JerCocktails On Location

Hello, I'm Jer. Here you will find Events, Places to Quench your Thirst & Mine and My Adventures outside of Jer's Bar... Invite me to your Location and I will be more than happy to enjoy myself and write an honest review! Welcome and have fun reading! Don't forget to visit the JerCocktails Blog ^_^ : For Recipes, Themed Articles and Good, Old Fashioned Cocktail Living.. [see 'Pages']

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The Absolut and Chivas Bar Launch at Ole Sereni Hotel

After a few months of falling into a day job, I thought/realised that my Jercocktails’ days were sadly behind me for a long while... To my pleasant surprise, one of my favorite invites has been to the opening of the Absolut and Chivas Bar at Ole Sereni.

I didn’t know what to expect but, firstly, even with the awkward location, the Hotel is quite welcoming and has a very unique african themed design. Walking through to the hotel with my friend, we were all ‘ooh’s and aah’s’ and ‘that smells great’, ‘are we at the right place?’. The hotel is both comforting and inviting while giving you the fine dining, fine living experience.

Greeted by a wonderful Chivas Regal Old Fashioned at the door - past the formal-dining dinner buffet - the modern, Poolside Bar mixed with Great Service, Perfect music, Summer Ambience and the eager Bartenders really provided the most unique experience..

Walking into a bar i’ve never been to before, especially on opening night, my instinct is to look over the decor. Stunning to say the least.. They really infused the Absolut style with the beach canopies paired with the lights for the evening. The lounge is like the ultimate simple but contemporary Absolut cocktail. 

My favorite thing to do once I find my spot at the bar with a great view of everyone enjoying themselves and the dancefloor, is to order a drink by asking the bartender to ‘surprise me’. If they’re great at their job, as the gentleman i met, there should be a few questions before they get started. Questions like ‘what liquor do you prefer?’, ‘Sweet or sour?’ at the bare minimum. For a ‘connoisseur’ like myself i’m really asking for the Mixologist to show me their skills or favorite drink.

Not wanting to make him sweat too much, I obviously requested one Chivas Regal cocktail and one Absolut Vodka cocktail. Chivas, a great whisky that’s enjoyed neat, or with ice, was sure to be a challenge in my opinion.

 The bartender's really has a great concept of the Kenyan Market. If you're not a nitpicker, the cocktails are super enjoyable. I say this to express the extra sweet base of the drinks. 

Something that I have to mention, as much as we lapped up the sweet concoctions, we really appreciated the fact that the herbs used in the drinks were literally grown in their backyard. 

In addition to that, the bartenders are quite amenable to direction. 

The distance is the only thing that deters me to be honest.. Other than that... It's the Sophisticated, Summer Vibe Escape experience. I'd give it 4 stars out of 5. Surely worth a stop over this summer season or for a brief escape from nairobi’s chaos.

Let’s not forget the music! That’s all I have to say about it. Enjoy it to believe it ^_^

Remember, Drinking is always fun when it’s done responsibly! 

Cheers,

Jer 

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Everytime I visit a new place, especially Kenya’s landmarks, I say to myself, ‘you should really come here more often!’. The National Museum located right here in Westlands on the aptly named Museum Hill is one of those places i’m always glad to find myself.

I have been there a total of 5 times in the last two years and maybe once before that in school. What does it mean to feel ignorant in the midst of your own history?

With new art exhibitions every month and the timeless sections featuring everything from early man to local history, it’s a day extremely well spent and well enjoyed for anyone.

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With so many great restaurants popping up in Nairobi, it’s hard to stand out. My experience in the first weeks of Ocean Basket’s opening at The Oval in Westlands was one to be remembered. 

I love seafood even though i might be allergic to most. I love how they included sushi in addition to their wide array of shellfish platters. All this combined with great service, tasty cocktails and the seaside ambiance make for the ultimate date-night. 

I paired my sushi with a lovely dry rose after which we proceeded to the lounge that offers privacy, curious sheesha or hookah combinations and special cocktails.

I would recommend Ocean Basket for any date-night or family dinner. There are so many great options to chose from that can be enjoyed by any crowd and get everyone more than filled up.

