Cape Town seems to dominate in all the craft beverages, particularly alcoholic ones. (Wine is the original craft drink, not so?)

So it’s no surprise that this distillery is based in the Mother City.

At Hope on Hopkins, they have named their stills Mildred, Mouma, and Maude, and three gin variants: a classic London Dry Gin, their Salt River Gin inspired by South Africa, and a Mediterranean Gin. They also produce vodka and a 100% agave spirit (think Tequila; just don’t call it that).

Something I only discovered while reading up on them for this article, is that they produce gin for other brands too – I won’t mention them here, they will get their own posts.

The base spirit for the three gins are made – by Hope on Hopkins – from locally grown malted barley and then infused with botanicals such as juniper (naturally), angelica root, coriander, various citrus zest (hand-peeled and sundried).

Image: Yuppiechef

Hope on Hopkins

Origin: Salt River (Cape Town)

Volume: 750 ml

ABV: 43%

The Mediterranean

This sounds like my kind of gin. It’s infused with olives, rosemary, basil, thyme, cardamom, citrus, and gin.

It’s perfect for a dirty gin martini (two olives, please) but as a G&T garnished with orange, basil, olive, or a sprig of rosemary, I imagine it’s just as delicious.

The Salt River

The taste of South Africa. Hope on Hopkins redistils their vodka base with juniper, kapokbos (wild rosemary), buchu, and citrus peel.

Add a slice of grapefruit to your G&T – or probably any other citrus you fancy.

The London Dry

Citrus, rosemary, and juniper – the flavour of this smooth gin, and also the ideal garnishes for a G&T.

I do love me a dry gin martini – shaken, not stirred – again, with two olives

Image: Frost Popsicles

But wait, there’s more

Hope on Hopkins offers a Gin Experience on the first Wednesday of every month. You can also visit the Distillery Tasting Room and Saturdays between 12:00 – 14:00.

AND Hope on Hopkins is now available in the perfect summertime treat: G&T popsicles (7%)! Head over to Frost Popsicles to order online, or to see where you can buy some today. Or tomorrow. But definitely this week, right?

And if you’re unable to make it to Salt River for a taste experience, check out the gift pack on Yuppiechef.

P.S. email me for my delivery address *nudge* *nudge* *wink* *wink* *know what I mean?*