Vusumuzi DubeSimba Jemwa, Sunday News Correspondent
LOCAL tourism marketing firm, Club Likoma, and network partners, Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and travel agent, Galaxy Travel Bureau have announced the launch of Matobo Blue, a new, refreshing cocktail beverage inspired by the Matobo Hills.
The refreshing cocktail, which comes in two flavours, alcoholic and non-alcoholic was recently unveiled to a small group of tourism and business executives and will soon be launched to the general public.
Created by Club Likoma, Matobo Blue symbolises and celebrates the view of eternal blue from atop the majestic grandeur of the Matobo Hills — such is the famous world heritage site.
Club Likoma’s new cocktail is made from a delicious and easy-drinking blend of a cool and refreshing mix of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, served with a slice of lemon for an exceptionally thirst-quenching beverage that’s perfect for any occasion.
“This to us is a heritage beverage. We realised that drinkers are searching for the ultimate in refreshment, but also don’t want to sacrifice taste and sometimes look for a beverage that speaks to their heritage or culture.
That’s where Matobo Blue comes in. It’s cocktail-inspired, easy to drink, and full-flavoured, yet highly refreshing unlike any pre-mixed cocktail out there.
“What is Matobo Blue? Matobo Blue is a truly Zimbabwean cocktail and a signature Club Likoma beverage — created to celebrate the Matobo Hills, to celebrate Bulawayo and Zimbabwe’s diverse and rich heritage.
The Matobo Hills are one of the most majestic and proud prizes of Zimbabwe and they are home of the Matobo Blue cocktail which is named and inspired by these alluring hills,” said Mr Jonathan Kaliyati, Club Likoma’s Chief Marketing Officer.
“The Matobo Blue cocktail is Zimbabwe’s best-kept secret, but it’s typically made with gin or vodka.
This is our signature spin on this classic.
We developed a cocktail-inspired recipe, and soon we will be launching it to the general public with the help of our network partners, Zimparks and Galaxy Travel Bureau.
Drinkers will get all the refreshing flavour that will remind people of the Matobo Hills.”
“As a creative professional tourism company, we were searching for a delicious and refreshing beverage that didn’t get in the way of early mornings and long nights.
We wanted something that screamed Matobo. We wanted a drink that will welcome guests into a tantalising world of taste and flavour,” said Mr Kaliyati.
“Everyone who has ever visited the Matobo Hills is filled with so many moments they don’t want to forget.
By partnering with Zimparks and Galaxy, we want this the proud network of partners to drive the awareness Matobo Blue as the brightest and most dynamic reflection of the Hills without giving up the complex taste and stress-soothing effect I look for in a celebratory cocktail.”
Club Likoma revealed that together with its partners, they will be conducting a series of presentations and tasting sessions of Matobo Blue as it is introduced to the general public.
Designed to woo tourists both local and from around the world, the Matobo Blue has been designed with every traveller’s Epicurean spirit in mind.
Zimparks Matopo Regional manager, Mr Midwell Kapesa said he was excited about the Matobo Blue and looked forward to its entry into the market.
@RealSimbaJemwa
Bongani Ndlovu