When most people think of Kenya, their minds immediately go to safaris and the country’s stunning wildlife, often overlooking the vivacious energy of Nairobi, the country’s bustling capital. One of the highlights of the city is its emerging cocktail scene, fueled by cutting-edge bars that are embracing African ingredients and local spirits like Kenyan Original and Procera Gin.

In particular, Procera stands out for its use of fresh instead of dried juniper berries, as well as African botanicals and indigenous ingredients. “There's a reason why Nairobi is called ‘the city under the sun,’" says Will Ekisa, Kenya brand manager for Procera Gin. “Procera Gin significantly contributes to the uniqueness of our cocktail scene. Crafted exclusively with African botanicals, it allows for the creation of drinks that truly embody the richness of the African continent with creativity and passion.”

Kenya's Bars Are Ready for the Spotlight

In September, Nairobi's cocktail scene and local talent gained international recognition during the inaugural Kenya Bartender Week, which included cocktail promotions at 41 bars, special events, and seminars led by industry leaders. Conceived of by Shamim Ehsani, co-founder of Tribe Hotels Group, and Richie Barrow, group general manager of Food and Beverage, the goal was to boost cocktail tourism by highlighting the city's dynamic bar community.

“When we were presented with the opportunity to be a part of a global Bartender Week movement, we immediately saw this as an opportunity to bring our community together, to inspire one another, to celebrate the efforts of our industry,” said Ehsani. “Kenya Bartender Week gave a sense of community to the industry, to know that they were a part of a global movement."

Ehsani is eager to expand the program in the future to include more bars from locations across the country, and to encourage guest shifts and takeovers from bars around the continent. Both Barrow and Ehsani are pleased with how the first Bartender Week unfolded, as the bartenders of Nairobi showed their exceptional talent in crafting cocktails. “Most bartenders in Kenya don't have formal mixology training,” he said. “Many draw their inspiration from online sources and social media. Consequently, Kenyan bartenders are less focused on the classics and have leap-frogged to more creative cocktail creations.”

Cocktail Evolution

Ehsani is also the owner of Hero Bar, a world-famous comic book and superhero-themed speakeasy and restaurant. It’s not only ranked #69 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, but it also received a special recognition this year for being the “Best Bar in Africa.” This bar has made a significant impact among bartenders, as many consider Hero to be the pioneer of Nairobi's craft cocktail movement.

In the past, bars focused on overly sweet and colorful cocktails like a Long Island Iced Tea or Cosmopolitan. Hero helped to show them that there is more to cocktails than sweet drinks with umbrellas by introducing sophisticated drinks that drew inspiration from global trends. “The cocktail scene before focused on super sweet basic cocktails,” said Moe Riungu, head bartender at Hero Bar. “We were the first bar with a lab and to do international travels for cocktails and drinks. So, we are like the pioneers. It started in Nairobi and then went to other cities.”

Pushing the Envelope

Nairobi’s bar scene extends well beyond this acclaimed bar, however. The city is home to a  community of young, innovative bartenders who are pushing boundaries and exploring the latest ideas, creating adventurous menus with an experimental approach to cocktails. Among them is The Living Room, a female-owned creative space and cocktail bar, and Beit e Selam (the name means "house of peace" in Amharic), a restaurant and bar with a cosmopolitan garden ambiance. Then there’s Revolver Bar, a trailblazing speakeasy renowned for its impressive scotch collection and whiskey-based concoctions.

The bars in Nairobi set themselves apart by crafting cocktails with local or African ingredients. For instance, every cocktail at Hero features an indigenous component, and many other bars across the city and country have followed suit. Ekisa believes that bartenders are enthusiastic about using homegrown ingredients and incorporating traditional brews, syrups, shrubs, and spices to eloquently tell the story of Kenya's 42 diverse cultures.

Although relatively new, the cocktail scene has blossomed over the past five years, showcasing its increasingly imaginative libations thanks to Kenyan bartenders who craft cocktails that tell stories and honor their African roots.  As Nairobi's cocktail bars and Kenya Bartender Week gain international recognition, local bartenders are hopeful about attracting more brands and international bartenders to visit, bringing new techniques and products to elevate their craft. 

With its burgeoning reputation on the rise, Nairobi's cocktail scene can now rival any global destination, enticing visitors and turning the city into a destination where tourists will seek out the dynamic drinks culture rather than its famous safaris.