Seeff Eastern Cape Garden Route Magazine Summer 2016/2017

Property Pages PICTURESQUE HARTENBOS LANDGOED

A LABOUR OF LOVE Gondwana Nature Reserve COLOUR WITH CLAY Container Gardening

WIN

SeaSide living

A 5-STAR GAME RESERVE EXPERIENCE AT GONDWANA

More than 130 properties to view www.seeff.com

Eastern Cape & Garden Route Edition 4 | Summer 2016/2017

Purity. Sensuality. Intelligence.

This open-plan interior in Berlin offers ample space for cooking and socializing. It combines a wall-mounted b3 system with a bulthaup monoblock.

Sleek sandy-beige aluminum panels from floor to ceiling on the kitchen wall contrasts with the texture of the brick in the dining and living area. The look and feel of the aluminum changes with the light, and introduces additional elegance and warmth to the room.

Moreover, bulthaup’s unique anodizing method ensures the aluminum surfaces are exceptionally robust, and well suited for kitchen use.

To see what else bulthaup kitchens have to offer, please contact your African retail partner www.livingkitchens.bulthaup.com

bulthaup cape town Living Kitchens (Pty) Ltd 47 Somerset Road, Green Point Cape Town 8005 Tel. +27 (0)21 419 5445 info@bulthaup.co.za

bulthaup johannesburg Living Kitchens (Pty) Ltd 9 Kramer Road, Kramerville Johannesburg 2148 Tel. +27 (0)11 262 5257 info@bulthaup.co.za

a century, hundreds of thousands of people have trusted us with their stories, start your next chapter with one of our 1200 property experts nationwide.

“With over half a century of expertise buying and selling properties, we understand it is more than just a transaction - this is your story and we are honoured to write this chapter with you.� - Samuel Seeff

SAMUEL SEEFF

PROPERTY MARKET OUTLOOK EXPECTED TO REMAIN STABLE INTO EARLY 2017

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espite a now widely accepted slow-down in sales, the outlook for the residential property market for the rest of 2016 and into early 2017 looks stable.

Although there is still plenty of activity to keep estate agents and sellers busy, we are noticing that a lot of the energy of the last two to three years has subsided for most of the country. The exception is the Western Cape, which continues to benefit from an influx of demand from other provinces and excellent business and market confidence.

That said, the market remains reasonably balanced, albeit now slower in terms of sales volumes and price growth. The flat interest rate should serve as encouragement for most buyers, and we expect the rate to remain flat for the remainder of this year.

Meanwhile, the banks are also still lending to qualifying buyers.

While FNB recently reported phenomenal price growth for the Cape of 12.1%, Gauteng and

KZN just managed 4.1% respectively and the Eastern Cape 5.3%. While slower, we do not expect the price growth to dip much lower for the time being and buyers should not wait for lower prices.

Buyers, though, should be cautioned to act responsibly and to budget carefully as we are operating under volatile conditions at the moment, both economically and politically.

Serious sellers should not be tempted to hold out for higher prices as we are unlikely to return to the positive sellers’ market that prevailed during the 2012 – 2015 period any time soon.

This year, we have seen more stock come onto the market and buyers are now more wary about paying high prices. That means that if you are serious about selling, you now need to be more conservative with your price expectations if you hope to conclude a successful sale.

This year has certainly highlighted the importance of good governance and

economic and political stability. Despite the recent improved economic growth, the outlook remains weak and this will directly influence the property market.

Nonetheless, we are looking to see the year out with still fairly good trading. Remember, there is always some degree of activity in the market, regardless of the economy. There are always people who need to buy or sell for whatever reason, and it remains business as usual for the

time being.

Your home is our story so, be sure to start your next chapter with Seeff. We are delighted to present a selection of our property listings.

Visit www.seeff.com, to view our extensive range of properties or to keep up to date with the latest property news.

