Delicious fruit liqueurs to try this weekend #FridayFeeling

The summer heat is enough reason to enjoy refreshing cocktails.  Ripened fruits are usually perfect for sipping; pool parties and cocktails.  Autumn however is an opportunity to quit goofing around. As the temperatures dip, the flavor of the cocktails improve thereby offering a better cocktail unlike the contrasted with the frisky summer drinks.

It's an opportunity to sit back and enjoy new recipes, really valuing an elaborate drink and fascinating flavor mixture. Some of the undisputed top choices are apple, pomegranate, pear, and ginger. They are exceptional when served alone but certainly combine well together for some heavenly choices.

Autumn is a best period to conjure new flavors. It's never too soon to plan a for party or for vacation. During Autumn, ripe fruits and herbs combine together are a perfect base to blend layered cocktails or something straightforward, for example, only including tonic water.

Some cocktails on this list are produced by brands on the winners list of the New York International Spirits Competition.

GINGER-INFUSED VODKA

Ginger is a root crop mainly used for culinary and curative purposes. A lot of people eat it raw and it has been proven to stomach problems as well as have nice warming effect. Some other people use 1/8 inch slice of unpeeled ginger, little honey and a lemon slice to make hot tea. The tea is tasty, light and great.

Despite its worldwide exposure, Ginger is a unique flavor mainly used in most Asian food despite . When used in combination with vodka, it gives it a strong vodka taste. In other to make about 2 cups of ginger, 2 cups of vodka and ½ sup of unpeeled ginger is required.

Place ginger and vodka in a closed jar and keep in a dark place. Check the flavor after a week. For a stronger flavor, allow it to remain for 3-4 days. If you are satisfied with the vodka taste, taste and use it immediately. There is no need removing the ginger from the cocktail.

APPLE INFUSED VODKA

Apple is a universal choice when it comes to mixers. Vodka is also a drink which can go well with any infusion. To prepare an apple infused vodka, wash and divide 2 apples into 8 different parts. Place them into a glass tumbler and shake.

Pour in affordable vodka (don't squander your cash on expensive vodka but you should be wary of inferior vodka) to cover apples. Mix and shake the mixture every day. The vodka picks up the flavor of the apple within a few days say 2 weeks. Apart from picking up the sweet apple flavor, it also picks up an attractive amber color. You should be wary of leaving it for too long in other to avoid oxidation in the apples due to exposure to air. If you are satisfied with the mixture, turn the vodka into a new glass and get rid of the apples.

APPLE MARTINI

To prepare 1 martini, you would need 1 ounce of Calvados and 2 ounces of apple-infused vodka. Alongside vodka and calvados, put 1 cup of pulverized ice in a shaker. Put 1 container pulverized ice in a shaker. Include vodka and Calvados. Shake and pour into a martini glass. I found Apple Martini rimming sugar and added that to my glass! Check back for your apple martini in a few days.  The mix of this martini and empanadas is a very good combination that everyone should try out.

JALAPENO MARGARITA

Jalapeno Margarita is an impeccably prepared new style margarita with jalapeno lime juice, Grand Marnier and smooth tequila. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

The ingredients needed are as follows:

• 1 ounce Simple Syrup
• 1 ½ ounces Silver Coin Tequila
• 2 ounces Jalapeno Margarita Mix
• 1 Jalapeno Pepper , sliced
• 2-3 ounces fresh Lime Juice
• ½ ounce Grand Mariner
• Optional Garnish: Blistered Jalapeno , slit and perched on glass rim

Combine all the ingredients in a sealed compartment and allow mixture to occur for 24 hours or longer in the fridge. Mix all components in a shaker with ice. Shake properly and pour into a tumbler rimmed with salt.

Homemade cocktail and fruit liqueurs are wonderful serving for the Christmas season. You can enjoy them all year round if you decide to use frozen fruits. In the case of utilizing solidified natural product, you can make and appreciate them consistently.

The humble Col'Cacchio love story that built an empire!

The saying goes: "choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life", but the 26-year old Col'Cacchio love story is a much greater romantic affair than that.

