The dawa is a humble-looking concoction that delivers magic. Translated to English it means medicine, and just one sip in you will understand why it is more than just a cocktail. Gradually, it has become a ritual plus remedy, and in many ways, a reflection of Kenya itself.
Unlike most cocktails, the dawa is not a flashy drink that demands fruit umbrellas or salted rims. It is actually one of the simplest cocktails I know. Funnily enough, It’s the drink that bridges generations. Your uncle swears by it to cure the flu and your friends order it for a night out. Somewhere between tradition and modern taste the Dawa holds its golden place in Kenya’s heart.
The dawa was first invented at the legendary Carnivore Restaurant sometime in the 1980s. Back then, the nyama choma and festive atmosphere was the in thing, although if we are being honest, when has it never been? For all the festiveness, a drink was needed. That is when a bartender named Morris Mugasha (even though some people say it was a team effort) borrowed inspiration from a Brazilian cocktail called the Caipirinha. The caipirinha contains cachaca, and Morris swapped out the cachaça for vodka and added honey.
And boom, a legendary drink was born. One that soothed throats after hearty meals and lifted moods. Locals called it dawa ya moyo, to mean medicine for the heart. And that is how the name dawa stuck.
It didn’t take long before tourists fell in love with its simplicity and Kenyans embraced it as their own. Soon, every bar in Kenya, from Westlands to Watamu, had a version of the Dawa on its menu. The frist dawa i ever had was in Watamu, and ever since i have drank different glasses in different parts of kenya with none ever matching that first one i took in Watamu all those years ago.
The Ingredients
1. Vodka
You don’t need anything top-shelf as even a good local brand like Kibao does the job beautifully.
2. Fresh Lime
Always use whole fresh limes as opposed to bottled juice. Slice them into quarters and press them gently in the glass to release both juice and essential oils from the peel. Trust me, you need that bitterness to balance the sweetness to come.
3. Honey
Warm whatever honey you have (raw or slightly filtered is preferred for best results) slightly to make it easier to stir into the drink.
4. Crushed Ice
Not cubes. Crushed ice to cool the drink quickly and dilute it gently. That ritual of slowly stirring as the honey dissolves and the ice begins to glisten is everything.
5. The Dawa Stick
A simple wooden muddler or honey dipper (known as the dawa stick) gives the drink its character. Some bars personalize their sticks by engraving their names or wrapping them in twine.
How to Make the Perfect Dawa
Step 1: Start with the Lime
Place the pieces of lime at the bottom of your glass. (the short sturdy glass … .that one.) then using the dawa stick, press them gently so as to prevent them crushing into a pulp. Just enough to release their sharp, citrusy juice.
Step 2: Add the Honey
Add in a generous spoonful of honey (depends with how you want it really)
Step 3: Pour the Vodka
Add a good shot (about 60ml) of chilled vodka then stir slowly with the dawa stick as you wait for the honey to dissolve.
Step 4: Ice and Balance
Now completely fill the glass with crushed ice then stir again to let the drink mellow. At this point you are allowed to taste it and If it’s too strong, add a splash of soda water. If it’s too tart, another drop of honey. It is all about balance.
Step 5: Serve and Soothe
The perfect Dawa glows gold and cloudy. You should also notice flecks of lime inside the glass…..just like sunset dust. Serve it with the dawa stick still inside, so that you can still stir as you sip.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the legendary dawa. While out of the country one time, a bartender made it for me (I had to request as they did not have it in their menu) and the nostalgia for home hit so hard. That came as a shock even to me.
So the next time you make one, take your time and let the honey melt and the vodka warm your chest. Then lift your glass – to Kenyan inventions.