SAMUEL SEEFF Chairman

“With over half a century of expertise buying and selling properties, we understand it is more than just a transaction – this is your story – and we are honoured to write this chapter with you.” – Samuel Seeff PUBLISHED FOR SEEFF BY CHAPEL LANE MEDIA

EMAIL: CHARL@CHAPELLANE.CO.ZA

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TEL: +27 (0)82 452 8110

RI V E R S, B E ACHE S, M OU N TA IN S

HARTENBOS LANDGOED

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COVER PROPERTY

H

Here is the opportunity to invest in a veritable Garden of Eden at Hartenbos Landgoed, an Eco Estate in a natural Fynbos environment that is an absolute feast for the eyes.

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artenbos Landgoed is a beautifully landscaped area of 47 hectares, incorporating only natural vegetation. To date, 126 ultra-modern units, designed with particular care and consideration for the active family’s lifestyle, have been completed and the next 28 stands are now being made available for development. Units are spaced to allow for privacy and, by going up an extra level, owners can enjoy great views of the outstanding vistas.

New owners purchase directly from the developer and there is no transfer duty to pay. There are also some two- and threebedroom townhouse properties in the market, each with its own private patch of lawn and with ample bathrooms and garaging to make this the ideal lock-upand-go for holiday home owners.

Some owners whose busy lives preclude them from using their property all year round make a handsome return on the rental of their Hartenbos Landgoed houses, as the estate is situated in the ideal location for visitors traveling up the Garden Route. Levies include structural and geyser insurance, state-of-the-art security services, as well as several other regular maintenance services – all aimed at allowing the home owner to come here and relax, far away from the responsibilities that one normally carries towards keeping your home ship-shape.

There is an old saying that the kitchen is the heart of the family, so extra care has been taken to appoint each home with a spacious modern kitchen.

Open-plan living ties the family

COVER PROPERTY

together, and common facilities such as the swimming pool and safe sidewalks and roads for cycling and walking connect the community to each other. Join your neighbours for a hike down to the Hartenbos River Mouth, or leave the secure, controlled entrance of the estate for a day of shopping at nearby Langeberg Mall.

Stop off for fresh fish at the Mossel Bay harbour and sit around your braai that night listening to how your new friends and neighbours enjoyed their

cage diving, game drives or museum and art gallery hopping in the area.

Mossel Bay is located exactly half-way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (both 400 km away). It is an ideal holiday destination with everything that the perfect family holiday entails. George Airport is only 35 kilometres away. As the gateway to the Garden Route, this area is known for its diversity in nature and mild climate. The coastal area is mainly Fynbos between Riversdal

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and Mossel Bay, but also has forest areas as one passes George onwards towards Tsitsikamma. Inland, towards Oudtshoorn, the semi-desert climate and unique scenery have quite a dramatic appeal.

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to adventure pursuits, family activities, diversity of cultures, great local and traditional cuisine, pristine beaches, and the warm atmosphere and friendly people.

Hartenbos Landgoed now offers

you the chance to make your second home in the middle of all this beauty and buzz. The children can take their inflatables and kayaks down to the river mouth for a day on the water.

Or the whole family can head out to the beach. Shopping is available in the immediate vicinity with all of

Mossel Bay and Hartenbos’ modern amenities, or you can travel back in time visiting many of the historic sites and museums celebrating the rich past. Alternatively, you can just hang out in your beautifully appointed modern home, cooking a meal for visitors while the kids are out on

bicycles chasing around with their holiday friends.

Hartenbos Landgoed is the ideal development for you to claim your spot in this little piece of paradise.

Speak to your Seeff agent today to make sure you do not miss out on this special opportunity.

PRICE RANGE: R1 800 000 – R1 900 000 (New Homes Division) CONTACT: 044 695 1216 Edel Lokna 084 256 3870 or Kobus Steyn 081 586 4848

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COLOUR W IT H CLAY

Clay pots have been a part of our lives since the first amphoras were used to cool and carry water. Nowadays, we can use them to brighten up our living spaces with splashes of colour in a container garden.

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DESIGN VERSATILITY & MOBILITY

Plant containers allow you to garden wherever you wish. For the owners of large properties, containers cluster best around focal points, such as the entrance, and especially around the pool areas and patio. For apartment dwellers who like the lock-up-and-go lifestyle, containers bring the green outdoors inside, and there are wonderfully engineered self-watering solutions that keep your greenery alive while you are away. What makes containers, whether pots or window boxes, so ideal is that you can choose your flowers and colouring palette first, and then find the ideal spot – full sun, semi-shaded or shaded.