Kinga Baranowska, the brain behind the Col'Cacchio (pronounced Kolcakio) menu, admits that her love for food has tied her to places and people, kept her breathing through tough times, and has provided a creative outlet for when she is working long hours. "Food and cooking have saved me in so many ways, and taught me so much," she says.

Her passion was moulded by working in her grandmother's ice-cream shop in Poland as a child and enjoying her Polish mother's wholesome traditional cooking while growing up in Europe, Australia, and finally South Africa. "One of the things I'm proudest of is how popular my creations have become," she says.

It was while working at an Italian restaurant in Johannesburg back in 1991 that Kinga cultivated her dream of opening her own eatery. "I was going to open a restaurant in Miami," she says, "as my best friend just moved there".

When regular patron Michael Terespolsky suggested a similar, yet joint venture in Cape Town, Kinga's dream quickly became a reality, albeit literally in a different direction.

Says Kinga: "I didn't even know him that well. My parents thought I was crazy – but I said yes."
"The next thing I knew we were building a pizzeria on the Foreshore. Pizza is what I knew, and there was no such gourmet offering available in Cape Town at the time," she says. Michael and Kinga opened their doors a year later on her 21st birthday.

It was a dream come true, and the birth of a bond that evolved into a partnership that stretched way beyond the walls of the business. The duo's personalities and skills were so well suited and complementary that working together added not only richness to the relationship but romance as well. The starry-eyed entrepreneurs were married not long after they realised their mutual appreciation for gourmet dining.

"Spouses come to respect and admire each other in new ways," notes Kinga. "When it works, it is a beautiful thing. I couldn't imagine building my life's dream with anyone else."

"Working together provides spouses with an opportunity to see their significant other do something they're good at and passionate about," says Kinga's husband and CEO of Col'Cacchio Michael Terespolsky.

"We saw each other through the trenches, and had to support each through the best and toughest times. At the very beginning, we had to be the policymakers, the cooks, the staff trainers and the waiters. We had to learn on our feet," he says.

It would be 12 years before Michael and Kinga would start franchising, and by that time, the power couple knew exactly what they we were doing.

Forward a quarter of century, Michael and Kinga, along with partner Greg Mommsen, have grown Col'Cacchio into a household franchise family across Southern Africa.

Greg (with his wife Roz) opened the first franchised Col'Cacchio store in Bryanston. Similar to their Capetonian counterparts they had to manage the staff, cook the food, and often double as waiters to save up their tips and keep the place going.

Indeed, couples who go into business together must do so with care. 

Brace yourself for the Gins and Roses Festival at #Turffontein. #ItsARush

Gins and Roses Festival celebrates the pinnacle of Racing it's a rush, racing calendar.

The day includes horse racing, gin tasting and gin cocktails from 20 different brands and music.

All welcome | No U18's  in the Gin and  Roses Marquee.

Venue: 14 Turf Club St, West Turffontein racecourse, Joburg
Time: 11am to 8pm
Cost: Free | R150 – R250 for entrance into Gin and Roses Marquee

Website: itsarush
Facebook: RACINGitsarush
Twitter: racing_itsarush

Enhle Mbali Maphumulo is back on TV! #TheHerd

Enhle Mbali Maphumulo has joined the second season of Mzansi Magic drama,The Herd. The star will play Ayanda Bhengu who appears as a sweet innocent primary school teacher, but we will come to learn that she is anything but. 

She has strong ambitions for more, is very curious and inquisitive – a real liker of things.  Ayanda is in a relationship with Muzi (Sparky Xulu) and believes she can help him become the man he was always destined to be. She wants them to be a power couple and needs Muzi to step up and lead his family so she can stand next to him as his queen.

Enhle joins the star-studded cast which includes Winnie Ntshaba, Sihle Ndaba and Tiisetso Thoka.

The second season of The Herd premiers on 7th April at on Mzansi Magic (Dstv channel 161).

Don't have #Easter plans? #Montecasino has you covered

It's the only time of the year when it's perfectly safe to put all your eggs in one basket, and Easter.

Montecasino has something for everyone – from the Bird Gardens all the way to the Piazza.