Remember, drinking is always fun when it’s done responsibly!

Cheers,

Jer

NOTE: this review is from 2015

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  The Mexican Embassy in Kenya is one of the best hosts in the city for intimate, creative cultural experiences. The Dia de Muertos party in 2015 was an afternoon of great company, art exhibition courtesy of two of Kenya's leading artists, wine, tequila and mexican food all in celebration of a very unique holiday.

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Two weeks ago I got the opportunity to be a judge at the Absolut Mix It Up Challenge! It was a real surprise but I couldn’t miss out.

I got to try 14 different cocktails each presented by a different mixologist. They had to tell us their inspiration for the cocktail, followed by the preparation of the cocktail explained in detail.

I had two Absolut favourites from the day. The first has to be the Absolut Tom Kha, which had all my favourite things; Coconut milk, a quality homemade infusion and beautiful, original presentation. The Inspiration behind the cocktail is the thai soup Tom Kha Kai that consists of, among other ingredients, basil, lemongrass and Kaffir lime leaves.

The beauty of the cocktail, other than the crazy original infusion she made from those three ingredients, is that both the taste and presentation draw from the soup. I have never had that soup before but once I tried this cocktail, I knew exactly what it’s like. I really enjoyed drinking straight from the bowl. It can be quite versatile served even as a starter or a dessert.

The second cocktail has to be the Absolutely Kachumbari. This is the most original cocktail I have had the pleasure of trying. Every Kenyan knows there’s nothing like a cold beverage to wash down that Nyama Choma or steak.

Created by Ndoto of Seven Grill & Lounge, one of nairobi’s top steakhouses, this cocktail is Kachumbari in a glass! You can taste all the Kachumbari staples from the pilipili hoho[green pepper] to the onion. Similar to the classic Bloody Mary, Ndoto put a unique spin of every aspect of the cocktail, really making it his own.

I never thought I’d see the day when baba’s at the local joint would be enjoying cocktails… until now!

I cannot wait to see how these cocktails could possibly get better at the finals. I’ll definitely be rooting for them.

The experience overall was quite eye-opening for me. I think I should challenge myself more to become the best mixologist I can be. I need to be faster, more graceful and definitely more creative. Hopefully next year once I move to Kampala I can really get some more hands on experience and polish my skills.

Stay tuned for more on the 2nd heat of the Absolut Mix It Up challenge.

Cheers,

Jer

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Last week I had the pleasure of being invited to an exclusive celebration of Octavio Paz’s Centennial celebration at the Mexican Embassy. 

To be quite honest, I hadn’t heard of this poet before. I set out on a mission to learn more before I decided whether to go or not. 

After reading the first poem whose title drew me, ‘As One Listens to the Rain’, I knew, this is my kind of guy. I love the mexican culture and tradition because I can identify with it in some areas. However, poetry, like music, is international. He reminded me of Lao Tzu in his outlook. That’s enough for me.

It only got better once I arrived at the Embassy. You cannot match the positive energy of Mexican people in Kenya. The food, the hospitality, the open collaboration of visual art with his words. It was quite the experience.

Words on their own are quite powerful and pictures speak a thousand words. Together, it’s inexplicable.

See more of the experience and all the wonderful people I met here ^_^ We learnt so much and even played some ‘trompo’… Being October, I enjoyed a cold Corona, with the occasional tequila shot. With such a great variety, I was not about to make a mess trying it all.

Cheers,

Jer

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Tea Tuesday meets Wine Wednesday! I started my October on a bit of a celebratory note. It was actually unintentional.

Right after my interview at PRK for Community Manager, which I thought went terribly, I headed straight for a pick me up lunch at Secret Garden. Healthy food and a glass of wine really does that for me. They have this great Salad bar for only 500 bob that drew me as soon as a walked in. It’s a wide selection of exotic salads, fresh fruits and cold cuts. I enjoyed this with a chilled glass of Chardonnay and the quality company of my sister Ser.

Now, after a month on the Job, I went for a payday lunch that consisted of a Bacon & Spinach Crepes and a nice cold Iced tea at only 650 in total. I used to hate spinach growing up. I must say I absolutely love it lately, and you know what they say, ‘everything tastes better with bacon’!

