Due to the perseverance and ingenuity of its pioneers, Nigeria’s beverage and cocktail business has advanced significantly. These pioneers have developed initiatives and contributed creative ideas over the years, shaping the industry into what it is now. Through their efforts, cocktail culture in Nigeria has grown from a specialised area to a vibrant sector of the country’s social and entertainment landscape. These people established the groundwork for the now-thriving sector by doing everything from building bars to creating signature cocktails. 

Lagos Cocktail Week, an annual highlight that celebrates the art of mixology, is one of the noteworthy initiatives propelling this growth. The fact that Lagos Cocktail Week is celebrating its tenth year is a tribute to the vision and commitment of its creator, Lara Rawa. Rawa has played a pivotal role in propelling the beverage industry forward, putting forth endless effort to support mixologists, bar owners, and enthusiasts of cocktails alike. Lagos Cocktail Week has become a mainstay in the business thanks to her love of mixology and her mission to foster a lively cocktail culture in Nigeria. 

In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Dorcas Akintoye, Lara Rawa talks about the evolution of Lagos Cocktail Week over the last ten years, her vision for the beverage sector in Nigeria, and what it takes to continuously push the envelope of creativity in the cocktail world. 

Congratulations on the 10th anniversary of Lagos Cocktail Week. Looking back, what inspired you to create this event a decade ago, and how has your vision for it evolved over the years? 

Thank you! The inspiration for Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW) was born out of my passion for mixology and my desire to elevate the cocktail industry in Nigeria. When I first started, I recognised a gap—cocktails were often seen as a luxury reserved for exclusive circles, and Nigerian mixologists didn’t have a platform to express their creativity or showcase local flavours. I believed we had the talent and cultural richness to create something uniquely ours, but we needed an ecosystem to nurture it. So, LCW began as a way to provide that space—a space where our local cocktail culture could be nurtured and celebrated. 

Over the years, my vision for the event has grown with it. Initially, it was about introducing Nigerians to a more refined cocktail culture. Today, it’s about much more—empowering local bartenders and mixologists, promoting Nigerian ingredients on the global stage, and creating a sense of pride around our own culinary and beverage heritage. What started as a small festival has evolved into a movement that contributes to Nigeria’s cultural narrative while challenging global perceptions about what African beverages can be. 

As you celebrate a decade of Lagos Cocktail Week, what do you consider the most significant milestones or achievements that have shaped the event? 

There have been so many moments of growth and transformation, but a few milestones stand out. One of the earliest was securing the support of both local and international beverage brands. This allowed us to expand our reach and create a festival that was not just about cocktails but also about education and experience. The launch of the Cocktail Village was another turning point. It gave us a dedicated space where people could immerse themselves in the art and craft of cocktail-making, and it allowed brands to engage directly with consumers in innovative ways. 

Another achievement that I hold dear is the global recognition of Nigerian bartenders and mixologists. Many of the talents we’ve nurtured through LCW have gone on to represent Nigeria on international platforms, winning awards and redefining what African mixology looks like. In addition, our partnership with the WSET( Wines and Spirits Education Trust), an awarding body and registered charity devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wines, spirits, beers, and sake as our official Education partner, shows we are building a bridge between expertise and creativity. 

How has Lagos Cocktail Week influenced the cocktail culture in Nigeria over the past 10 years, and what impact do you hope it will continue to have in the future? 

Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW) has played a central role in the evolution of Nigeria’s cocktail culture. Ten years ago, the cocktail culture was in its infancy compared to what it is today. Back then, there was limited knowledge, appreciation, and experimentation with cocktails. Now it has evolved into a dynamic scene, with a growing community of skilled bartenders, innovative cocktails, and a more refined palate among consumers. 

Our biggest impact has been in pushing for the inclusion of Nigerian elements in cocktails. By promoting the use of local ingredients at the Bar battle during the call for entries and the finals, we’ve contributed to the creation of a uniquely Nigerian cocktail identity. This, in turn, has inspired a generation of bartenders who are not just imitating global trends but innovating with the rich resources we have here. 

Looking forward, I hope LCW continues to catalyse the global recognition of African mixology. There’s so much potential for African cocktails to take their place on the international stage, and I want to see more Nigerian bartenders participating in global competitions, our ingredients being recognised in international bars, and ultimately, our cocktail culture becoming a respected and celebrated part of the global food and beverage industry. 

What special events or activities can attendees expect at this year’s Lagos Cocktail Week to mark the anniversary? 

