If you needed an excuse to pour yourself a great glass of Shiraz, National Shiraz Day on 21 August is it. But this year, Groot Phesantekraal is encouraging wine lovers to think beyond the traditional pour with the launch of its latest wine cocktail, the Syrah Sour, and honestly, it might just change the way you enjoy your favourite red wine.
This is the third release in the estate’s creative wine cocktail series, developed alongside renowned mixologist Julian Short, better known as The Flavourist. Instead of masking the wine, the cocktail celebrates everything that makes Groot Phesantekraal’s award-winning Syrah so special.
An Award-Winning Syrah Deserves the Spotlight
The timing couldn’t be better.
Groot Phesantekraal’s 2023 Syrah recently took home top honours at the 2025 Investec Trophy Wine Show, earning an impressive 97 points and sharing the trophy for one of South Africa’s best examples of the varietal.
Rather than simply serving it in a glass, the estate has created a cocktail that lets the wine shine in a completely different way while still respecting the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
What Exactly Is a Syrah Sour?
Think of it as a sophisticated twist on a classic whisky sour.
The cocktail starts with:
- Irish whisky
- Honey water
- Fresh lemon juice
The magic happens when a generous float of Groot Phesantekraal Syrah is gently layered over the top.
The first sip is bright and citrusy before the rich berry flavours, peppery spice and silky structure of the Syrah slowly blend into the cocktail. Every sip tastes slightly different, making it as much an experience as it is a drink.
It’s elegant, bold and surprisingly approachable, even for those who haven’t ventured into wine cocktails before.
More Than Just a Cocktail
What I love most about this launch is that it isn’t simply about creating another Instagram-worthy drink.
The Syrah Sour tells the story of the wine itself.
A beautifully shot micro film follows the journey from vineyard to cellar before arriving behind the bar, celebrating the people, passion and craftsmanship that go into every bottle. At its heart is the genuine friendship between winemaker Richard Schroeder and mixologist Julian Short, whose shared love for creativity inspired the cocktail.
It’s a refreshing reminder that wine is meant to be enjoyed, experimented with and shared.
Perfect Pairings for Winter
If you’re planning to make one at home this winter, the Syrah Sour pairs beautifully with comforting South African favourites, including:
- Pap and wors
- Creamy peri-peri chicken livers on toast
- Free-range beef dishes
- Pan-roasted venison
- A generous cheese and charcuterie board
It feels like the kind of drink that’s made for slow afternoons around a fire with good food and even better company.
How to Make the Syrah Sour
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 into a flat tumbler filled with fresh ice before gently floating the Syrah over the top. Garnish with candied ginger or candied watermelon for an extra touch of flavour.
Honey Water
Mix:
- 750 g honey
- 250 g hot water
- 5 g fine salt
Stir until dissolved, allow to cool and refrigerate before using.
Final Sip
Wine cocktails have become increasingly popular over the past few years, but few manage to celebrate the wine itself quite like this one.
Whether you’re already a Syrah fan or simply looking for something different to serve at your next dinner party, the Syrah Sour offers a fun, elegant way to experience one of South Africa’s finest wines.
I’ll definitely be raising a glass to National Shiraz Day this year, and this cocktail is moving straight onto my must-try list.
And if this series is anything to go by, I’ll also be keeping an eye out for September’s release, the Farmhouse Spritz, featuring Groot Phesantekraal’s refreshing MCC.
Have you ever tried a red wine cocktail? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear whether you’d give the Syrah Sour a try!
