Badenhorst 'Caperitif' Vermouth, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa

A.A. Badenhorst's ‘Caperitif’ revives a once-lost chapter of cocktail history with a distinctly South African identity. Crafted in the Swartland from Chenin Blanc and infused with a remarkable selection of 35 botanicals, it captures both tradition and innovation. With roots tracing back to its early popularity in the Savoy Cocktail Book, Caperitif has been reborn as a modern essential, weaving indigenous flavors from the Cape Floral Kingdom into a vermouth of striking complexity and character.

Product Details:

• Grape: Chenin Blanc
• Alcohol: 17.5%

Sensory Description:

This vermouth opens with bitter-sweet, grassy aromas layered with bright citrus zest, where clementine peel leads the way. Nuanced notes of clove, rooibos, and ginger add warming spice and depth. On the palate, it strikes a delicate balance of herbal freshness and fruit-driven intensity, with a subtle bitterness that lingers into a clean, complex finish. Distinctly South African in accent, it shines equally well in classic cocktails or simply paired with tonic.

Awards & Accolades:

• Bronze – Non Vintage – 2023, The TEXSOM International Wine Awards
• Bronze – Non Vintage – 2023, San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Distiller's Background:

Adi Badenhorst, a pioneering winemaker and farmer, is at the heart of the Swartland’s renaissance as one of South Africa’s most dynamic wine regions. Renowned for his innovative spirit and commitment to authentic craftsmanship, he partnered with Danish mixologist Lars Erik Lyndgaard Schmidt to bring Caperitif back to life. Together, they reimagined this once “ghost ingredient,” blending tradition with the botanical wealth of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Handcrafted at Kalmoesfontein farm, Caperitif celebrates both heritage and biodiversity, with each batch reflecting seasonal variation and the natural abundance of the land.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve chilled over ice with tonic for a refreshing aperitif
• Use as a base in classic cocktails from the Savoy Cocktail Book
• Pair with sparkling wine for an elevated spritz
• Mix into a Negroni-style cocktail for a South African twist

Why A.A. Badenhorst ‘Caperitif’:

Because it embodies the rebirth of a legend. Both a tribute to South Africa’s unique botanicals and a rediscovery of cocktail history, Caperitif is not just a vermouth, it’s a story in a glass, offering depth, freshness, and a truly singular character.