I always ask myself whether I really deserve how well I treat myself. I’m only at step one of my goal but I’m always rewarding myself. You know what? As long as I take a step forward each day, I deserve every reward I get.

Remember, Drinking is always fun when you earned it.

Cheers,

Jer

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An Unconventional Monday! Three course whiskey pairing with The Gentlemen of Chivalry drinking 3 times my age…

There is never a dull moment at Pernod Ricard Kenya. More than excited to be involved with the Made for Gentlemen project with Chivas Regal.

Remember, drinking is always fun when it’s done responsibly. Eating while you drink is great to avoid hangovers and reduce the risk of alcohol poisoning. What was really interesting is learning that the perfect food paired with a quality whiskey can really enhance the appreciation of it!

Cheers,

Jer

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I never really expected to find myself buying flowers, let alone on a weekly basis. Flowers definitely garnish a room beautifully and, if you’ve noticed, my cocktails. 

So, I thought I’d let you all in on my two favourite places in Westlands to buy the freshest, widest variety of flowers at great prices. They don’t have any official names but they are easy to spot.

The large flower stall on the junction of General Mathenge Rd. and Peponi Rd. is the easiest to access as it’s at one of the busiest junctions in the area [perfect for those last minute bouquets]. The other at Spring Valley Shopping Centre is much smaller but the best part is they can find any flower you request for.

Flowers are like cocktails, there’s something for everyone and there’s no limit to the combinations you can try.

Cheers,

Jer

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There’s nothing worse than ending your weekend irritated. That Sunday Plan has been attracting crowds to the Westlands Suburb for months now, and it’s only getting bigger and bigger.

I remember first reading about it on my friend Jean’s blog. I was excited and a bit sad all at the same time. It reminded me of the Cocktail Sunday that never was. One of my favourite ways to spend a sunday is drinking cocktails in the afternoon with beautiful music in the background and some lively conversation.

What started out as Cocktails Under the Sun, now, That Sunday Plan was set to be just that. For a lot of people, i’m sure the event is a blast. It’s an attractive crowd of hard working ladies and gents in their mid twenties up to mid thirties, casually dressed and eager to spend. The music is an okay playlist of current club cliches and the space is just enough. All of these together make for an okay enough sunday plan.

The thing that took me from ‘Okay’ to irritated is the service. It’s always the service isn’t it? The one thing I think is the easiest and the cheapest to fix in any business is the service!

I’m not talking about the super busy seating areas or the jam packed dancefloor. I’m talking about the first interaction from the entrance. There is a bar stationed on the right, as soon as you walk in, with two handsome, edgy mixologists behind it. They are actually the reason I came. I had seen them work at a couple of high end events and even doing some flair so I knew it would make for an interesting night.

As the only two people at the bar, it took us 10 minutes to be served. Once I called out for attention, we got some service but it was less than enthusiastic. It went something like this:

Me : So, what’s the menu looking like?

Guy 1 : There’s no menu. Just say what you want.

Me : What do you recommend?

Guy 1 : I don’t know. You say what you like.

I took a breath to think about it only to give my order to the dead air he left behind as he tended to more ‘urgent’ matters. There we stood again, two people at a two man bar, being ignored. I call out to the other bartender who seems a bit more engaging. The conversation goes pretty much the same. I ordered a vodka cocktail, said ‘surprise me’ only to be served a screwdriver…

Overall, a less than lovely experience. Poor service, boring cocktails, great company.

Remember drinking is always fun when it’s responsibly. Don’t force yourself to finish a drink just because it’s there. Know your limit/s… ~_^

Cheers,

Jer 

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Last week, I had the pleasure of losing my concert-ginity to Paco Renteria at the National Museum.

My sister and I arrived about an hour after the concert was said to start and found the auditorium full to the brim. Lucky for me, I found a sweet spot right next to the stage. I stood the whole time but soon realised that I was better off because the music was so lively and passionate, I just had to dance.

The whole audience was swept up in the performance. We had come to see Paco Renteria but were quite enthralled by the equally talented band. 

From the violinist to the fellow guitarists, it was a feast of creativity and originality. It would have been impossible not to enjoy yourself simply because they were enjoying themselves to the max. 

For my first ever concert, it was one of the best, most satisfying experiences I’ve had yet. And I was not alone. I spoke to a couple of people after the show who only had amazing things to say. 

It was interesting to see some nuns sitting front row at the show. They left with smiles from cheek to cheek, so happy to have been invited as it gave them some exposure to their fellow sisters culture as well as an opportunity to tap their feet to a new sound.

I would have loved to see the crowd get a little bit more involved but with the standing ovation and demands for an encore, it was clear that we had all been put under a beautiful spell.

It was an evening never to be forgotten. I left feeling energised and in an extremely positive mood. I cannot wait for Paco Renteria and his band to come back and play us into a trance once more.

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Seems like I joined Pernod Ricard Kenya just in time. Luckily, on my first week, they or should I say ‘we’ were headed for a team building trip at Naivasha Country Club.

Other than being a Scout, I have never really taken part in any ‘team building’ experience. Nowadays, it seems like the only kind accompanies music and the clinking of glasses. 

It was so interesting interacting with everyone in such an informal setting. If there’s one thing I learnt about the office dynamic here is that everyone’s a leader. It can be challenging when it comes to problem solving games but it definitely explains the level of cooperation and ease in the office. Unlike most offices, no-one here is trying to get anyone else's job. It’s a real team effort.

I promised myself i’d never work in an office, but, with co-workers like this, it hardly feels like one. My favourite Pernod Ricard value is ‘Conviviality’. I think it is the pillar of our office.

We all made sure to eat plenty and stay hydrated because the air was pregnant with expectation. The food was simply amazing. A buffet of local food including fish, chapo, ndengu and a number of salads. Even the monkey’s had to join in.

The evening was the climax of the day. Dancing… cocktails… an overall beautiful experience. [Don’t worry, i’ll write all about it ^_^]

Remember, drinking is always fun when it’s done responsibly.

Cheers,

Jer

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The first ever Nairobi Cocktail Week is officially on this week! Organised by Brian Owango of Aqueous Mobile Cocktail Bars this is the ultimate opportunity to engage your drinking senses and try something new in some of Nairobi’s best cocktail bars and lounges.

Well thought out and straightforward, the NCW2014 experience involves 24 of the top bars and lounges serving a quality selection of cocktails at only 400 bob. From Whiskey to Gin cocktails, even Sambuca, there is no excuse not to reward yourself after a hard days work. There is something for everyone…

In addition to that, 12 of the 24 participating bars will be offering an extra item on the menu, a signature cocktail avaliable only this week. I have to say, as much as I love a good Old Fashioned, the treat of a specialty cocktail in a luxury location, like Kempinski, for only 400 bob is enough to make me leave my car at home and cab it for the rest of the week.

Running from 29th August to 7th September, if there were ever a time when the designated driver could exchange his keys for a glass, this would be it.

EasyTaxi is the only chauffeur I need this week. The easy to use app is available on google play and is the most responsible way to get around every time you head out for a drink. My favourite part about it is the standard rates from zone to zone eg Westlands to Karen. The last thing I want to be doing when I’m tired and tipsy is haggle over a hundred shillings. All I have to do now is open the app, select ‘request taxi’ and since it knows my location, and i’ve entered my phone number, minutes later, I’m on a safe ride home.

Remember, drinking is always fun when it’s done responsibly. This week is about quality not quantity. Explore, find out what you like and drink in moderation. Binge drinking is not only hazardous to your health but also negatively affects those around you. Make it a night to remember, not one to forget.

Cheers,

- Jer

To find out which bars are participating and keep up with the latest, follow Nairobi Cocktail Week on Facebook

Celebrate safely by using the efficient services of NCW partner: Easy Taxi. Take an awesome picture of yourself getting into an Easy Taxi during NCW, use the hashtag #safey (facebook, instagram or twitter) and you could win your own bottle of Absolut Vodka!

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|| The Ultimate Cocktail Experience : Nairobi Cocktail Week ||

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7 Days, Over 25 bars, All Cocktails just 400 Kshs! Private Tastings, Exciting parties, Amazing Activations & Mixology Master Classes.

