Inside the Gilbeys x Alfakeer Lounge Experience

Gilbeys, an East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) gin brand, launched a promotion with a Ksh 500 price reduction. At Ksh 1,050 per 750ml bottle, the promotion created an opportunity for a mixologist to demonstrate how premium cocktails become accessible for celebrations across Kenya, culminating in an immersive experience at Alfakeer Lounge.

The promotion launched in October 2025, bringing together Gilbeys' heritage craftsmanship with accessible pricing.

The Mixologist's Approach

A mixologist shared insights on maximizing value from Gilbeys. One 750ml bottle produces 11 to 12 cocktails using standard 60ml double shots.

The mixologist's recommendation:

This foundation requires only ice, glasses, and citrus garnish. Cost per serve: Ksh 132. This compares to Ksh 400 to Ksh 800 per drink at event venues.

Berries and Local Herbs Meet Premium Quality

Gilbeys contains 12 natural botanicals including juniper, citrus, coriander, and angelica with signature orange notes. The mixologist recognized how these flavors work with ingredients available at Kenyan markets.

On working with berries and local ingredients, the mixologist emphasized:

A Gilbeys Mojito using market-fresh mint, lime, sugar, and soda water delivers cost per serve under Ksh 150. For those wanting fruit-forward options, berries pair naturally with Gilbeys' botanical profile. Staff or volunteers can prepare ingredients up to four hours ahead. Assembly takes under two minutes per drink after brief training.

The mixologist emphasized working with what grows locally. Mint and basil cost Ksh 20 to Ksh 30 per bunch at neighborhood markets. Berries are widely available across Kenya. These are ingredients used in Kenyan kitchens daily.

The Economics of Premium Service

The Gilbeys promotion at Ksh 1,050 per bottle, compared to regular retail prices of Ksh 1,299 to Ksh 1,795, represents significant value. Professional bar services in Kenya charge between Ksh 800 and Ksh 2,500 per guest.

Using the mixologist's formula of 11 to 12 serves per bottle at 60ml pours, a single bottle at the promotional price delivers premium cocktails at dramatically reduced costs. The mixologist stressed that proper measurement ensures both quality service and responsible consumption.

Three Key Techniques from the Mixologist

The mixologist focused on three practical approaches for celebrations.

Consistent Measurement

A simple 60ml jigger maintains consistency. The formula: multiply expected guests by 0.6 then divide by 11 to determine bottles needed. This precision prevents running out of drinks or buying excess inventory, while supporting responsible serving practices.

Simplified Menus

Three cocktail options maximum: one simple pour (gin and tonic), one fresh ingredient option (Mojito or berry cocktail), one batch possibility for multiple events. More options mean costs multiply and service slows.

Mocktails use identical ingredients. Remove the gin, increase soda water. Cost per serve drops to Ksh 35 to Ksh 50. The mixologist emphasized that offering quality non-alcoholic options ensures inclusive celebrations.

Strategic Service Zones

Three zones replace single bar stations. Zone One handles gin and tonic. Zone Two manages Mojitos and berry cocktails. Zone Three serves mocktails and soft drinks. This distributes capacity and speeds service.

Batch Preparation for Multiple Events

For those hosting multiple events, the mixologist recommended batching spirit-forward cocktails up to four to five weeks ahead in refrigerated airtight containers. Cocktails above 25 percent ABV store up to three months at room temperature when unopened.

This transforms logistics during busy periods. Prepare once. Serve multiple times. Maintain consistent quality.

The Alfakeer Lounge Experience

The Gilbeys promotion demonstrates how premium brands can make quality accessible during peak demand. The Alfakeer Lounge experience showcased how professional mixology meets entertainment to elevate celebrations.

For EABL Kenya, this showcases Gilbeys' 12 botanical blend including its compatibility with berries and locally sourced herbs. The promotion launched with limited stock in October 2025.

The mixologist's expertise, combined with the promotional pricing and immersive entertainment, proves that premium experiences do not require expensive budgets. They require understanding measurements, working with locally available ingredients like mint and berries, and strategic service design that prioritizes both quality and responsibility.

As the mixologist demonstrated: versatility is key. From the simplest gin and tonic to berry-infused cocktails celebrating flavors found locally, Gilbeys' 12 botanicals provide the foundation for accessible premium experiences. The emphasis on proper measurement and inclusive mocktail options ensures celebrations that everyone can enjoy.

About the Promotion: Gilbeys, crafted by EABL Kenya with 12 natural botanicals, launched a promotion offering Gilbeys Special Dry Gin (750ml) at Ksh 1,050, a Ksh 500 discount from regular retail prices. The promotion launched in October 2025, highlighting the brand's commitment to accessible premium quality. This article features insights from a Nairobi mixologist and captures moments from the Gilbeys experience at Alfakeer Lounge.