Back by popular demand, five exciting Easter Egg Hunts will bring egg-static sounds of joy to Montecasino Bird Gardens throughout the weekend – with Cadbury chocolate treats, the Easter bunny, and lots of entertainment. 

Come early to make sure you're among the 200 children hunting for chocolatey treasure on Friday 19 April at 2pm, Saturday 20 April at 2pm, Sunday 21 April at 12 noon and 2pm, and Monday 22 April at 2pm. Standard Bird Gardens entry fees apply.

The happiness and excitement continue right through the Easter weekend on the Montecasino Piazza – from Friday to Monday. Kids of all ages can jump their hearts out on three giant inflatables, while the Hopper Squad keeps the little ones entertained with music and DJs, along with Cadbury's chocolates and the Easter Bunny. Entrance to the Piazza is free and food and beverage will be on sale.

For more information on what's happening at Montecasino, visitwww.tsogosun.com/montecasino or Facebook.com/Montecasino.

#Mpekweni Beach Resort is the ideal #Easter getaway

The perennially popular Mpekweni Beach Resort is situated along the R72 Coastal Road about 40km from Port Alfred and an hour or so from East London.

We arrive at Mpekweni just in time for dinner in the restaurant packed with conference goers who have booked the resort's facilities.

Before we sit down to dinner we are each welcomed with a bottle of wine and a snack basket in our lovely double rooms overlooking the beach, just a stone's throw from the reception and restaurant.

Placed in the exceptional care of marketing manager Linda Maxam, who later joins us for drinks after dinner, we indulge in a delectable buffet while local singer Monde Fani entertains us with his renditions of soothing RnB love song covers.

We learn the resort has a 24hour gym, babysitting services as well as games rooms where big and little players can enjoy table tennis, pool and play station gaming.

There is loads more to see and do, with the beach and river offering the best of both.

With a friendly and genuine smile, Linda gives us a tour of the resort during which we meet spa manager and therapist Zintle Nzo, who boasts 11 years of experience. At her haven she offers massages, facials, hand and foot rituals and waxing services with a smile.

It's all about bonding with nature here and visitors typically come to enjoy languid beach walks, canoeing, birdwatching, fishing, river cruises and various sporting activities.

Although the resort caters for families, couples, colleagues and more, I immediately imagine it will be a perfect destination for a girls' trip I hope to enjoy with my friends in the near future.

Why you should attend the #BeautyRevolutionFestival. #GirlTalkZA

The Beauty Revolution Festival is set to take the South African scene by storm with a two-day event on April 6 and 7 at Sandton Convention Centre. The festival will showcase the best make-up influencers and "beautubers" doing master-classes, powerhouse panellists speaking on topics close to their hearts and an opportunity to shop the hottest beauty brands, all under one roof.

1 SHOP SHOP SHOP!

What better way to spend your weekend than shopping some of the biggest international and local brands. Each brand will have a pop-up store. BR Live will be an area for brands to "show and tell" latest products and innovations.

2 MEET & GREET WITH THE CELEBS AND INFLUENCERS

Being hosts to both Africa's Boldest Beauty Festival and Africa's best influencers is a celebration on its own. Learn from the starstudded list of make-up artists in the master-class lounge or watch the accomplished panellists taking the stage on topics they love.

3 FESTIVAL FUN

The festival is home to not only the biggest brands and hottest influencers but a social lounge and entertainment space. There will be Tanqueray and Red Bull bars, DJs and special performances.

4 DO IT FOR THE GRAM'

It will be filled with beautiful spaces. There are a number of Instagram walls and selfie stations which will make for the perfect 'gram' backdrop and instagrammable moments at the show.

5LEARN FROM THE BEST

A collection of renowned panellists will chat about societal issues and the prejudice they face as women in business, and women of colour. Engage in an array of topics like the business of beauty, how to start a beauty business from scratch by Rabia Ghoor, founder of Swiitch Beauty, and the issues of representation and colourism in the media by activist Thando Hopa. Lesego Legobane aka Thick Lee Yonce and Rushda Moosajee aka RushTush will talk on their journey in learning body positivity and the art of self care.

