![\"James](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/James-Bay-Summer-Gin-No-5-300x169.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nCelebrity chef, radio and television personality, Jenny Morris \u2013 the Giggling Gourmet \u2013 and renowned Mmisology the Mixologist, believes the versatility of U.S. distilled spirits can shine during the holiday season, whether in seasonal cocktails or enhancing celebratory meals.<\/p>\n
To help you gear up for the festive season, Jenny and Mmiso are sharing their tips for how to integrate American spirits\u00a0into your festive season entertaining\u00a0using a selection of American distilled spirits including America\u2019s native spirit \u2013 Bourbon.<\/p>\n
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As one of South Africa\u2019s current favourite spirits, gin is a great drink for summer celebrations<\/a> and\u00a0James Bay\u2019s Lochside Summer Gin No 5\u00a0is an award-winning citrus-forward gin perfect for light summer cocktails.<\/p>\n Mmiso suggests serving a classic\u00a0Gin Sour<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Gimlet<\/a>\u00a0as a welcome drink or ap\u00e9ritif. \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s light and fresh, and cleanses the palate,\u201d he says. \u201cPeople are also loving simple gin with elderflower tonic this summer.\u201d<\/p>\n Jenny adds that gin pairs well with fresh seafood such as langoustines and mussels and can even be added to the poaching water, providing a new dimension to steamed seafood.<\/p>\n Also read:<\/strong> <\/em>Buyer\u2019s Guide: Everything You Need to Know About American Whiskeys<\/a><\/p>\n Nothing says summer holidays like rum-based tropical cocktails, and\u00a0Whistling Andy Hibiscus Coconut Rum\u00a0takes the island flavours a step further with an infusion of real hibiscus flowers and coconut. Experimenting with exciting new distilled spirit flavours can add a whole new dimension to meals and drinks, say the experts.<\/p>\n \u201cThis could work well in a citrus and coconut sauce with chicken,\u201d says Jenny.<\/p>\n Mmiso says: \u201cIn a cocktail, it would be great in a coconut daiquiri with fresh pineapple.\u201d<\/p>\n American Rye Whiskey generally has a spicier profile than other American Whiskeys<\/a>.\u00a0Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey, a blend of two straight rye mash bills, aged 4 to 6 years in high-char American oak barrels, adds notes of candied dried orange, clove, and nutmeg to its spicy complexity.<\/p>\n \u201cAmerican Rye Whiskey could pair well with peppered chicken, lamb or steak \u2013 thanks to its spiciness,\u201d says Jenny.<\/p>\n \u201cIn cocktails, it would work with ingredients like fresh apple juice, ginger and bitters,\u201d says Mmiso.<\/p>\n While delicious neat, Flag Hill\u2019s Sugar Maple Liqueur, distilled from fresh apples and maple syrup, could also be used to flamb\u00e9 and drizzle over fresh nectarines, topped with mascarpone, for a simple yet showstopping dessert, says Jenny.\u00a0 Using a uniquely flavoured spirit such as\u00a0Sugar Maple Liqueur\u00a0also presents opportunities to give a fresh twist to classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or to SA\u2019s old favourite Dom Pedro with milk and ice cream, says Mmiso.<\/p>\n Bourbon, made of at least 51% corn, is typically a bit sweeter than other American Whiskeys. Mmiso says Bourbon<\/a> is increasingly popular in cocktails, and pairs well with hearty red meat-based meals such as steaks, roasts and braais.<\/p>\n Maker\u2019s Mark Bourbon, featuring soft red winter wheat for a distinctive sweetness, adds robust flavour and complexity to festive treats such as Jenny\u2019s Chocolate Bourbon Balls featuring crushed almonds, crumbed shortbread biscuits, cocoa powder, honey and almond essence.<\/p>\n![\"Whistling](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Whistling-Andy-Hibiscus-Coconut-Rum-300x188.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Sagmore](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/sagamore-whiskey2-300x194.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Sugar](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SugarMapleLiquerBottleFlagHill-300x192.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Maker\u2019s](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Makers-Mark-Bourbon-Whiskey-Old-fashioned-Cocktail-300x200.jpeg\")
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