This festive season, the best cocktails come with coordinates you can actually visit—honey harvested from Miombo woodlands, wines crafted just outside Lusaka, and craft beer brewed in Ndola. These aren't just drinks; they're liquid snapshots of Zambia, each sip supporting local harvesters, family legacies, and homegrown innovation. Ready to toast KeDezemba with something truly ours?
KeDezemba Drinks Guide
This KeDezemba, your cocktails can come with coordinates you can actually visit—honey from Miombo woodlands, wine from just outside Lusaka, craft beer brewed in Ndola. Here's how to mix Zambia into your glass this festive season.
Honey Gin Cocktail with Alvearium Gin
We begin with Alvearium (Beehive) gin, produced by Zambian Meadery, founded by Robert Bernatzeder. This triple-distilled gin is made entirely from sustainably harvested wild honey from the Miombo woodlands. Each 750ml bottle contains approximately 1kg of wild honey, supporting local harvesters while protecting bee populations.
Bee's Knees Ingredients:
- 60ml Alvearium Gin (double shot).
- 30ml Fresh lemon juice.
- 30ml Honey syrup (made by mixing equal parts honey and warm water).
- Ice.
- Lemon twist (for garnish).
Method:
- Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker until frost forms on the outside of the shaker.
- Pour into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Pairing: Bees Knee’s cocktail pairs well with grilled chicken, honey-glazed ham, and dishes with a sweet and savoury profile.
Zambian Rosé Cocktail Recipe
Just outside Lusaka, Lilayi Lodge has become synonymous with wine culture in Zambia. The Lilayi Wine Company was born from a passion for wine and a desire to bring the best available wines to Zambia. Their wine collection features two labels: the 'White Label' and the 'Reserve Range'.
The ‘White Label’ collection is made for easy drinking without the loss of quality. The Lilayi Farmhouse, depicted on the front label, has been the Miller family home in Lusaka since it was built in 1924. It has been the setting for many wine o'clock gatherings.
Lilayi Rose Spritz Ingredients:
- 90ml Lilayi Rosé wine.
- 45ml Sparkling water.
- 20ml Grapefruit juice.
- 15ml Syrup.
- 2 strawberries.
- Grapefruit slice.
- Ice.
Method:
- In a wine glass, muddle the strawberries with the syrup.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour grapefruit juice.
- Add Lilayi Rosé wine.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with the grapefruit slice.
Pairing: Perfect alongside summer salads, fruit platters, and soft cheeses.
Craft Beer Cocktail from Zambia's First Brewery
Wild Dog was founded in 2016 by Velten Tiemann, a Ndola-born entrepreneur who studied brewing in Germany and worked in Australia before returning home. Wild Dog is Zambia’s first registered craft brewery.
The brewery sources local ingredients to support Zambian agriculture, operates with eco-conscious practices through small-batch production, and brings community vibes to events with their retro 1972 Land Rover mobile bar.
Wild Dog Shandy Ingredients:
- 250ml Wild Dog Lager.
- 120ml fresh ginger beer.
- 30ml fresh lime juice.
- 15ml simple syrup.
- Lime wedge and fresh ginger slice for garnish.
- Ice.
Method:
- Fill a tall glass or beer mug halfway with ice.
- Add lime juice and simple syrup.
- Pour Wild Dog Lager slowly to preserve carbonation.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Stir gently once.
- Garnish with a Lime wedge and a thin slice of fresh ginger.
Pairing: Grilled sausages and spicy chicken wings.
Whether you're at a restaurant, hosting a cookout at home, or attending a tasting event, indulge in these unique cocktails and the local stories behind them.
