Dawa means medicine in Swahili, and this Kenyan cocktail is a simple, bracing mix of vodka, lime, and honey over ice. It is often enjoyed slowly while the honey stirrer doubles as a garnish and mixing tool.
Use fresh lime, stir the honey thoroughly into the vodka, and serve very cold over plenty of ice.
Warm the honey just enough to loosen it if it resists blending into the chilled drink.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a welcome drink with grilled meats, nyama choma-style skewers, or salty snacks.
Recipe Notes
Mix each glass to order so the lime stays bright and the ice does not dilute it too far.
Kenyan Dawa Cocktail
A bright Kenyan vodka cocktail with fresh lime, honey, and plenty of ice.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Mix:
- Add the vodka, lime juice, honey, and a handful of ice to a short tumbler. Stir firmly for 20 seconds until the honey loosens and the drink is cold.
Serve:
- Add more ice if needed, garnish with the lime wedge, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- If the honey is thick, loosen it first with 1 tsp warm water so it blends into the cold drink.
- Adjust the honey to the sharpness of the limes rather than adding extra vodka.