CLAY: THE LIVING MATERIAL

Who is not envious of those fourth generation Tuscan or Provence family homes that are draped in colour each season? Their secret, since time memorial? Good, old-fashioned clay containers. There are many imitations, but nothing compares to the original clay container.

Clay is a living, breathing absorptive material that allows the plant and soil the best chance of flourishing. And they shout “tradition” in capital letters. To rapidly age your brand new clay containers, wet them properly and then mix a small amount of plain yoghurt with plant food or fertilizer. Take a wet brush, smear it on thickly around the pot and place it outside in a semi-shaded area. Use a spray bottle daily to keep it damp and, in no time, your pot will take on a gorgeous aged and moss-covered look.

COMPOSITION

Clay containers come in various shapes and sizes, which allows for a lot of creativity, not just in the choice of plants, but also in the arrangement of different kinds of visual lines and contrasts. One of the most dramatic arrangements is to pair the rare black flowering plants, like an Arum lily and black pansies together with strong contrasting purples or whites. For the kitchen, herbs add fragrance and fresh condiments. There’s nothing quite like serving your own sun-ripened tomatoes and freshly-picked basil with Mozzarella when summer lunch calls. Avoid amphora-shaped containers: they restrict growth and direction, unless you are prepared to eventually break it open and replant.

A FEW TIPS

• The biggest secret to good container gardening is well-planned drainage. Make sure that your container has a drip tray underneath and a decent size hole in the bottom. Pack a few layers of stones in first to make sure your growth medium does not spill through.

• A close second in terms of importance is to use a good growth medium. Buy only the best potting soil and composting mixes, as the few extra pennies spent will offer you massive return in growth.

It should be obvious – this is where the flower gets it foods and vital minerals.

• Marigolds are nobody’s favourite flower. They are a bit like the station-wagon of gardening – reliably uninspiring. Yet, they are your best friend when it comes to insect control of your other containers, so pot up a few of those and even move them out of sight when you invite guests for the pool-side shindig.

• Stick to annuals and refresh your containers each year – new soil, new plants, new look.

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MARKET OVERVIEW

BUILT IN THE 1870’S, THIS LANDMARK ON THE LOOK OUT BEACH IN PLETTENBERG BAY HAS BEEN LOVINGLY RESTORED BEYOND ITS FORMER GLORY WITH INNOVATIVE AND INGENIOUS DESIGN AND ENGINEERING. POA. (WEB REF: 407002)

MARKET TO

REMAIN STABLE; EVEN PROMISING

Even though most experts agree that the economic and housing market conditions in South Africa have been delicate over the past year and will remain so for the immediate future, many of Seeff’s branches in the Garden Route and Eastern Cape are flourishing and are well on track to achieve much the same or even slightly higher sales figures than last year.

S

eeff Plettenberg Bay, for instance, has experienced a record year of sales. As at the end of September 2016 they had sold properties in excess of R10 million and up to R32 million in areas like Beachy Head,

Whale Rock Ridge and the Lookout Beach area. Seeff Knysna has made the most expensive sale on Thesen Island to date this year and, while the most active segment of the market remains in property priced below R1.5 million, branches like

Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay have also sold properties exceeding the R5 million mark.

Most branches in the Garden Route are experiencing semigration especially from buyers in the northern parts of the

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MOSSEL BAY (WEB REF 401310)

OUDTSHOORN (WEB REF 408047)

country looking to relocate to the coast. Often these buyers are cash buyers. In fact, there are so many cash buyers in a town like Mossel Bay, for instance, that around 70% of all transactions taking place here are cash. This branch is also experiencing increased sales volumes of up to 80% this year compared to last year.

The majority of buyers in Plettenberg Bay – in particular the high priced segment of the market – are also cash buyers. These buyers are extremely selective and knowledgeable about the market and make sound investment decisions.

In general, predictions for the property market in the Garden Route next year are rosy as the

reasons why people buy property at the coast will likely persist.

