Buganu Crush

Background

buganu Crush is a bright, fruit forward refresher that celebrates the seasonal marula brew enjoyed in Eswatini and neighboring regions. By marrying the soft tang of fermented marula with tropical notes and cooling herbs, this drink offers a crisp balance of sweet, sour, and gently effervescent textures that shine on warm afternoons or as a vibrant start to an evening menu.

Ingredients

• buganu 120 ml
• pineapple juice 90 ml
• lime juice 22 ml
• honey 15 ml
• mint leaves 8 to 10
• ice enough to fill glass
• sparkling water to top
• lime wheel garnish

Equipment

• Shaker or sturdy jar with lid
• Fine strainer
• Tall chilled glass
• Muddler or wooden spoon
• Jigger or measuring cup

Preparation

1. Chill the serving glass with ice while you set up your station. When ready to build the drink, discard any melted water and keep fresh ice handy.
2. Add mint leaves to the shaker. Spoon in the honey and pour in the lime juice. Gently muddle just until the leaves release aroma without tearing into small fragments.
3. Pour in the buganu and the pineapple juice. Add plenty of ice, then seal and shake briskly for 10 seconds.
4. Strain into the chilled glass over fresh ice, allowing some fine mint aromas to pass while catching large leaf pieces.
5. Top gently with cold sparkling water to create a lively crown of bubbles.
6. Garnish with a fragrant lime wheel and an extra pinch of mint leaves if you like.

Timing

From setup to first sip, expect about 5 minutes, including chilling the glass and a quick shake.

How to Enjoy

Serve immediately while the drink is brisk and sparkling, with enough ice to keep the texture snappy and refreshing. Take small sips to appreciate how the gentle tang of buganu flows into the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice and the bright snap of lime juice, rounded by the soft floral touch of honey and the cool lift of mint leaves. Light grilled snacks, fresh fruit, or crisp savory nibbles make easy pairings that let the drink shine.

Make Ahead and Variations

• Speed mix: Stir honey with a small splash of warm lime juice until fluid, then chill. This helps the honey dissolve instantly during service.
• Softer fizz: Add a smaller splash of sparkling water for a silkier texture.
• Bolder fizz: Increase the sparkling water to lift aromatics and lighten body.
• Tropical tilt: Nudge sweetness by a touch more pineapple juice or balance tartness with a drizzle of honey.
• Earthier tone: Emphasize the character of buganu by reducing pineapple juice slightly.

Troubleshooting

• Too tart: Add a small measure of honey and shake briefly with fresh ice.
• Too sweet: Increase lime juice by a few drops and add more sparkling water to lift the finish.
• Muted aroma: Clap a few fresh mint leaves between your palms and float them on top before serving.