There’s enough in store for everyone looking to have a quality cocktail experience in Nairobi. Join in the fun as we celebrate East Africa’s most vibrant city through mixology. Like AQUEOUS on Facebook & follow @AqueousKenya on twitter to stay abreast of the action. Buy your Nairobi Cocktail Week Gold Card at selected venues. The Gold Card grants you priority access to private events at NCW 2014. Drinking is always fun when it’s done responsibly. NEVER drink & drive, get yourself a personal chauffeur aka a Cab ^_^

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Throwback Thursday

The Private Dining Room at Seven Grill & Lounge, Village Market. 

It was a pleasure working there for six months early last year. Second to the Lounge, this was my absolute favourite area in the whole restaurant!

As Marketing Manager, the biggest lesson I learnt from the experience was that with great power comes great responsibility. 

The best part of not working there anymore is that now, I get to enjoy all that quality wine, in my own time ^_^

Cheers,

Jer

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Believe it or not, my sister and I are now Archery Instructors at East Africa Bow Sports in Karen. Of all the ways I could spend my weekend, this has turned out to be one of the most fun and rewarding experiences.

I get to meet all sorts of people, of all ages, pick up a new skill, work out and get paid for it. It’s also the perfect time to do my weekly cleanse.

Every Saturday and Sunday morning, I fill my KorWater bottle with lemon water made the previous evening, Cayenne Pepper, and a dash of lime juice. Once in a while, I add some honey for the energy boost. I do this because I love Muesli and eat a lot of it during the week so I feel bloated sometimes. I just want to give my body a break.

In addition to that:

Lemon is a natural detoxifier as vitamin C transforms toxins into digestible material. In addition to vitamin C, lemons are also packed with antioxidants and electrolytes including potassium, calcium and magnesium. Lemon is also known to stimulate the liver’s natural enzymes by helping to oxygenate the body.

Cayenne pepper stimulates the circulatory system by opening the capillaries, aids digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar. It also increases the temperature of your body and kick-starts your metabolism, which can help you to lose weight over time. 

My cravings for unhealthy, salty snacks and fast food greatly diminishes.

There’s nothing like leaving the city buzz of Jer’s Bar to the quiet, scenic greenery of Karen. Doing this on the weekends has really become my weekly misogi, starting every week on a completely fresh note. Body. Mind.

Cheers, 

Jer

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Camel Club is my new favourite cocktail bar without a doubt. When I walked in, my heart broke a little because I wouldn’t have had the slightest idea how to build such a place but they did it 110%.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity to do a proper review and take better pictures due to some issues with the communication but that didn’t really stop me.

The ambiance is like that of a tropical cocktail bar in the 60s. Wood floors, custom wood furniture and bar, graphic, well lit display behind the bar and the cutest lamps made from repurposed Hendricks Gin bottles. All that’s missing is me in a cute high waisted skirt and vintage shaker behind the bar.

The staff is friendly and pretty relaxed. The mixologists are great. They seemed both knowledgeable and passionate about cocktails. The best part is, they’re fast.

Second to rude staff, waiting twenty minutes for a drink is the ultimate buzzkill.

Glad they don’t have that problem ^_^ In addition to that, they have one of the most unique cocktail menu’s I have seen yet. From Tiki cocktails to rare ingredients, there are some cocktails you won’t find anywhere else in East Africa.

Cocktails in Kampala, in general, are quite expensive, so it would be difficult to try everything, but I loved what I had. I also got the opportunity to try some of those secret recipe ingredients which they make from scratch. I tried the Infante (pictured above) made with Orgeat Syrup, Falernum, both made from scratch and even Absynthe.

For a chilled night out with a great crowd or during the day it always feels like a vacay. If the staff were dressed a bit more in sync with the whole look and feel of the place and the music was more consistent, preferably some sixties tunes, that would just complete the experience, in my opinion.

I cannot wait to go back! Maybe be a part of their Bartender Exchange Program. Watch this space for my interview with the manager Andrea about their PUBE Program.

Make sure you check out Camel Club’s facebook page for details on their awesome themed Happy Hour and upcoming Events.

- Jer