House prices are expected to remain stable, while some areas, like Mossel Bay, are even expecting some house price growth, especially in the first quarter of 2017.

Seeff’s branches in the Eastern Cape say that while the most active price range here is between R800 000 and R1.2 million, there is also activity taking place in the more expensive price ranges, although not as much as last year when sales of R12 million and R10. 9 million were concluded in PE and Kenton on Sea & Port Alfred respectively.

Most buyers in the Garden Route purchase holiday or retirement homes, whereas

many buyers in PE are first-time home buyers. Buyers investing in Kenton on Sea & Port Alfred are either from up north, Cape Town, surrounding farming areas or parents of students at schools in Grahamstown.

While a lot of the properties in Kenton on Sea & Port Alfred are holiday homes, and recent political disturbances have somewhat softened the demand for second homes, this branch still predicts their market share to grow in 2017.

PE predicts average house prices in their area to increase by around 6-8%.

Both these branches conclude that their market will remain stable for both buyers and sellers in the New Year.

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MCLAREN MCLAREN MCLAREN MCLAREN 570S 570S 570 DRIVING EXCELLENCE

0 SS 570S

IN THE DRIVEWAY

The new McLaren Sports Series recently reach our local shores.

It is the most attainable offering yet, bringing McLaren values to a highly contested corner of the market for the very first time.

T

he Sports Series is a new type of McLaren that will start from R2.8 million and, in the process, introduce McLaren’s race-derived technologies and design values to a new class of customer. Previously, to be able to drive a McLaren one would need to consider dishing out around R5 million for the 650S. “This is an exciting and long awaited development from McLaren,” agrees Justin Divaris, CEO of Daytona in Sandton. “Potential customers have been looking forward to the day they could add a McLaren to their list of available vehicles. At the targeted price point, the Sports Series gives the Porsche 911, Ferrari, Bentley, Range Rover, Maserati and S-Class Mercedes owner an additional option when shopping around for a new vehicle.”

Like every McLaren, the performance of the 570S Coupé is breath-taking. It combines, as its name suggests, a power output of 570PS (562bhp) with lightweight construction to give a top of class power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per tonne. The 570S accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds, while 200km/h is reached in just 9.5 seconds, and the pace does not let up until the car reaches a top speed of 328km/h.

The cabin of the 570S has been designed around the driver, with a clear focus on engagement, visibility, functionality and, more than any McLaren before it, day-to-day usability and space. As a standard, the sports seats are leather upholstered – racing seats are optional – offering a high level of long distance comfort and support. The dashboard and steering wheel are also all leather trimmed.

Large ultra-bright LED headlamps, fitted as standard to all Sports Series models, flank a sculpted bonnet that channels airflow over the front wheel arches. The intricately designed dihedral doors, a McLaren design signature since the iconic F1, possess a three-dimensional form, including a ‘floating’ door tendon, which houses a discreet door button.

Let’s agree – it will look awesome in your driveway, even if standing dead still.

A LABOUR OF LOVE

GONDWANA NATURE RESERVE

LUXURY HOLIDAY

T

Oh, to be a fly on the wall, or rather, on the saddlebag of the first pioneers who crossed the Southern Cape and to encounter the abundance of beautiful wild animals that once roamed this region. Fast forward a few hundred years, and you can now have this experience in absolute luxury at Gondwana Game Reserve just outside Mossel Bay.

here was a time that visitors to our fair country had to package two very distinctive experiences into one trip. Fly north to see the Kruger National Park for a game experience, and fly south to visit the magnificent Garden Route. That was before a New York ad executive almost missed her plane to Africa for the first time and fell in love with her khaki-clad game ranger. Now, about 10 years later, and depending on the horse power under your hood, Gondwana offers visitors the same experience less than four hours from Cape Town and at the start of the Garden Route. This very unique reserve is the result of the vision and an enormous labour of love between owners Wendy Trees, ex-New Yorker, and Mark Rutherford, once the Oppenheimer’s Kalahari gamekeeper. Theirs is a great story of how Gondwana came to be, but it is best heard around an open fire under African stars when you visit.

