Namibian sundowner drinks - or sundowners - enjoyed at that magical time of day when we watch the sun sink into the horizon wouldn’t be the same without a refreshing gin and tonic.
Popular in British time in the tropics for its ability to mask the unpleasant taste of quinine which was used as a malaria prophylactic, the drink became a delicious and habitual part of the day. It lost popularity over the years but has made a comeback recently, especially in places like Namibia where we celebrate the setting sun which paints the landscape in gold and gives us opportunity to pause and appreciate our natural world in all its finery.
Being relatively quick to produce and with a fermented base that can be derived from grain, grapes, potatoes or sugar cane, gin lends itself to creativity. A variety of gins are available today (even a pink gin tinged with hibiscus), using the prominent ingredient of juniper berries that give gin its distinctive flavour with botanical additions that tease and tantalise the tastebuds. Small artisanal distilleries producing handcrafted gin have popped up in recent years. Namibian distilleries include local ingredients like !nara melon, devils claw and mahangu to give their gin a true Namibian character.
Here's to creativity and to one of our favourite sundowner drinks, the ever-refreshing G&T. Cheers!
(Which is your favourite sundowner drink? If you have a photo please share it with us).
.png)
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT