Bar: Lyra’s
Address: Corner of Main and Belmont roads, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Contact: 021 685 2871
Cocktail: Body Heat
Price: R35
Ingredients: Malibu, banana liqueur, cranberry juice, blended banana
Cool down with this thick banana inspired drink at Lyra’s in Rondebosch.
Barman Ian Chiodzera says he makes the drink by first placing 100ml of cranberry juice in a glass full of ice and then adds 50ml of malibu juice. In a blender, he blends 25ml of banana liqueur with one whole, peeled banana until it is smooth. This goes over the liquids in the glass, creating contrasting layers.
The banana tasted fresh. The drink was thinned out a bit by the cranberry juice. It managed to stay in separate layers while I sipped it.
Lyra’s owner, Brendon Taylor, says their cocktails are more popular with students from the area than with older customers, who prefer beer or wine.
It is a popular student haunt. It changed from an Italian restaurant called Adesso, to the rebranded Lyra’s – named after Taylor’s daughter.
They now serve steaks, burgers and seafood dishes too.
Located off Main Road in Rondebosch, it is easily accessible for students from surrounding academic institutions.
Lyra’s has a smoking area outside and its WiFi is free.
It is open Monday to Saturday from 8am until late. – Weekend Argus