Fire, Food, and Heritage
Every 24th of September, South Africans gather around the fire to celebrate Heritage Day, affectionately known as National Braai Day. The braai isn’t just about food… It’s about family, friends, and culture. It’s about smoke in your hair, stories shared over the coals, and plates filled with the flavours that define South Africa.
This year, why not bring something new to the fire? Whether you’re sober-curious, the designated driver, or simply want a lighter, refreshing option, Vermont VerGin SA offers the perfect pairing. With its alcohol-free, sugar-free botanical spirits, Bloom and Limón, VerGin elevates your braai experience while keeping the vibe inclusive and fun.
Why Vermont VerGin SA Belongs at Your Braai
South Africans love flavour, and that’s exactly what VerGin SA delivers.
- VerGin Bloom: Floral, aromatic, with delicate rose and botanical notes, perfect with lighter salads, fruity sides, and creamy dishes.
- VerGin Limón: Bright, citrusy, and zesty, a natural match for smoky meats, tangy marinades, and spicy foods.
With VerGin, everyone around the braai, from the health-conscious to the sober-curious, gets to raise a glass filled with something crafted and delicious.
Recipes to Fire Up Your Braai (with VerGin Pairings)
We’ve pulled together simple, flavour-packed recipes you can whip up for National Braai Day, each paired with a refreshing VerGin mocktail.
1. Signature Steak Marinade
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp hot English mustard
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Marinate steaks for at least 2 hours (overnight for maximum flavour).
- Braai over hot coals until charred outside and cooked to your liking inside.
Pairing: VerGin Limón G&T
- VerGin Limón
- Premium tonic water
- Slice of lemon & fresh mint
Why it works: The citrusy Limón cuts through the richness of the steak.
2. Creamy Potato Salad
Ingredients
- Potatoes (boiled & cubed)
- Cheese (grated)
- Gherkins (chopped)
- Boiled eggs (chopped)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup yoghurt
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 2 tbsp condensed milk (trust us… it works!)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Method
- Mix all wet ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Fold in potatoes, cheese, gherkins, and eggs.
- Chill before serving.
Pairing: VerGin Bloom Spritzer
- VerGin Bloom
- Soda water
- Cucumber slices & fresh mint
Why it works: The floral Bloom balances the creamy, tangy salad while the cucumber keeps it light and refreshing.
3. Kerrie Lamb Sosaties
Ingredients (for 3kg meat)
- 30 ml curry powder
- 15 ml turmeric
- 22.5 ml salt
- 5 ml pepper
- 250 ml brown vinegar
- 250 ml water
- 250 ml brown sugar
- 250 ml apricot jam
- 1 onion (sliced into circles)
- 22.5 ml flour
Method
- Cook onions in water until medium-soft.
- Mix all other ingredients, then add to the onions.
- Boil until thickened. Let cool.
- Layer lamb cubes with marinade & onions.
- Leave to marinate at least 12 hours.
- Skewer and braai until golden.
Pairing: VerGin Limón Collins
- VerGin Limón
- Soda water
- Dash of ginger syrup
- Lemon wheel garnish
Why it works: The ginger & citrus enhance the curry spices, while soda keeps it refreshing.
4. Strawberry Balsamic Rocket Salad
Ingredients
- Strawberries (halved)
- Rocket
- Beetroot balls
- Goat’s cheese (preferably with pepper rind)
- Peanut brittle (crushed)
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- (Optional: avocado slices)
Method
- Arrange the rocket as the base.
- Top with strawberries, beetroot, goat’s cheese, and avo.
- Sprinkle peanut brittle.
- Drizzle olive oil & balsamic glaze.
Pairing: VerGin Bloom Fizz
- VerGin Bloom
- Soda water
- Dash elderflower cordial
- Garnish with edible flowers
Why it works: The floral Bloom pairs beautifully with strawberries and goat’s cheese, while elderflower lifts the salad’s sweetness.
Mocktails to Keep the Glasses Clinking
- VerGin Limón G&T: Classic, crisp, citrusy.
- VerGin Bloom Fizz: Light, floral, effervescent.
- Heritage Punch: VerGin Bloom + mixed berry juice + soda + lemon slices + mint. Perfect for sharing.
Extra Tips for a Braai Day to Remember
- Get the fire right: Start early and let coals settle before cooking.
- Balance the menu: Meat, veg, sides, and a fresh salad keep everyone happy.
- Be inclusive: Cater for vegetarians and those who don’t drink alcohol.
- Relax and enjoy: It’s about heritage, togetherness, and sharing flavours.
Conclusion: Raise a Glass, Celebrate Heritage
National Braai Day is more than just a day off; it’s a celebration of who we are as South Africans. This year, take your braai to the next level with easy, flavourful recipes and the refreshing twist of Vermont VerGin SA.
Whether you sip on Bloom’s floral fizz or Limón’s citrus spritz, you’ll have a crafted drink in hand that lets everyone, sober-curious, non-drinkers, or just those pacing themselves, be part of the toast.
So light the fire, share the food, and celebrate heritage with every sip and bite.
Planning your Heritage Day braai? Stock up on VerGin Bloom & Limón and bring premium alcohol-free flavour to your fire. Shop Now →