From showcasing the best beauty brands on sale to learning how to build a beauty brand yourself and mastering the hottest make-up trends, Beauty Revolution Festival has something for everyone and is bound to be a highlight in this year's events calendar.

To purchase tickets to Beauty Revolution Festival visit www. beautyrevolution.co.za

Connect with Beauty Revolution on Instagram and Facebook at @ beautyrevolution_za to learn more and follow live updates.

Amanda Black billed for solo live show #IbhayiLive

Eastern Cape-born Amanda Black is coming home as part of a new venture, Ibhayi Live

Events, for a solo live show at the Boardwalk.

The award-winning, platinum - selling singer will grace the stage at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre at 3pm on Sunday April 14.

Black first became known to South Africans as a participant in the popular reality TV series, SA Idols.

She was a fan favourite in 2015 during the 11th edition when she made it to the top seven.

Then she shot to fame in 2016 with the release of her first album, Amazulu, which was nominated for several music awards and certified platinum within a week of its release.

Since then, she has won the hearts of South Africans with her unique voice, undeniable talent, enigmatic stage presence and for her raw expression of emotion through her music.

Black has performed at numerous shows and music festivals, including the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the Durban Jazz Festival, Jazz on the Lake, DSTV IRock and Diamonds and Dorings among many more.

She sings in Xhosa and English vernacular , and her music is described as afro-soul fused with hip hop, soul and R&B.

Tickets are priced from R200 a person at Computicket.

Sho Madjozi's secret to global success. #MondayMotivation

Making music that her "cousins in the village" will like has landed rapper Sho Madjozi a top accolade. She has been named the best entertainer in Africa by the business publication Forbes Woman Africa.

The 26-year-old artiste, whose real name is Maya Wegerif, is unapologetic about her music, lyrics, hair and attitude. But she admitted this week that her religious mother called her out on her lyrics.

"A lot of African artistes, when they are trying to be the face of Africa to the world, try to make music they think Europeans will like. I don't bother with that.

"I make music I know my cousins in the village will like. I make music for people in Limpopo. It would be absolutely meaningless to me if I was a star in Europe and not known or loved in Limpopo. I would be completely devastated."

That strategy has paid off as she featured on the Vogue World 100 list of people to watch in 2019 after performing at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 last year. At the festival, she shared the stage with Ed Sheeran, Usher, Chris Martin from Coldplay and Beyoncé among others.

She has also bagged a collaboration with Damon Albarn, co-founder and lead vocalist of virtual British rock band Gorillaz.

The Huku star said it was "surreal" to be chosen by Forbes along with strong women from across the continent.

"I really couldn't believe it. Being an independent artiste, I never expected to get such recognition. It's encouraging because the hard work that I have put in is being seen.

"Sometimes you don't feel like you are being seen because you are going up against artistes that have entire teams dedicated to getting them exposure and most of the time, you feel like you work yourself to death and it is not seen."

Announcing the winner, Forbes described Madjozi as an "unintimidated young South African musician" who in addition to her music "prides herself in uplifting others".

It was an accolade for the artiste from the village of Shirley, just east of the N1 between Polokwane and Thohoyandou in Limpopo. She follows, among others, Trevor Noah and Black Coffee by getting mainstream international recognition.

"I've performed in several countries and it's so great to hear fans sing my music back to me, to feel the love. Global Citizen was probably the biggest platform I have performed on.

"But the highlights of my career have been those things that mean more to me personally and which make the work I do worthwhile, like seeing young black girls embrace their culture because of me or embracing their hair because they saw mine."

She has helped put her home language of Tsonga on the map and is one of the few musicians to rap in the language. However, coming from a conservative Christian home, her racy lyrics have sometimes ruffled feathers.

"My parents are very supportive of me. They still get excited with everything I am doing but my mom's side is a little trickier because she is quite religious and my lyrics are not. 

"She has called me out on it but I think we have got to a point where she has learnt to accept me and I have learnt to accept her as well." Madjozi always knew she wanted to be a star and cut her teeth as an actor on Mzansi Magic's popular youth telenovela Isithembiso and as a poet trying to change the world by speaking about racism that black people experience every day. 

