A Gorgeous Life: UBCR : Park Inn and Jackal & Hide

I was given the opportunity to explore the Urban Brandy Cocktail Route in Cape Town this month. Now, brandy is something I know absolutely nothing about, except that it's normally enjoyed with Coke. Thankfully, that was definitely not on the menu this month.

The Urban Brandy Cocktail Route comprises a selection of restaurants, hotels and bars who have all committed to showing people a new side of brandy, in conjunction with SA Brandy. Naturally, this means cocktails - and I've yet to meet a cocktail I didn't want to try.

We were collected from home by a Rikkis London Cab - after all, the evening was about drinking - let's be responsible, before reaching our first destination - Park Inn Cape Town. The Sunroof Terrace on the 11th floor allows fantastic views of the city, with a rather large deck - but as it Saturday was more drizzle than sunshine, there are not many places to sit if the weather isn't on your side.

We started with the Ama-Lekkerlicious, and Klipdrift Gold Julep - although the Julep went down pretty quickly, the Ama-Lekkerlicious was the clear winner of that round. Here's the recipe if you want to try it at home:

Ama – Lekkerlicious

A cocktail made for the city slicker. Its base is KWV brandy infused with triple sec, fresh lemon juice, peach syrup and cranberry juice - all shaken and served in an enticingly garnished glass.

Ingredients:

25ml brandy

12.5ml triple sec

15ml fresh lemon juice

Dash of bitters

12.5ml peach syrup

50ml cranberry juice

It was then time to move on - thanks Rikkis - as we headed to Jackal & Hide in Kloof Street. As an uncool Cape Town kid, it was my first time here - and to be honest, anywhere on Kloof Street. I approached with caution. A bohemian-inspired restaurant / bar / venue, I had no expectations. We ordered another Ama-Lekkerlicious, before trying a few of their brandy-inspired. Sexy Science Elixirs. The four we tried were inspired by Envy, Lust, Trust and Rage - but they change often. I had Envy - with flavours of green apple and ginger beer, I was very happy with my choice.

Then - the surprise of the evening - the food. Tender, lemony squid, oxtail croquettes and tempura broccoli took centre stage in a delicious platter. Along with kebabs (chicken and lamb) and dips - we were well, and deliciously, fed. While I was told that Jackal & Hide served food, I wasn't expecting it to be quite as good. Actually, I'm still thinking about that squid, almost a week later.

They offer a revolving menu of brandy cocktails - some a little more traditional - along with the ever changing selection of Sexy Science Elixirs. If you're in the area (or actually, even if you're not) - visit them for a few drinks and try out the amazing food for yourself.

Actually, to make this a little easier - how does a R300-00 brandy cocktail voucher sound? Read on.

{WIN}
Together with the Urban Brandy Cocktail Route, I'm giving away a R300-00 brandy cocktail voucher from Jackal & Hide, to a Cape Town reader.

To enter - simply tell me what would be in your dream brandy cocktail.
Tag me (@AGorgeousLifeSA) with the hashtag #ubcr

Winner announced on Friday, 28 November.