East African Breweries is in high spirits over the sale of gin. High gin consumption among women in Kenya drove the brewer’s sales in the year ended June 30, with the firm projecting a strong post-Covid recovery.
The company recorded a 15 per cent revenue growth to Sh86 billion, driven by smart investment behind brands, channel focus and innovations. But profit after tax slightly dropped by one per cent to Sh7 billion, mainly impacted by cost inflation, tax and foreign exchange impact.
Kenyans love their beer but consumption of spirit looks to have gained from the downturn in beer sales due to early closure of bars, which is among social distancing measures the Government has put in place to contain the scourge and significant increases in prices per unit of beer last year.
But is it any wonder that Kenyan women love gin?
Gin and tonic is perhaps one of the simplest yet classy drinks in the world. You are likely to find it in liquor outlets and supermarkets. All you need to whip out a glass is ice, tonic water, gin, and lime for garnishing. This popular drink makes you come off as a suave drinker.
What you need
· 2 ounces (0.06 kg) gin
· 4 to 6 ounces tonic water to taste
· Lime wedge, for garnish
How to make it
1. Gather the ingredients.
2. In a highball glass filled with ice cubes, pour the gin, then top with tonic.
3. Gently stir to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.
What is your favourite tipple? From gin, whisky, vodka, or your favourite bottle of red wine, your drink of choice speaks volumes about you.
Below are other classy, upscale drinks found in top restaurants, dining establishments and bars to help you satisfy your discerning taste or make an impression on your guests. Most are a combination of flavourings, spices, and your favourite choice of alcohol.
Wines are another matter altogether and are ideal for almost any occasion. Depending on your taste and preference, there is a classy drink out there for you.
Martini
A martini is one of the best upscale drinks, especially when you want to impress. An American invention, the martini was popularised by James Bond. You can drink it as it is without shaking or stirring it. Whether you order the dirty martini or any way you like it, this is one of the most classic drinks.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned cocktail can be traced to the 1800s. It is brewed using whiskey, a sugar lump, ice cube, water, bitters and garnished with either maraschino cherries or a lemon-peel. It is a perfect drink for whiskey lovers.
Try this recipe
– Bourbon or rye whiskey
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp sugar
– Orange twist garnish
Put sugar in glass. Cover it with dashes of bitters. Add whiskey and stir until sugar dissolves. Add ice, stir again, and serve.
Wine
There are several varieties of wine to choose from. You cannot go wrong with a glass of wine. These upscale drinks go down better accompanied with appropriate food choices. While the many varieties of wine could leave you spoilt for choice, don’t be afraid to ask expert recommendations and many barmen are ready to oblige.
Bloody Mary
Never mind the strange name choice. This drink is a cocktail of tomato juice, vodka, and combination flavourings and spices that include garlic, hot sauces, lemon juice and celery salt, black pepper, olives, lime juice, salt, and herbs
Margarita
These upscale drinks have a combination of orange liqueur, lime juice, and tequila. Margarita can be served blended with or without ice. You might also want to shake it before serving.
Whiskey Sour
Perhaps the most refreshing whiskey cocktail, this is an old reliable favourite.
– 2 oz (0.06 kg) whiskey
– 1 oz (0.03 kg) lemon juice
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 egg white (optional)
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and. Add ice and shake again. Strain over ice in a rocks glass.
Sidecar
Old-school classics that clearly show discerning taste. It’s a short, strong drink made with cognac, cointreau and lemon juice. Invented near the end of WWI, the sidecar is thought to have been created by an American army captain.
Mojito
Originating in Cuba, this refreshing rum-based sip is filled with mint and lime—a perfect combination for drinking by the pool or beach. A well-made version is a fresh mix of lime juice and tequila, with a hint of sweetener:
You need:
– 3 mint leaves
– 2 oz (0.06KG) white rum
– .75 oz lime juice
– .5 oz simple syrup
Put mint into a shaker tin, then add ice and all other ingredients. Shake to chill and strain into a highball glass with ice. Top with club soda if desired and garnish with mint.
