Why Tequila Cocktails are Taking Over Nairobi this World Cocktail Day

Every day in Nairobi can feel like World Cocktail Day, thanks to the enticing happy hour cocktail offers that light up menus across city restaurants and bars.

However, did you know that on 13th of May cocktail fans around the world usually raise a glass to celebrate one their favourite holidays – World Cocktail Day.

But what’s the story behind this global toast on May 13? And how can you mark the occasion in style.

World Cocktail Day, celebrated annually, honors the artistry of mixology and the bartenders who craft liquid masterpieces.

The date commemorates the first published definition of a “cocktail” in 1806, when ‘The Balance and Columbian Repository’ described it as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters.”

Since the International Bartenders Association established the day in 2006, World Cocktail Day has become a platform for showcasing mixology’s innovation through tastings, workshops and competitions.

In 2025, the emphasis is on premiumization, with consumers craving high-quality spirits and immersive experiences.

Cocktails, especially those featuring tequila, are leading the global charge, perfectly aligning with Kenya’s thriving cocktail scene.

Kenya’s cocktail culture is booming, offering an alternative to neat beers and spirits while catering to diverse tastes.

The country’s spirits market, once dominated by local brews, is now embracing premium categories like whisky, gin and tequila, with cocktails elevating drinking experiences in urban hubs.

 

This surge is driven by a growing middle class, global influences and a youthful crowd eager for unique, instagrammable experiences.

Cocktails are more than drinks. They’re a lifestyle, with vibrant garnishes, elegant glassware and flair bartending techniques creating a spectacle.

Tequila cocktails are captivating Nairobi’s drinkers with their refreshing profiles, perfectly suited to the city’s energetic vibe.

Favorites like the Margarita, with its tart lime and salty rim, the paloma and the Tequila Sunrise, with its vibrant orange and grenadine layers, dominate menus at rooftop bars and beachside lounges.

Powering this trend is Casamigos Tequila, bringing premium quality to Nairobi’s mixology scene.

Its Blanco, Reposado and Añejo expressions, crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave, deliver a smooth, crisp base that enhances the cocktails, where the tasting notes amplify the drink’s tart character.

Bartenders across Nairobi prize it for its ability to shine in both classic and experimental drinks, from citrusy staples to creations infused with local spices.

By inspiring mixologists to push creative boundaries, Casamigos bridges global cocktail trends with Kenya’s rich culinary heritage.

Its modern appeal captivates Nairobi’s urban demographic, positioning it as a go-to for social moments.

If you’re wondering how to celebrate World Cocktail Day, let me be your plug!

Gather friends for a lively cocktail party, mixing Margaritas with local snacks while watching a movie.

If you’ve never made cocktails before, gather some ingredients and try creating a classic.

TEQUILA SUNRISE

Ingredients

2 oz. Serrano Infused Casamigos Blanco Tequila

1 oz. Fresh Orange Juice

5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

5 oz. Grenadine by Liber & Co.

Garnish with Luxardo Cherry through Skewer and 6-8 Pomegranate Seeds

Instructions

Combine all ingredients, except grenadine into tin shaker. Add ice, shake vigorously and fine strain into coupe glass. Add grenadine then garnish.