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APERITIVO HOUR WITH MALFY GIN

La Cucina Malfy Ucook Series captivated cuisine enthusiasts with an array of traditional Italian dishes

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By House & Garden South Africa | May 7, 2021 | Recipes

Antipasti, bruschetta boards, hearty pasta dishes and salads made for a classic Italian feast. While the food and quintessential Italian expressions intrigued many, we were particularly excited about the Aperitivo Bar and indulging in delicious cocktails.

We think it’s time for an aperitivo, don’t you? Enjoy an elegant fusion of some Sicilian pink grapefruits, Italian lemons, oranges, fine botanicals and handpicked juniper for your next home cooking experience.

We sat down with Malfy Brand ambassador, Dineo Gewer, to talk everything Italian lifestyle, gin culture and the perfect serve of Malfy Gin.

HG: What does it mean to be a brand ambassador for an alcohol brand? What are some of the things you’ve learnt in this venture?

Dineo Gewer (DW): Being a brand ambassador for an alcohol brand means you need to live the brand and appropriately represent it. You also need to educate people on the brand and to do that you really need to believe in what you're doing and teach responsibility. I've learned how to be confident in the things that I am communicating - I've learned to publicly speak. Most importantly, I've learned about the brand.

Watch: La Cucina Malfy Homecook Series: A is for Antipasti

HG: We’ve seen growth in the gin culture and craft. Can you tell us your thoughts on this?

DW: Yes, there definitely has been a growth in the Gin culture. There is a ‘craze’ happening at the moment. I think with our generation; the generation of being seen, the generation of being social and of posting on social media, gin and gin cocktails are drinks that perfectly suits us, and we love it. It’s aesthetically pleasing and pretty! You can garnish it with delicious fruits and herbs, and it is an easy go-to drink.

The gin category is also growing is because it is a very easy spirit to make. You essentially take a neutral spirit and add botanicals, and that can literally be done in your backyard. So, the number of distilleries is growing in the country.

HG: How would you sell the Malfy brand to someone who doesn’t know it? Tell us about the brand essence. What makes it so unique?

DW: It's a super-premium Italian gin. You don't get many of these across the world. Malfy is inspired by the Amalfi coast and pretty much represents and embodies all that it’s about- the beautiful people, beautiful beaches and holiday destinations. It's all about family, togetherness and eating delicious food. This is the essence of the brand.

HG: Malfy is inspired by La Dolce Vita. What does this mean?

DW: If we translate the La Dolce Vita to English, it stands for ‘the good life’ and Malfy pretty much invites everyone and anyone, to live La Dolce Vita with every sip of Malfy.

HG: What would you say constitutes a fine dining Italian experience?

DW: A fine dining Italian experience will be quality in traditional Italian food, quality company and quality drinks.

HG: You ran the Apertivo Bar on the Malfy Ucook series, what would you say is the secret ingredient to making a delicious gin cocktail?

DW: I'll say the secret ingredient to making a delicious gin cocktail would obviously be the spirit that you use, that’s key. Secondly would be a garnish. I think people always kind of just dismiss the garnish or don't really think much of it! But the garnish that you use to compliment your drink, is the most important part of a cocktail. It complements the ingredients used in the cocktail and compliments the spirit. Always remember simplicity is key.

HG: Describe how you go about a gin tasting session? What do you tell people to look out for?

DW: I start by introducing myself. I would then go into the brand history, which I think is so important. Especially when getting people to connect and really engage with the brand. I would then go into the production methods, so pretty much how the gin is made. I then end off with a detailed profile talk about the particular taste. This is to convert and get you to like the brand, and hopefully, support it going forward. The last session includes speaking about a few cocktails and what a perfect serve looks and taste like.

HG: How does one preserve the quality of a gin?

DW: You need to keep it in either a cool to room temperature space.

Malfy Gin embodies the spirit of the Amalfi Coast and invites you to live ‘La Dolce Vita’ with every sip.