The 10th anniversary is a milestone for us, and we’re pulling out all the stops. This year’s Lagos Cocktail Week will be our most ambitious yet, with a range of immersive experiences that reflect both our journey and the future of cocktail culture in Nigeria. Attendees can expect an expanded Cocktail Village, which will be a vibrant hub of activity featuring not only tastings but also interactive experiences with leading local and international brands.  

Additionally, we’ll have a seminar that will focus on “Sustaining success in a shifting economy and achieving work-life balance in a shifting economy.” 

To top it all off, we’re planning a grand finale at the Cocktail Village—a celebration that will bring together music, art, bar battle, and, of course, cocktails. It’s going to be a multi-sensory experience that reflects everything we’ve built over the last decade, and we can’t wait for attendees to be a part of it. 

What challenges have you faced while organising Lagos Cocktail Week over the years, and how have you overcome them to sustain this event? 

Organising an event like Lagos Cocktail Week in a developing market in Nigeria comes with its own set of challenges, many of which stem from infrastructural and financial constraints. In the early days, one of the biggest challenges was gaining the trust and buy-in from local and international brands. Nigeria’s cocktail culture was still in its infancy, and convincing stakeholders to invest in an event centred around mixology was no small feat. But we stayed persistent, believing in our vision and demonstrating that there was not only interest but also immense potential in this space. 

There’s the challenge of staying relevant. As the global cocktail scene evolves, we constantly have to innovate and ensure that LCW remains at the cutting edge. This means staying attuned to global trends while also promoting local creativity. We’ve managed to do this by fostering a culture of continuous learning within our community, encouraging experimentation, and always pushing the boundaries of what Nigerian cocktails can be. 

Your brand, Eventi Cocktails, is known for its unique mixology style. How do you incorporate local flavours and ingredients into your cocktail creations to give them a Nigerian touch? 

At Eventi Cocktails, we believe in telling a story with every drink. Nigeria is blessed with a wealth of flavours and ingredients, many of which are underutilised in the beverage industry. We see ourselves as custodians of these indigenous flavours, and we love finding ways to incorporate them into our cocktails in ways that resonate both locally and globally. For instance, we’ve developed cocktails around ingredients like zobo, which has a tangy, floral profile, or agbalumo, which offers a uniquely sweet and sour flavour. 

Our philosophy is simple: we want every cocktail to be an experience—a blend of tradition, innovation, and culture. One of the ways we achieve this is by reinterpreting traditional Nigerian drinks, like kunu or palm wine, and elevating them with modern techniques. It’s not just about using local ingredients for the sake of it; it’s about honouring their origins while introducing them to new audiences in a way that feels authentic and fresh. 

This approach has resonated with both Nigerians and international clients, as it allows us to showcase the richness of our food and beverage culture in a way that’s approachable but still deeply rooted in who we are. 

What is one cocktail that best represents your brand, and can you share the story behind its creation? 

One cocktail that best represents our brand and which is my favourite is the Mojito. The Mojito embodies everything we stand for: a perfect balance of tradition, refreshment, and creativity. It is a classic cocktail with a rich history, yet it allows room for innovation and personalisation. When we create Mojitos, we love to incorporate local ingredients, such as fresh herbs and fruits, to add a unique twist that speaks to our roots. The story behind this lies in its versatility, much like my brand. The Mojito adapts to various celebrations, always delivering a refreshing experience. 

The Nigerian beverage industry has evolved significantly over the past few years. How do you think Lagos Cocktail Week has contributed to this growth, and what trends do you see emerging in the future? 

Lagos Cocktail Week has been a pivotal force in shaping the growth of the Nigerian beverage industry by creating a platform where innovation and creativity can thrive. LCW has significantly impacted Nigeria’s beverage industry by highlighting the creativity of mixologists and the diversity of spirits, both local and international. The event has elevated cocktail culture, offering workshops, masterclasses, and competitions that professionalise the craft and encourage innovation with local ingredients. 

Looking ahead, key trends include sustainability, with more locally sourced ingredients; the rise of low- and no-alcohol cocktails for health-conscious consumers; and increased experimentation with Nigerian flavors. As the industry evolves, Lagos Cocktail Week will continue to drive creativity and shape Nigeria’s cocktail scene globally. 

 

Dorcas Akintoye
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Dorcas Akintoye is a versatile writer with a passion for beauty, fashion, relationships, and culinary delight. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she adds a touch of elegance to every topic she explores. She is a writer at THEWILL DOWNTOWN.