Earlier this month I had a conversation with Moet & Chandon's cellar master, Benoit Gouez and he spoke about how popular their recent addition, the Ice Imperial is.
Launched six years ago, it's become a must have summer drink for fans of champagne and it's enjoyed by even the most ardent champagne connoisseurs.
"We've only had it for six years and we really want to develop it in the proper way," Gouez told IOL Lifestyle at the Oyster Box earlier this month during his tour of South Africa.
"It's a summer drink to be enjoyed outside. We produce more every year, we have had to. But it's not easy, we need special kinds of grapes- a certain pinot noir and a special chardonnay to give the ice Imperial it's unique taste."
After my chat with him, he went to go officially launch Ice Imperial season at the Beverly Hills.
READ MORE: A chat with Moët & Chandon's cellar master, Benoît Gouez
A few weeks later, Elangeni's Panorama Bar also had a launch to welcome Ice Imperial to their offering this summer. Attended by Durban socialites, radio personalities and influencers, the event was all about introducing the drink to fans of the sparkling wine.
The Panorama Bar, which is a favourite of most Durbanites, will be serving the champagne all summer long.
Ice Imperial is ideal for champagne cocktails and Gouez encouraged people to have fun with the drink.
"Try it out with some mint leaves and strawberries," he advised.
You can also make cocktails using lime or grapefruit zest, cucumber peel, some ginger, cardamon seeds and raspberries.