Kenyan Dawa Cocktail
A signature Kenyan cocktail derived from a Brazilian classic.
Kenyan Dawa Cocktail
Ingredients (1 portion)
- 50 ml Vodka
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 Lime
- Crushed Ice Cubes (lots of it)
- Stir Stick (dipped in honey)
Category
Drinks, African Classics
Technique:
Shaking
Glass:
Lowball
Step by Step Kenyan Dawa Cocktail Recipe
Step 1
Cut the lime into quarters, and put them into a Lowball glass (or whiskey glass). Crush the limes lightly with a spoon.
Step 2
Put the brown sugar into the glass. Lightly mix – the more you mix the crushed lime and the sugar, the sweeter the drink will be.
Step 3
Put the crushed ice cubes into the glass. I prefer lots of ice, but if you would rather have a shot-like drink, use less ice.
Step 4
Twist the Stir Stick in honey – this stick is normally then called a “Dawa Stick”, if it made of wood.
Step 5
Stir the drink with the stick, the more you stir, the sweeter it will be. Enjoy!
The Story Behind the Drink
The Kenyan Dawa Cocktail is a classic in Nairobi bars. As Dawa means medicine in Swahili, this is a potent that will be able to cure you of your ails (if you drink enough of them!).
The Dawa was originally brought to Kenya from Brazil. Nowadays, a Dawa is often the starting point for many safaris – but has equally made a mark on the big city bars. It is today the most popular drink in Kenya.
PS – the drink is made in many other countries, but then mainly under the name Caipiroska.
