This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
On a rainy November weekend, the Nairobi Cocktail Festival, aptly dubbed the 'Secret Garden', came to life at Dari Restaurant in Karen. Organized by EatOut and Baraka Events, the event was a resounding success, drawing in over three thousand guests.
The festival's set-up was nothing short of breathtaking, with one attendee commenting, 'This is one of the most Instagrammable set-ups I've seen in 2019.'
With top brands like Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Bacardi Martini, and Hendrick's Gin serving up innovative cocktails, the sentiments from attendees were overwhelmingly positive. The rain didn't dampen the spirits, with people enjoying cocktails like The Staircase from Bacardi Martini, The Refresher from Skyy Vodka, and The Don Julio la Primavera, which were ranked as some of the best.
For those looking for non-alcoholic options, Coca Cola and The Berry Company were on hand, offering berry juice-infused cocktails that were a hit with attendees.
One of the highlights of the festival was the Jack Daniel's exclusive masterclass and gourmet food experience, led by David Mwangi, the East African Brand Ambassador. The gin masterclass by Tanqueray and the rum masterclass by Diageo were also major draws, with VIP guests engrossed in learning about their favourite drinks.
But it wasn't just the drinks that made the festival special – the fireworks and live quartet performances were a welcome addition, despite the rain. Music from DJ Papa, DJ Dino, DJ Taio, DJ Beng Beng, and DJ Feischer kept the party going, with people dancing away the November blues and welcoming December with open arms.
Transport to and from the festival was provided by Little Cab, with a KSh 250 discount on all cab rides. VIP and VVIP guests enjoyed the rides for free, courtesy of special codes.
