OnTap Magazine

Oros has, for generations, been the flavour of South African childhoods, with its lovable Oros man mascot and Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-Oros slogan etched into our collective brains. This orange squash has been around since 1899 and it’s 6% worth of real orange flavour will likely be around longer than any of us. South Africa is world renowned for its wine, and South Africans are world renowned wine drinkers. The signature South African wine grape varietal is Pinotage, originally bred here (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut) in 1925 and first turned into a wine in 1941, before finally being labelled and sold as Pinotage in 1961. While its popularity on the international stage has gone up and down over the decades, it remains one of the most widely planted varietals in South Africa. More of an ambassador for South Africa than any one of the dodgy politicians who find themselves posted around the world. Amarula first hit the shelves in 1983 as a clear distilled spirit, before finding its lasting form in 1989 as the creamy liqueur we know and love today. These days it is shipped all over the world and has found its way into the great South African dessert, the Dom Pedro, as well as the mistake you make at least three times in your life - the springbokkie shooter. Another export success story, originating in the apple- rich Elgin Valley in 1966 and now exported to over 20 countries across the globe. This carbonated apple juice, along with variants Grapetiser and Peartiser, has long provided larneys with a sophisticated alternative to the standard soda selection. Every South Africans favourite flavoured milk brand, this weirdly named beverage has been with us since 1970. The marketing for Steri Stumpie says it comes in a “range of colourful flavours that make you feel spontaneous and carefree and reminds you that it is fun to be young”. That must be why most Saaf Effricans will profess a regular craving which only a Steri Stumpie can satisfy. Coffee culture in South Africa has come on in leaps and bounds over the past decade and most have come to appreciate the value of a good quality roast and expert barista. Secretly though we all just long for the simple pleasure of a Moerkoffie prepared in an enamel pot over an open fire on a chilly bushveld morning. This indulgent mix of strong dark-roasted coffee blended with condensed milk is perfection. OROS AMARULA STERI STUMPIE PINOTAGE APPLETISER MOERKOFFIE 07 08 09 10 11 12 54 | Spring 2022 | ontapmag.co.za