Wendy jokes that at Gondwana, Mark decided to fence the people in and let the animals roam free. They painstakingly reintroduced wildlife to an area that had become grazing fields for farmers’ cattle, and acquired enough land to create a wholly sustainable eco-system for a Big Five experience. They reintroduced the Black Rhino in more than 100 years to this region, after meticulously shepherding them through a six-month diet change with the help of specialists. The 27 000 acres also host large cats and elephant, and an endless list of smaller species indigenous to the area. If not on a game drive, guests can sit on their porches and watch several of these species wander through.

There are four different accommodation experiences. Kwena Lodge was constructed as a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San dwelling.

Each open-plan suite is nestled into its spectacular natural surroundings with 180-degree views, sky lights for star gazing, clay pot fireplaces and deep baths to warm guests returning from an evening Big 5 game drive. Guests can enjoy the infinity pool and take gourmet-quality meals at any of the elegant dining rooms set around two open fireplaces, the new covered veranda from which to appreciate the animal life and landscape, or at the outdoor African

boma. It comes as no surprise that the culinary experience is very much high on the list of priorities at Gondwana.

For the larger family or groups, the Bush and Fynbos Villas offer a more spacious, and more independent accommodation opportunity with openplan interiors and three or four en-suite bedrooms. These villas offer the luxury amenities of a safari lodge with all the comforts of home. Each villa is situated for complete privacy and awe-inspiring views from their expansive outdoor decks. Half-board options are available for guests who prefer to do their own cooking around the fire at night, or if guests opt to dine outside the reserve after a day of golf or swimming at the beaches in the vicinity.

The best we believe Gondwana has on offer is the five-night conservation experience for individuals, families or groups who want to get more involved in Africa on their safari. As much as it is great to laze around in luxury, nothing compares to the satisfaction derived from breaking a sweat side-by-side with the local conservation team. Participants are given the chance to get involved in wildlife and veld management, learn important bush skills and interpretation, as well as volunteer with the local community. The research and findings from this programme are fed back to Gondwana’s conservation department to assist in decision making enhancing the reserve management plan. The itinerary will include plenty of game drives, bush walks, and down time in an utterly inspiring landscape.

Participants sleep out in the very luxurious Tented Eco Camp. The stylish solar powered camp includes five large, comfortable twin or double tents set on raised platforms. Each has a bathroom with a shower, toilet, vanity sink area,

as well as a covered deck area (two additional tents are for staff). All meals are provided in the main tent, which includes an open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area. There is ample outdoor recreational areas, including a covered outdoor lounge area and dining boma, a pool and hammock relaxation area, as well as an outdoor shower.

At the complete opposite extreme sits Ulubisi House. Imagine a sumptuous African villa with its own Field Guide, Chef and Butler. The villa is privately situated in the reserve’s 1 000 hectare walking area, surrounded by grasslands teeming with game. Three guest suites, with endless mountain views, provide extravagant accommodation for six adults or four adults and four children. This is the ultimate bush getaway to restore and revive along with friends or family in a Big 5 game reserve ideally and accessibly located on the Garden Route.

For guests who fall in love with this striking landscape and its pristine game experience, Gondwana offers the opportunity to acquire your own piece of land in several small valley developments.

Starting at R800 000, there is a four-year window within which to commission the build of a two-or four-bedroom villa of your own, and to place it in the rental pool during the periods you do not use your Gondwana home. It should be no secret that opportunities are limited and in high demand.

WWW.GONDWANAGR.CO.ZA WIN!!

One lucky reader can win two nights for two people at Kwena Lodge in the magnificent five-star Gondwana Game Reserve near Mossel Bay. SMS “Kwena” to +27 (0)82 452 8110 to enter.

RECIPE

KAROO LAMB BURGER WITH CUCUMBER PICKLE AND SALSA TOPPING

A burger need not be boring. Try a couple of twists on the traditional beef burger by using delicious local lamb, seasoned and spiced to perfection, with accompaniments that are more than just a slice of warm tomato. Homemade cucumber pickle, fresh and fruity salsa, and real deal onion rings take this burger from mundane to magnificent.

