Despite the country’s winemaking tradition, South Africa’s premier sparkling wine remained relatively unknown. Its rising profile demanded a namesake bar. “When it comes to MCC, I guess there’s not as big of a following [as there is] for gin,” said James Meredith, manager of Cape Town’s Gin Bar. “That's why we decided to open up the MCC Bar [adjacent to the Gin Bar], to make people more aware that there is a lot more out there than just these big brands that are dominating the market.” The bar offers flights, so you can discover your favorite region for the bubbly; South Africa’s diverse Winelands stretch from mountains to bushland to beach, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, the Gin Bar specializes in South African varieties of gin. “Gin is such a big spirit in South Africa, mainly the Western Cape, because of our diverse floral kingdom,” explains Meredith. “All of those plants change, so you just expect something different every single time.”

To get a taste for both the local gin and MCC wines, Meredith created the Classique cocktail. The original creation was inspired by the classic French 75 cocktail, and he says anyone who loves Champagne cocktails will enjoy the Classique. The Triple Three African Botanicals gin also gives you another way to taste the unique botanicals of the region. Pear brandy made just east of Cape Town adds complexity to the glass, while the simple lace-like garnish adds to the Classique’s delicate, herbal profile. He’d recommend it “... if you like Champagne and you drink Champagne often.” No special occasion required.