She said that her desire to fight racism was fuelled by her wrongful arrest while studying at a college in Massachusetts in the US in 2010. She was detained because she was unable to immediately verify that the laptop she was carrying belonged to her, while a fellow white student had not had to verify his laptop. "It confirmed what I already knew, that black people are often not treated equally to other races in a society," she said. – TimesLive

Here is what to expect in #Joburg this April. #ChicagoTheMusical #RandShow #MenInTutus #EricBenet #LusitoLandFestival #InGoodSpirits and more...

April has a fair few public holidays and, whether you celebrate Easter or not, we've compiled a list of 10 events to keep you entertained on your days off (and any other day for that matter!).

CHICAGO THE MUSICAL

The award-winning Broadway and West End musical Chicago returns to South Africa after 11 years, with an all-South African cast. Set in the 1920s, it is a story of murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery.

Where: Teatro, Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways
When: 20 April to 26 May
Tickets: Book Now

THE RAND SHOW

The Rand Show 2019 marks the event's 125th anniversary, making it one of the oldest and longest running lifestyle events in the world.

Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, cnr Nasrec and Rand
When: 19 to 28 April
Tickets: Book Now

ANDREA BOCELLI

One of the world's biggest classical stars, Andrea Bocelli, heads to Joburg for a live concert. He performs with a full 140-piece symphony orchestra and choir. He performs some of the most famous opera arias as well as some of his hit crossover songs.

Where: Ticketpro Dome, Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, North Riding, Johannesburg
When: 18 April
Tickets: Book Now

OUT OF THE FURNACE

'Out of the Furnace' is an international and transcultural collaboration between Cape Town's Willie Bester and Austria's Wolf Werdigier – both world-famous artists and thinkers. It is about healing the past through art, ideas and conscious intervention.

Where: The Melrose Gallery, 10 High Street, Melrose Arch
When: 14 March to 14 April
Tickets: Free

EQUUS

Peter Shaffer's iconic 1973 psychological thriller Equus graces the stage with an all-South African cast. The play is a visual dynamic exploration into the complex relationships between devotion, myth, and sexuality.

Where: Pieter Toerien Main Theatre, Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways
When: 26 April to 26 May
Tickets: Book Now

MEN IN TUTUS

Men in Tutus is the incredibly popular all-male comedy ballet presented by Ballet Eloelle and performed by 19 prima dancers from around the world. This troupe of male ballerinas dances roles traditionally reserved for women.

Where: Teatro at Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways
When: 12 to 14 April
Tickets: Book Now

LUSITO LAND FESTIVAL

The Lusito Land Festival celebrates Portuguese tradition and culture as well as the many cultures that make up Johannesburg and Gauteng. Known as one of the biggest family festivals, it's a must to experience this week full of traditional Portuguese food, activities, dance and live music.

Where: 25 Cayman Rd, Alewynspoort, Johannesburg
When: 20 to 22 April & 26 to 28 April
Tickets: Book Now

FAIRY AUTUMN FESTIVAL

A day of magic and fun for all fairies and fantasy lovers. Kids can dress up and enjoy this day of fantasy-themed events. The highlight of the event is a walk along a fairy trail, where guests can spot fairies and their homes and villages.

Where: In The Forest Venue, 2 Aloe Ridge Drive, Walkerville, Johannesburg
When: 27 April
Tickets: Book Now

SOULFUL NIGHT WITH ERIC BENÉT

R&B and Neo Soul singer, songwriter and actor Eric Benét performs live in SA for one night only. Benét is best known for hits like 'Spend My Life With You', 'Hurricane', 'Chocolate Legs' and 'Why You Follow Me'.

Where: Sun Arena, Time Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
When: 19 April
Tickets: Book Now

IN GOOD SPIRITS

The In Good Spirits festival allows guests to taste gin, whiskey, tequila, rum, vodka, brandy, and mampoer. It brings together some of South Africa's best mixologists to compete for cocktail of the year.

Where: The Country Club, 1 Napier Rd, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
When: 4 to 6 April
Tickets: Book Now