Courtesy Singita Game Reserve

Enuel Sibuyi, head bartender from Singita’s Ebony Lodge in exotic South Africa. Enuel answered questions about guests and popular drinks from this dream destination.

Please share your signature drink name and recipe.  Who created and named it?

Singita “Batista” Cocktail

When merry, sociable people meet, they enjoy having a drink. Attractive drinks are always popular and recipes are becoming even more imaginative. But mixing drinks can be just as pleasant as drinking them, when you see how easy, delicious, beautifully decorated cocktails can be prepared, with just a few ingredients. Batista is my favorite drink. Jurgen E. Falcke named and created it.

Batista Cocktail Recipe

INGREDIENTS

 1 1/2 Dark Rum

 ¾ Grand Marnier

1 piece of orange peel

Directions

Mix the ingredients together with ice cubes in the mixing glass and strain into a cocktail glass. Squeeze the orange peel over the drink and add peel into the glass.

Please tell us one of your more memorable stories during your tenure as head bartender.

When I recall, it was in 2005 and I was working at Kapama Private Game Reserve as a Head Bartender. We had a group of 80 Brazilians for four nights and I remember on their last night I was mixing some cocktails that I was recommending for them. One guy ordered Caipirinha and he was so surprised when he saw me making it, because he didn’t expect me to be able to make it. So when they left, they wrote a nice review about me and they also sent an e-mail to the head office.

How long have you been at Singita Ebony Lodge and what do you love most about your job?

I been in this industry for 13 yrs and I enjoy facing new challenges and meeting new people from different countries.

What is the most commonly ordered cocktail?

If you are a bartender and you don’t know how to make a Bloody Mary, it really is in poor form because it is very common.

Any recommendations for cocktails you might suggest we try?

Please try Campari, Tonic and fresh squeezed lemon juice. It is bitter and refreshing.

When guests come back to Singita after an afternoon of fabulous safari, Enuel spoils all the guests with a fabulous cocktail hour. There isn’t anything he can’t make or create for his guests.

If you are still interested in learning more about Singita, visit these posts:

“Inside the Cellar” with Francois Rautenbach | Singita Safari Sommelier

Pan Seared Scallops with Onion Puree | Safari Inspired Recipe

African Safari Guide Interview | Singita Game Reserves

Singita Game Reserves – The Ultimate African Safari

Singita Safari Wildlife Journal: Experience Wild Animals

– The Gourmet Review