home became the emotional anchor for the drink. Earth through wood. Ocean through kelp. Light through citrus. Together, they form a sensory portrait of a Scarborough summer.

For readers wanting to recreate the drink at home, the method remains accessible:

Kelp sunset highball (Serves 1)

• 25ml Hope Gin
• 25ml Leonista agave spirit
• 15ml kelp syrup
• Fresh lemon zest
• Wild rosemary sprig
• Soda water

Method:

Add gin, agave spirit, and kelp syrup to a highball glass filled with ice. Stir gently, top with soda, and garnish with lemon zest and rosemary.

Food pairing:

Kelp-seasoned braaied beef skewers or kelp butter sliders work beautifully, bringing smoke, salt, and richness into balance with the drink’s brightness.

Where to experience it:

Scarborough and its surrounding coastal producers continue to champion ingredient-driven sustainability. The Kelp Shack remains a natural starting point for anyone exploring kelp-forward cuisine.

Sunset in a Glass is ultimately about connection: to landscape, to ingredients, and to memory. These are drinks designed not only to refresh, but to transport. Drinks that pause time. Drinks that hold place.