Guess the name of this cheeky vodka bar

Vodka cocktails + vegan dishes at The Holy Spirit

Last updated: Monday, 5 June 2023

Looking for something different to your regular wine bar? The Holy Spirit is Cape Town’s newest (and cheekiest) vodka bar, serving Eastern European small bites and vodka-only cocktails in an inner-city courtyard. 

VISIT THIS SPOT IN GARDENS

The Holy Spirit is where We Café used to be, a vegan restaurant known for hosting four-course dining events with plant-based chefs and influencers. Still operated by the original owners, The Holy Spirit is more aligned with their Eastern European roots. 

The space is small and intimate, filled with candles, hanging plants and warm cosy lighting. Cuddle up here on an intimate date or enjoy drinks with friends under the large tree in the courtyard. 

The indoor space is cosy and warm, while the courtyard is good for gathering over summer sundowners. Image: The Holy Spirit 

YOU’LL ONLY FIND VODKA HERE 

The cocktails are exclusively made with Eastern European vodka and are served in Russian crystal glasses. Classics like margarita, mojito, negroni and, of course, white Russian, feature on the menu. There are signature drinks too, like a black pepper and plum cosmo or the Hasbulla Magomedov (a lime, ginger and cranberry drink named after the popular Russian social media personality). 

Happy hour happens daily between 5pm and 7pm (two for one on signature cocktails). 

Even the classic cocktails are made with vodka from Russia, Poland, Ukraine and more. Image: The Holy Spirit 

TRY BLINCHIKI + TONS OF VEGAN FOOD   

Although it has vegan roots, The Holy Spirit has expanded to include meat dishes too. Vegans can swap the Bubba Gump Blinchiki (traditional Russian pancakes topped with spicy shrimp) for Julius’ Blinchiki (topped with fuzhu, crispy tofu skin). For those who like to stick to what they know, there are slider trifectas, mushroom risotto and mac and cheese (with a vegan option too). 

The menu also has a strong Asian influence. Image: Julia Rowley

VISIT THE HOLY SPIRIT 

The Holy Spirit is open: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am - 10pm; Sunday 9am - 4pm
Find it: 118 Church Street (across from Power & Glory), Gardens, Cape Town
Price range: Cocktails around R80; Small plates around R70
Contact on: @the_holy_spirit_ct, 066 187 8315
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By Julia Rowley

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