INGREDIENTS

WORDS AND IMAGE: HARBOUR BRIDGE RESTAURANT

LAMB PATTIE

• 800g Karoo lamb, minced • 30ml HP Sauce • 10g fresh garlic, chopped • 3 tsp Dijon mustard • 4 tbsp chutney • 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1 tbsp tomato sauce • 2 tsp mint sauce • salt and pepper to taste

CUCUMBER PICKLE

• 100g cucumber • 50ml white wine vinegar • 50ml water • 30g castor sugar

SALSA TOPPING

• 1/2 mango or pawpaw, diced • 1/4 cucumber, diced • 4 spring onions, sliced • 1/2 avocado, diced • 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced

• 2 tsp lime juice • 4 tbsp olive oil • 10 mint leaves, chopped

TO SERVE

• 4 panini or ciabatta rolls • 50g fresh rocket • 50g mixed lettuce • 16 slices tomato, peeled • mayonnaise • onion rings

SERVES 4 METHOD

Make the burgers: Place all the ingredients for the lamb patties into a large bowl. Mix ingredients evenly before dividing into 4 equal portions and shaping into 4 balls.

Flatten these out, transfer to a plate and cover with cling film.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Make the cucumber pickle: Mix together the water, sugar and

vinegar in a non-reactive bowl.

Slice the cucumber lengthways and marinade for 1 hour.

Prepare the salsa: Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil and lime juice and mix.

Refrigerate.

Fry the onion rings: Peel and slice 1 onion, separate into rings and marinate in enough milk to just cover – this takes the acid out of the onion and makes them soft when cooked. To cook, dip each ring in a little flour and then deep fry.

Assemble the burgers: Cook the burgers in a hot pan or over a braai.

Toast the buns. Place the lettuce, rocket and tomato on the base of the bun and top with a spoonful of cucumber pickle. Drizzle with a little mayonnaise. Place the burger pattie on top and spoon over the salsa. Lastly, top with the onion rings. Serve with shoe-string chips sprinkled with salt and pepper.

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COCKTAILS CLASSIC MARGARITA There’s something sublime about a classic Margarita. Just use the best ingredients.

• 1/2 cup ounces Anejo tequila • 1/8 cup Grand Marnier • Juice of 4 limes, freshly squeezed • 1 1⁄2 cup ice cubes • Coarse kosher salt for the rim • Slice of lime, to garnish

MARGARITA MADNESS A true Margarita is one that is poured over crushed ice, not frozen, and is comprised of three basic ingredients: tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. If you want to get serious about making a perfect Margarita, it is worth investing in good quality tequila. Look for 100% agave, which means no additional sugar was added during the fermentation process. Then choose from white, silver, gold, reposado, or anejo, which refer to the way in which the alcohol is aged, with anejo being the most exclusive. Triple sec, an orange flavored liqueur, also varies in quality. We recommend a Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Then all you need are some fresh limes and salt.

Here is a classic recipe and then some variations on the theme. For each recipe, you simply need to combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, then shake well and pour into tall glass over ice or straight up. Don’t forget to rub the rim of the glass with the cut lime or lemon and then dip in a saucer of salt for that classic look.

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SPICY MARGARITA Margaritas go so well with Mexican food, why not add a little spice right into your drink?

• 1/2 cup tequila • 1/4 cup agave syrup • Juice of one large lime, freshly squeezed • 1 small piece of chile • 1 stem of coriander • Sliver of chile, to garnish BLOODY MARGARITA If you can’t choose between a savory Bloody Mary or a tangy Margarita, this recipe offers you the best of both worlds.

• 1/2 cup tequila • 1/2 cup tomato juice • Juice of half a lemon, freshly squeezed • 1 squeeze of Sriracha sauce • 1 dash fresh black pepper • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce • Dash celery salt • Dash paprika • Dash cumin • Slices of cucumber, to garnish SUMMERTIME SPLASHARITA Perfect for a beach sundowner, this Margarita takes advantage of one of your favourite summer fruits.

• 1/2 cup tequila • 3 1/2 cups cubed seeded watermelon, pureed • 1 tablespoon Triple Sec • 2 tablespoons sugar • Juice of one large lime, freshly squeezed • Lime wedges or watermelon balls, to garnish