Cape Town’s coolest banting restaurant, 65 on Main, located on the lively Green Point strip, has propelled itself to popularity under the ‘food meets pleasure’ philosophy of passionate owner and banting queen, Whitney Wentzel. The venue consistently dishes up delightful low-carb fare incorporating healthy, wholesome ingredients that burst with flavour. As one of the dedicated venues on the Urban Brandy Cocktail Route, it therefore seemed only natural for this vibey establishment to introduce a range of innovative cocktails that mirrored that same motto.
Created by master mixologist, Kurt Schlechter, who represented South Africa at the World Cocktail Competition earlier this year, the eatery now introduces two new brandy-based cocktails that have its summer cocktail menu bursting with (almost) guilt-free goodness. Inspired by the traditional yoghurt-based lassi drinks from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan; these lassis are injected with a little added ‘punch’ to create the perfect Lo Cal summer cocktails: the Cranberry and Berry, and the Apple and Mango.
I’ve been making lassis since I started bartending in London back in the early 90’s. They were hugely popular back then and they’re now experiencing a reawakening! Of course, we’ve given ours that ‘little bit extra’ with the smooth taste of Collison’s White Gold Brandy. We’ve also incorporated fruits that are easy to come by and are in season at this time of year, so that that they’re the best quality available. – says Schlechter.
A luscious ‘pink drink’, the Cranberry and Berry Lassi, is the summer cocktail everyone’s been waiting for! Made with Collisons White Gold Brandy, there’s a healthy dose of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries (crammed with antioxidants) added into the mix. Topped with cranberry juice, Greek yoghurt and honey, and crushed ice for good measure; the final product is a fruity, smooth and tasty drink ideal for sultry summer days.
Equally as inviting, this streetside spot’s new sunny-yellow Apple and Mango Lassi is packed with vitamins A, B and C – delivering a tasty combination of bananas and apples, topped with mango juice, Collisons, Greek yoghurt, honey and crushed ice.
Says Wentzel, “Many of our customers were looking for a cocktail that was perfect for summer, but also kind on the hips, so I approached the UBCR to help me create two delicious cocktails to satisfy their requests. The response has been phenomenal! So much so that we’re currently running a seasonal special, where you our customers can get two of these delicious UBCR lassi cocktails for just R65.”
