Amo Amarula, J'aime Amarula, Ich Liebe Amarula

In the lead-up to the season of love, Amarula asked its Facebook fans to tell them what they thought of the brand, affectionately called the Spirit of Africa. Within the first hour, the brand received a Babel of love, expressions of warmth in a multitude of languages from most of the 11 spoken in South Africa to the many Romance tongues as well as German, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Bosnian and more.

Perhaps it’s the romantic associations of the generous marula tree, indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, also known as the “marriage” tree that prompted all the love talk. Even today, there are southern African communities who conduct nuptial ceremonies under their shady branches.

Whatever it is, there’s growing agreement that Amarula makes the perfect Valentine’s Day drink. Luxuriously creamy and indulgent with a tantalising citrus tang, it’s a fine way to treat your special someone, when poured over ice or served in a cocktail such as the one below.

February also marks the height of the harvesting season, when the golden, fragrant marula fruits, plump with flavour, fall from the trees and are collected by communities in and around Phalaborwa to make Amarula.

Amarula is available from leading stores nationwide.  

Amarula Afterglow

Ingredients

60 ml Amarula

60 ml Nachtmusik chocolate liqueur

30 ml pineapple pulp (pineapple crushed or blended)

Pinch of finely chopped fresh chilli to taste

Pineapple wedge or chocolate twirl to garnish

Ice cubes

Method

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker or blender. Close container, shake or blend well to mix thoroughly and pour into a tall champagne flute pre-filled with ice cubes or serve on the rocks in a hollowed out pineapple with a straw.  Garnish with a pineapple wedge or a twirl of chocolate.

Experiment and find your own favourite ways to enjoy Amarula. Have it neat, over ice, in a cocktail, in coffee or incorporate it into your favourite food dishes!

Please visit www.amarula.comor www.facebook.com/amarulafor more fabulous recipes and interesting facts about Amarula.