The History of Brandy and Coke in South Africa: A True Mzansi Classic

Few drinks are as deeply woven into the South African social fabric as the iconic Brandy and Coke. From backyard braais and rugby matches to shebeens and high-end bars, this legendary combo has stood the test of time. But where did it all begin? And how did it become the drink of choice for millions of South Africans?

A Colonial Beginning

To understand the roots of Brandy in South Africa, we have to go back to the 17th century. The Dutch East India Company brought the first vines to the Cape in the mid-1600s. By the 1670s, brandy was already being distilled from surplus wine by settlers. It wasn’t refined, but it packed a punch—and the locals loved it.

Over the next few centuries, South Africa’s wine and spirits industry matured, with brandy gaining traction as a proudly local product. By the early 1900s, Cape brandies were winning international awards and earning a reputation for quality.

The Rise of Cola Culture

Meanwhile, in the 20th century, Coca-Cola began spreading across the world like wildfire. It landed on South African shores in 1928 and was quickly embraced, especially during the 1950s and 60s as American pop culture influenced local trends.

Coke was refreshing, affordable, and widely available—making it the perfect mixer. Combine it with South Africa’s homegrown brandy? You’ve got a hit.

Brandy & Coke: A Match Made in Mzansi

The exact moment Brandy met Coke in South Africa is hard to pin down, but by the 1970s and 80s, the combo was firmly entrenched in township taverns, rural shebeens, and city pubs alike. It was cheap, strong, and easy to drink. Over time, it gained its own cultural identity.

Among Afrikaans communities, Brandy and Coke became a staple at braais, rugby games, and long road trips. Among urban youth and township crowds, it was the go-to drink to celebrate life and friendship.

It wasn’t long before it earned local nicknames:“Klippies and Coke” (referring to the popular Klipdrift brand) or simply “Bransy and Coke.”

Some even affectionately call it the "national drink."

Mainstream and Mass Appeal

By the 1990s and early 2000s, Brandy and Coke had become so popular that even the big distilleries took notice. Marketing campaigns celebrated the drink’s working-class roots and its “gees” (spirit). Local music, especially in genres like kwaito and Afrikaans pop, began name-dropping Brandy and Coke in lyrics. Artists and celebrities drank it proudly, reinforcing its street cred.

It was no longer just a poor man’s cocktail—it was proudly South African.

Reinvention and Craft Movement

In recent years, the Brandy and Coke combo has seen a resurgence, but with a twist. Craft brandies, premium cola mixers, and artisan ice cubes have found their way into the mix. Even cocktail bars are putting their own spin on the classic.

Still, whether sipped from a tumbler at a luxury safari lodge or poured generously into a plastic cup at a bush braai, the essence remains the same—it’s a drink that brings people together.

Conclusion: More Than a Drink, It’s a Culture

Brandy and Coke isn’t just a beverage in South Africa—it’s a tradition, a story, a shared experience. It tells of hard work, resilience, heritage, and good times around the fire.

So next time you raise a glass of Bransy and Coke, know that you’re not just sipping a drink—you’re tasting a piece of South African history.