As South Africa prepares to celebrate National Shiraz Day on 21 August, Groot Phesantekraal is marking the occasion with the third instalment in its innovative wine cocktail series, shining the spotlight on one of the estate's most celebrated wines. Created by mixologist Julian Short, better known as The Flavourist, the Syrah Sour transforms Groot Phesantekraal's flagship Syrah into a layered, theatrical cocktail that pays tribute to the craftsmanship, creativity and character behind every bottle.
The release comes as Groot Phesantekraal's Syrah continues to earn acclaim on the national stage. The 2023 vintage was named joint trophy winner at the 2025 Investec Trophy Wine Show, achieving an outstanding 97 points and reinforcing its status as one of South Africa's leading examples of the variety. The cocktail offers wine lovers a fresh and unexpected way to experience this award-winning wine while celebrating the expressive qualities that have made it a standout.
Bold, expressive and beautifully balanced, the cocktail combines Irish whisky, honey water and fresh lemon juice before being finished with a striking float of Groot Phesantekraal Syrah. The result is a drink that evolves with every sip, beginning with bright citrus notes before revealing the wine's generous fruit, spice and structure as the layers gradually combine.
"The idea was never simply to create another cocktail," says Short. "We wanted to celebrate the journey behind the wine itself – the people, the process and the passion that takes it from vineyard to glass. The Syrah Sour allows guests to experience the wine in an entirely different way while still respecting everything that 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, quiet walks between rows of maturing wine and the eventual arrival at the bar become visual metaphors for the wine's journey, highlighting the progression from careful winemaking to creative reinterpretation.
At the heart of the film is the genuine friendship between Short and Groot Phesantekraal winemaker Richard Schroeder. Their shared curiosity, humour and enthusiasm bring warmth and authenticity to the production, reflecting the collaborative spirit that inspired the cocktail itself.
The Syrah float is far more than a visual flourish. By carefully layering the wine over the cocktail, its deep colour and expressive aromatics remain beautifully pronounced while creating an evolving tasting experience. As the wine slowly integrates with the whisky, honey and citrus, each sip reveals new dimensions of flavour, demonstrating both the versatility and complexity of Syrah.
Capturing this precision became central to the storytelling, showcasing the technical detail, culinary creativity and craftsmanship behind a cocktail that appears effortlessly elegant.
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 recipe
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!