With summer upon us and plans for much outdoor entertaining and alfresco meals in mind, one of the most popular drinks to enjoy is a gin and tonic, served in a long, tall glass with blocks of tinkling ice and a wedge of lemon to add that extra element of refreshment.

So popular is this drink that it’s even been given its own day – October 19 – which this year falls on a Saturday – the perfect day to wheel out the drinks trolly and pour yourself a long one wonder and say cheers to the start of summer! Interestingly, International Gin & Tonic Day was launched in 2012 by a woman called Jayne Withers in honour of her grandmother, Mary Edith Keyburn. Says Withers: “Mary Edith was a remarkable woman who loved to have the occasional tipple of Gin & Tonic. She passed away in hospital on October 19 2010 at the age of 95, with a Gin & Tonic at her side that was smuggled into the hospital in a water bottle and served in a teacup.”

If you’re lucky enough to live in the Mother City or will be visiting in late November, also keep in mind the forthcoming Bubbly & Gin Summer Garden Party & Polo that’s taking place at the Val de Vie Estate in Paarl in the Western Cape on Saturday, November 23 from 12h00 to 18h00.

In addition to the range of bubbly on offer – from Cap Classique to Champagne and Sparkling Wine, festivalgoers will also get the opportunity to taste and enjoy gins from a host of local producers whose aim it will be to dish up some of the most refreshing gin-based drinks to sip on while watching a game of polo or dancing to the sounds of talented musician and DJ ShenFM.

In advance of the event we asked three producers who will be showcasing their gins on the day for their favourite gin cocktail and here’s what they sent us.*

From Ginologist who produce handcrafted small batch gin using the finest exotic botanicals mixed to surprise and delight the most ardent gin fans – comes the Ginologist Strawberry Summer Cup Strawberry Bramble (recipe makes two cocktails).

To make the simple syrup: Heat one cup of water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, ensuring it becomes hot without reaching a boil. Add one cup of granulated sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before using. Transfer to a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Ginologist’s range includes London Dry Gin; Dark Chocolate and Marshmallow Gin; Citrus Gin; Floral Gin; Orient Gin; I Love You Gin; Summer Cup Strawberry and Summer Cup Piña Colada.

From Plaisir Wine Estate, whose three gins are labelled The Tempest Gin Summer, The Tempest Gin Winter and the Tempest Gin Autumn, comes the French 75 which is named for the fast-firing 75mm field gun that was utilised by the French during WW1. Consisting of gin, lemon syrup and bubbly, the drink is a lot friendlier than the name implies. According to drinks historian David Wondrich, the recipe first appeared in 1927 at the height of Prohibition. Today it is a favourite in cocktail bars and also much enjoyed over a hearty brunch. The drink offers a boozier kick than a Mimosa, while still providing ultimate refreshment before, during and after a plate of eggs Benedict.

And finally, from diOxygin, whose gin is crafted with the indigenous Spekboom plant and a refreshing splash of citrus, there’s the OxyGin Spritz Cocktail.

Interestingly, International Gin & Tonic Day was launched in 2012 by a woman called Jayne Withers in honour of her grandmother, Mary Edith Keyburn. Says Withers: “Mary Edith was a remarkable woman who loved to have the occasional tipple of Gin & Tonic. She passed away in hospital on October 19 2010 at the age of 95, with a Gin & Tonic at her side that was smuggled into the hospital in a water bottle and served in a teacup.”

• The Bubbly & Gin Summer Garden Party & Polo
• Val de Vie Estate, Paarl
• November 23 from 12h00 to 18h00
• Tickets from https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1552088310