Take a look at the funkiest drinks of Umhlanga!
Freak Shakes at Romano Ice Cream
Thick and creamy milkshake on a hot day? The answer is always yes! We went on a quest to find the craziest milkshakes on the East Coast, and Romano Ice Cream’s freak shakes top the list. Their three flavours, Oreo Bomb, Big Bang and Cotton Candy, are extravagant and heavenly sweet, so we had to try them all. Cotton Candy is a bubblegum shake topped with marshmallows, sour worms, a sugar cone covered in sprinkles, candy floss and white chocolate sauce, served with a side of even more sweets!
The two chocolate shakes are extra decadent – a chocolate-dipped, cream-filled donut tops the Big Bang and generous amounts of cream and Oreos decorate the Oreo Bomb. The shake was deliciously creamy and the chocolate rims added a richer taste. If the freak shakes look too intimidating, Romano Ice Cream also offers regular shakes with tasty flavours such as Butter Cookies and Mocha Chocolate.
Instagram: @romanoicecream
Bubble Tea at Booba Beautea
Bubble tea continues to be many people’s drink of choice, and Booba Beautea takes it to the next level! The stunning store sports a wall of flowers, and all their bubble milk and fruit bubble tea options are unique and beautifully created. We had to try their Signature Brown Sugar bubble milk tea (served hot or cold) – a black milk tea with handmade tapioca pearls and topped with cream cheese and sugar, which is flambéed right in front of you! The Booba Teddy (served cold) also comprises black milk tea and tapioca pearls, but comes with milk tea ice in the shape of a teddy bear – so cute!
Sticking with unique ice cubes, the special series Sparkling Rose Tea tastes exactly like Turkish delight, decorated with a rose-shaped ice cube. The Mango Sago is a mango explosion! It’s a blend of creamy sago and fresh mango, finished off with mango bursting boba – definitely my favourite!
Instagram: @booba_beautea
Cocktails at Lucky Shaker
A hidden drinks haven, Lucky Shaker is known for their original, creative cocktails, so we had to add them to our funkiest drinks tour. What also sets them apart is that they hand-make all their juices, syrups and bitters, leading to one-of-a-kind drinks that are truly made with love. We tried The Blush, one of Lucky Shaker’s “greatest hits”, made with Tanqueray London Dry gin, elderflower syrup, cranberry juice and lemon juice. Sweet and sour, it’s a refreshing cocktail that is easy to drink.
If you enjoy something nuttier and spirit-forward, What the Shanky’s is a distinct concoction of Shanky’s Whip Irish Whiskey Liqueur, Rolo and coconut syrup, Frangelico and pineapple juice. This smooth cocktail incorporates chocolate and caramel flavours – a dessert in a glass! One for the ladies, Lucky Queen is a fan favourite, made with SKYY Vodka, mixed berries, pineapple juice and Bols Cherry Liqueur. Lucky Shaker makes a distinct cocktail for every taste preference, with new cocktails offered every week!
Instagram: @luckyshaker
Granitas at News Cafe
Granita: an Italian semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavourings. News Cafe has taken this traditional treat and created a fruity, iced drink you can sip on this summer! Each option provides a unique combination of tastes blended into a smooth, refreshing mixture.
The Blueberry Citrus is filled to the brim with berries, with an added sourness from the lemonade as well as a hint of mint that ties it all together. Don’t be fooled by the green hue of Tropical Passion. Made with kiwi, passion fruit and apple, this granita still has a sweet taste. New to the menu is the Naartjie Cranberry Granita. An almost pinkish colour, this drink bursts with citrus flavours from the naartjie and tartness from the cranberry, complemented perfectly by sour lime. These drinks just scream summer!
Instagram: @news_cafe_umhlanga_ridge
Words by Jordyn Trollip