As South Africa prepares to celebrate National Shiraz Day on 21 August, Groot Phesantekraal marks the occasion.
Additionally, it is the third instalment in its innovative wine cocktail series.
Created by mixologist Julian Short, The Flavourist, the Groot Phesantekraal Syrah Sour becomes a layered, theatrical cocktail.
The release comes as Groot Phesantekraal’s Syrah continues to earn acclaim on the national stage.
However, Groot Phesantekraal Syrah Sour was named joint trophy winner at the 2025 Investec Trophy Wine Show, scoring 97 points.
This achievement reinforces its status as one of South Africa’s leading examples of the variety.
Moreover, the cocktail offers wine lovers a fresh and unexpected way to enjoy this award-winning wine.
Bold and well balanced, the cocktail blends Irish whisky, honey water and fresh lemon juice. It finishes with a striking float of Groot Phesantekraal Syrah Sour.
The drink evolves with every sip, opening with bright citrus. It then reveals the wine’s fruit, spice and structure as the layers blend.
Moreover, the idea was never simply to create another cocktail, says Short.
We wanted to celebrate the journey behind the wine—the people, the process and the passion.
The Syrah Sour lets guests experience the wine differently while respecting what makes it special.
That philosophy extends into the accompanying micro film, where the cocktail’s story unfolds through the rhythm of the cellar. Rolling barrels and quiet walks between rows of maturing wine become visual metaphors for the wine’s journey. Moreover, they highlight the progression from careful winemaking to creative reinterpretation.
At the heart of the film is the genuine friendship between Short and Groot Phesantekraal Syrah Sour winemaker Richard Schroeder.
Moreover, their shared curiosity, humour and enthusiasm bring warmth and authenticity to the production.
It reflects the collaborative spirit that inspired the cocktail itself.
The Syrah float is far more than a visual flourish.
Moreover, Groot Phesantekraal Syrah Sour layers the wine over the cocktail, keeping its deep colour and aromatics pronounced.
As it integrates with whisky, honey and citrus, each sip reveals new flavour dimensions and complexity.
Capturing this precision became central to the storytelling, showcasing the technical detail and craftsmanship behind a cocktail. Moreover, Groot Phesantekraal Syrah Sour elevates the experience with a sense of effortless elegance.
The Syrah Sour also reflects the character of Groot Phesantekraal’s flagship red wine itself, powerful yet refined, structured yet generous and unmistakably expressive.
Guests can recreate the cocktail at home or enjoy it paired with hearty winter fare such as pap and wors, creamy peri-peri chicken livers on toast, free-range beef, pan-roasted venison or a cheese and charcuterie platter.
Syrah Sour
Flavour profile: Wood | Fruit | Dry | Fresh
Ingredients
- 50 ml Irish whisky
- 25 ml honey water (3:1)
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- 25 ml Groot Phesantekraal Syrah
Method
Shake the whisky, honey water and lemon juice with ice. Strain over fresh cubed ice into a flat tumbler, then gently float the Groot Phesantekraal Syrah over the top. Garnish with a skewer of candied ginger or candied watermelon.
Honey water (3:1)
Combine 750 g honey, 250 g hot water and 5 g fine salt. Stir until fully dissolved, allow to cool completely, then bottle and refrigerate.
September will feature the next drink in the series, the Farmhouse Spritz, with Groot Phesantekraal’s refreshing MCC!
For more information, go to https://grootphesantekraal.co.za/pages/cocktails.
You can watch the video on YouTube.
Contact details:
E-mail: restaurant@phesantekraal.co.za or wines@phesantekraal.co.za
Tel: +27 (21) 825 0060
Address: Groot Phesantekraal Farm, Klipheuwel Way (R302), Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa
