Mandies Cocktails, Eventi Cocktails, Cocktails In and Out, Shakersand Ice. These and many more cocktail businesses are flooding the shores of Lagos and other places in Nigeria. The industry of event management and hospitality has imbued the art of mixology and cocktail mixing. When you log into Instagram, search “cocktails Nigeria”.  You will see the number of cocktail vendors that display their work on their pages. Their pages are depicted with colorful and refreshing drinks. So what is the Cocktail Business all about? How does it affect Nigeria? Who are the pioneering entrepreneurs that are pushing the business forward? Let’s see what cocktail is all about!

What is a Cocktail?

  Simply put, a cocktail is a mixed alcoholic drink. A Cocktail is mixed either as one type of alcohol with juices, as a soft drink and other fruits or as multiple alcoholic drinks with juices or ice tea. Drinking is fashionable and trendy in today’s world. As a result, cocktails and what we’ve come to know as “mocktails” are often confused for each other.
  Mocktails are any mixed drinks that don’t contain alcohol. The name “mocktail” is derived from the word “mock” meaning to “imitate or mimic”. Mocktails are imitations of cocktails in the sense that they seem similar to them, but do not have alcohol or any other spirits.

  Today, when we refer to an alcoholic mixed drink, a cocktail is any beverage that contains two or more ingredients if at least one of those ingredients contains alcohol. It is said that cocktail was derived from the French word “coquetier”, referring to an eggcup-type measure.
  Here in Nigeria, event planning and management is increasingly part of people’s lives. Wedding ceremonies, birthday parties or even business conferences include a buffet to lighten up the ambiance of occasions like this. Cocktails and Mocktails make up a part of the menu into today’s entertainment.   
 So Nigerians are definitely lovers of leisure and crave for innovation into their hospitality activities. There are a lot of venues in which drinks have been implemented severally. Mixologists are event vendors on demand. Lounge Cafes and Restaurants employ the services of Mixologists. Even families and friends include cocktails and mocktails to excite their get-togethers. 
 Interestingly, most of the entrepreneurs that innovate in the industry are women. Yes, I am damn serious. Women with educational and professional experience have set the steps for young businessmen and women to engage into the skill of beverage making. Let’s get inspired from some of them.

Entrepreneurs in the Cocktail Business

Lara Rawa

Source: Pulse.ng

“Cocktail is all about lifestyle.” That is what Lara Rawa says, the founder of Eventi Cocktails.  As a certified  lawyer by profession, she holds a Master’s Degree in International Business Law from Queen Mary University of London. However her passion for Cocktails and event planning prodded her to follow her dreams.She is currently the drink stylist for Baileys Nigeria Diageo Brand. When it comes to cocktail making in Lagos, the name of Lara Rawa rings a sounding bell and she is known for creating distinctive cocktails and custom mixology for luxury events, conferences, wedding, social and corporate events. Read more on Vanguard.

Olufunke Awobokun 

Olufunke Awobokun is the Chief Mixologist and CEO of Cocktails In and Out Limited (CIO), a company that has steadily carved a niche for itself in the industryand has a mobile cocktail bar services with branches in Lagos & Abuja. Olufunke Awobokun is a mixologist and restaurateur. She is the founder, initiator and pioneer of the project "Cocktails 2 Live 4" and is also the brain behind the Tasters club which is a networking event aimed at promoting and enlightening the Nigerian consumers about the fine art of mixology and generally promoting the cocktail culture. In 2008, she became a certified a mixologist and bartender from the Shaker Bar School. 


Titi Oshodi 

Titi Oshodi is the Managing Partner of T-Eye Dot. She is an experiential marketer with over a decade experience in marketing, sales and business development. Delving into this feat was borne out of her increased curiosity and interest for cocktails and beverages and zeal to share in the intrinsic value creating unique brand of drink mixes. She holds a certificate in Bartending/Mixology from Liquid Lab New York and Liquid Library Bartending Academy, Lagos.

Olubunmi Mise 

Olunbunmi Mise is the Chief executive Officer of Mises Cocktails. She is a certified Bartender and Mixologist. She has a certificate in Bartending and Mixology from Spronks Boisson Palais Lagos and Molecular Mixology School, London. She recently obtained a WSET Level II Award in Wine and Spirits from the East London Wine School in 2015.

Olajumoke Michael-Ojo 


A Shaker UK certified International Bartender and Wine Specialist  has penned her success as she has founded Mandies Cocktails. After working for 7 years as a human resource consultant at KPMG in Nigeria, Jumoke ventured into the cocktail business. Citing a gap in the industry, whereby cocktails were not properly made and very little attention was given to presentation details, she decided to change that. Today she owns one of the most successful Cocktail and beverage brand in the industry, known for exceptional quality and outstanding presentation.

Kenechukwu Odera Nkwontah                  


This is the man that has broken the trend of  female entrepreneurship. As the Chief Exectuive Officer of Shakersand Ice, his cocktails and beverage company was established in 2007. His spirited career as a Mixologist and bartender is fuelled by an active desire to be an authority in bartending and advocate for cocktails and mixology in Nigeria. 

Feeling Inspired? So you do! True, this skill is an exhilarating skill to acquire. It’s creative and pretty much attractive. People thrive in it and there is still a gap to be filled with passionate beverage making. But how can you do as a vibrant, young Nigerian or African aspirant start up a business? Is it highly capital-intensive?  What skills do you need?

How to start your own cocktail business?
 There are institutes in Nigeria that are specialized in the mixing of beverage, cocktails, mocktails or milkshakes. For example, Mix ‘n’ Bake School is a certified academy that means to train people into smoothies, punches and flips. They even go as far as offering pastry classes. They are located in Ojodu, Maryland and Abuja. You can also become a professional mixologist with the Blossom Bartending School. There you can learn over 75 types of smoothies and cocktails. 


 There are many more academies you can consult. The fee is pending on the location and courses they offer. Once you are done with that, you mix and invent different mocktails. Advertise your skills on the greatest platform of promotion and exposure - the social media. Instagram and pininterest are the best venues to take picture and showcase. Event planners would definitely employ your services. And who knows! If you want to excel in the industry, you could as well get a profound training and be a certified wine specialist like other veterans in the country. The establishment of the business would require the deployment of  mixing equipment, so finance is a parameter to consider. 

 The importance of cocktails in the Nigerian lifestyle cannot be overemphasized. It’s hard these days to find parties organized by high net worth individuals overlooking this essential item. This is a business idea you can start with as little as N20,000. So what’s up? Would you like to be like Jumoke, Lara or Olunfunke? Do you want to be a business man or woman with class, niche or creativity? Don’t think twice! Go for it! The sky is just the beginning, not the limit. Cruise Africa Rocks!!!

 

Source: Travel Jumia

  Have you ever sited a city that still imbues its cultural heritage into the social, financial and political affairs of its citizens? If you haven’t, let me introduce one of the few cities that is modernized and keeps its historical character intact! Benin City! In the southernmost part of Nigeria, there lies a place that holds you spellbound. As the capital city of Edo state, Benin City covers a whopping geographical location with a diversified vegetation to boast. The local language is Benin, but tourists can effortlessly navigate themselves with English as means of communication. Benin City is also imbued with rubber plantation, thus it has an especial contribution to the national industry of rubber. 
 
     You get amazed at the very threshold of the city when you gaze at the copious magnificent palm trees. Their aligned structure and enormity can hypnotize you while you embark on your journey to Benin City. Surprisingly, this is only city in Nigeria that incorporates the word “city” when being referred. Why? Let’s turn back the hands of time.
     Being proud of originating from here, I must cite this: Benin City was the first place to be visited by the Europeans (Portuguese). Trade between the Portuguese and Benin was mainly in coral beads, cloths for ceremonial attire quantities in exchange of tobacco, spices, ivory, earthenware etc. The bronzes, statues and other artistic items fascinated the travelers and at a time the road infrastructure was likened to that of the streets of Amsterdam. When I heard about the mythological history of the Binis , I uninterruptedly paid  rapt attention. From the formation of the name (Benin) and the long-lasting dynasties (Ogiso and Eweka) down to the exercise of slave trade, you will definitely be thrilled. The state of Edo was one of the founding empires in Africa - the Benin Imperial Kingdom.       The reputation of the Benin Kingdom went viral between the 15th and 16th century.

Time to tour
 Some of the attractions you would surely esteem are the above…

1) The Royal Palace.
As a tourist, one of the places you would appreciate exploring is the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin. “Oba” means King in the Benin Language and its palace is situated at the heart of Benin City. A visit there would be purely edifying as you  will be exposed to the customs and tradition of the Kingdom. However, it is advisable that you comply with the rules around there at it would be unwelcomed if you don’t. They are not hard to obey. It’s just that the Oba and his kinsmen are very sensitive with the choice of colors. For instance, black and red aren’t appreciated as they are perceived as colors of omen and bloodshed respectively.

2) The Igun Street
If you are a lover of art, you would definitely acclaim the artistic materials of Igun Street. This is a tourist site that hosts a gratifying number of bronzes and brass. The place is highly visited as every souvenir encapsulates an element Benin’s historical past. Don’t leave this place without getting one.

3) Benin National Museum
 If you were to amass all the museums in Nigeria and point at the one of the most sought after, the Benin National Museum would lead the way. It is a large museum that embodies three different galleries with many artifacts stemming from the early ages of Benin Kingdom.

4) Ogba Zoo Nature Park

Source: Hotels.ng

  How would you come to Africa and not cherish the impressive wildlife in the zoos? You wouldn’t. Therefore, another place to be when traveling to Benin City is the Ogba Zoo Natural Park. It houses various species of the animal kingdom that are enthralling. You will be marveled by the fearsome lions and gargantuan chimpanzees.  When I visited the park for the first time, I was enthused by the whopping size of the tortoises. They were so cute and intimidating at the same time. Funny, isn’t it? The park is suitable for tranquil walks, refreshing picnics and exhilarating excursions.

5) Kada Cinemas and Plaza

Source: Nitestay

  Are you a movie freak?  Then take a break from the historical and cultural digestion and watch some of the updated movies in Kada Cinemas. If you wish to taste a more familiar cuisine, the Chinese Restaurant in the plaza would be at your services.

Where to stay.
 Of course you would need to settle accommodation. So I am pleased to inform you that my hometown is a wizard in the hospitality industry. The hotels here ensure customized services for optimal satisfaction. Let’s take a look at 2 of them.

Uyi  Grand  Hotel. If you desire luxury, this is the best spot for that. The suites, the bars, the rooms and wireless access points are superb. It is situated in Auchi, a picturesque area close to Benin. Their cuisine encompasses sumptuous food and wine. 
Constatia Hotel is another exceptional accommodation center. This 5-star hotel is proximate to the International Airport in Benin, so directives would be easily accessed. Facilities, such as swimming pools and event centers are guest friendly and the diversified African cuisine is worth giving a try.

Source: Hotels.ng

Nightlife in Benin City 
Once the sun goes down, the beats of music highlight the nightlife in the city. The clubs and lounge bars are very entertaining. The three centers to explore and dance the vitality out of you are Hexagon Nightclub, Novonia and Jokers. In Hexagon, there are two floors - a club upstairs to groove some dance moves and a lounge bar upstairs to enjoy some refreshing cocktails. Novonia is characterized by the international and national music and the Djs’ are specialized in hip hop. Jokers is another recognized entertainment center.  The place is populous and enlivened with music beats that make your feet move unconsciously. 

All in all, Benin City is an intriguing destination. You would be more than enchanted when you arrive here because the Binis are very attentive and welcoming to international tourists. Ensure you exploit every facet of Benin City’s tourism and hospitality. I wish you a worthwhile stay here in Benin City-the Heartbeat of the Nation.

     
 
 Cape Town. Such a distinctive city cannot be ignored. I am awed whenever I hear the name of this phenomenal city. Why? Cape Town is one of the most resourceful destinations in Africa. Cape Town’s wines, drinks, attractions, food, accommodation, natural assets can marvel any tourist for the rest of his stay. Although Cape Town is situated in the southernmost part of South Africa, the journey has never been an obstruction for tourists to be amazed. Come! Let’s grasp the reasons behind this sacrosanct impression.
        Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa after Johannesburg. Unlike Johannesburg, Cape Town has a political outlook as it hosts the Houses of Parliament and evidently is one of the capital cities in SA (Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein). We could say that South Africa’s first contact with the Europeans took place, right here in Cape Town! They all settled here, at Cape Town. Here is the inception of South Africa’s ethnic diversity. This historical location prods me to relate what you can entertain yourself with on a 14 day-trip. Go ahead and read on. 
        First of all, you have to know the best season for you to visit. According to Wikitravel, there are three periods of the year that turn a trip to Cape Town worthwhile. 
1) March to May. This is the period where the weather temperature is cooler due to early rainfalls. The number of visitors decreases and so does the price for accommodation, food and tourism in general.
2) October to November. The weather is getting warm and the spring is surprisingly accompanied by windy months. Those winds are pretty much medicinal as they weather accelerates the dismissal of air pollution. 
3) December to February. This is the period where summer commences and the hot sun stays late in the evening. The weather is pretty much reliable for a lot of activities to be embarked on.

Places to Visit

         There are a whopping number of places to visit. Not exaggerating at all. The cosmopolitan city has so much wealth, history, culture and natural resources to share with global citizens. Let’s see them one after the other.

• Table Mountain: This mountain is the highlight here in Cape Town. The reason for the “table” connotation is due to the flat-topped mountain upon which you can view the rest of the city.
• Kierstenbosch National Botanical Garden: If you are a flora friend and wish to see some of the rarest collections of plant, Kirstenbosch is a site to be. These uncommon species are magnetizing for  many tourists with mountain views that kill
• Boulders Beach: If you love penguins, this is the spot of penguins. These funny-looking creatures are a substantial characteristic in the Boulders beach. They are set in a free-roaming colony of African penguins and the beach is beautiful and sandy.
• Cape of Good Hope: Do you love nature? Are you a picnic freak? The Cape of Good Hope is one of the most picturesque attractions with scenic spots that embrace the wildlife reserve. Tranquil walks and excortions are executed right here at the Cape.
• Robben Island Museum:The museum was actually a prison. What makes it a milestone is the fact that one of South Africa’s heroes, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for the sake of fairness and justice. This is place where guided tours are conducted and lime quarry. You can even be guided to Mandela’s very cell!
• Cheetah Outreach: Are you marveled by the celerity of cheetahs and other cat-like animals? Are you fond of gazing at them in documentaries? Well, here is your chance to have an experience with them live and direct. Cheetah Outreach is a big cat preservation center for cheetahs and other predators. The place is also saddled with the initiative to educate nature lovers about the wildlife kingdom! Fascinated?
•  Heldeberg: It is a very popular is a wine-producing area in the Western Cape of South Africa and an area of Cape Town .It was originally known as the "Hottentots-Holland" area but it has been renamed as "Helderberg".

Things to do:

        Here are the top 5 activities a tourist must engage into before exiting Cape Town.

1) Swimming
Swimming in South African Coasts is highly recommended. False Bay,Clovelly and Fish Hoek beaches are just a few of the cozy water bodies in Cape Town. For fun lovers who are zealots of nudity, Sandy Bay is available for warm nude swimming. If you want chiller waters, Campus Bay and Clifton is another option to take.
2) Surfing
Muizerberg and Kalk Bay are super cool for surfing. The windy conditions that the landscape is infused with, make kite surfing even more exciting. At times, due to the windy conditions, surfers gather around Hout Bay, in a bid to experience the biggest surfable waves in the world.

Source: wallpaperwide.com

3) Wine tasting
Oh Cape Town is a spot showered with so many types of wines you would kill to taste. The wines are pretty much renowned and patronized by many tourists. Wine tours are conducted at regions such like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl. The distance to these areas is nothing to be scared about. They are easily accessible.
4) Whale watching
And there we are again! At False Bay! If you crave for the aquatic world, southern right whales and killer whales are available to quench that desire. How can you get such exhibition? Hmm…Tour operators are at the services of guests to organize Whale watching Cruises.
5) Climbing
Do you fancy sea views and high-scaled sightseeing? Table Mountain, the Devil’s Mountain or the Lion’s Head constitute some of the most popular mountains where you can have a sense of fresh air, revitalizing exercises and tranquil ambiance. Employ the necessary equipment to keep you safe and sound while climbing. That could be water to quench your thirst, jacket to keep you warm if necessary and  a hat to protect yourself from scorching sun rays.

Hotels to stay

        Just like Johannesburg, the accommodation in Cape Town is superb. For example, the Icon Luxury Apartments are a consolidation of self-contained apartments. The building is equipped with guest-friendly facilities, such as free WI-FI, business lounge and a fitness center with beauticians right at your services. The Villa Zest Boutique hotel is another picturesque looking accommodation center that is close to Cape Town International Convention Center.  The Bendouin garden, the 10-metre pool and the sunken lounge area with an outdoor fireplace are some of the nice amenities by the boutique hotel. The Glen Boutique Hotel and Spa is located at the Sea Point in Cape Town. The beach there is very suitable for shell collecting. There are sun loungers and spa facilities to keep you healthy and relaxed. All rooms have double volume showers. The bed and Breakfast services are astonishing as they breed English and á la carte menu for round-the-clock informal dining.

Food to Eat

There is no way you would fully get a grip of a destination if you don’t taste its cuisine. Cape Town’s culinary miracles are mind numbing. Let’s take cruise at the most favorite dish in Cape Town.

• Sosaties

A national pastime in South Africa. This barbecue is the most traditional dish found at a braai are sosaties – Cape Town’s version of a kebab. The meat is seasoned with chutney blend, curry and skewered with onions and apricots. This is accompanied with a local Pinotage wine.

Credit: hungryforever.com

• Fish and Chips

Some of the best fish and chips in the world are found on the fairest cape. Remember, British settlers heavily influenced South Africa. Well, a dish is bound to come as one of the top dishes in Cape Town. 

• Biltong

Biltong is the national snack of South Africa. You can get it anywhere. The dried meat is cured in vinegar and spices (salt, pepper, coriander, and brown sugar). While biltong varieties range from beef to wild game, beef is definitely the best.

• Potjiekos

Potjiekos is a form of stew in South Africa. Traditionally, potjiekos are cooked in a three legged, cast iron pot. The ingredients include a combination of vegetables and meat. The potjieko stew varies in cooking. You could go as far as running on a seafood potjieko. 

        So folks, this is all I got for Cape Town today. Evidently, it’s a place to be. Don’t travel to South Africa without at least visiting the Table Mountain, swimming in Camp Bay, climbing the Table Mountain and eating sosaties. Lol! Kisses