As the festive season reaches its peak, the social scene in Lagos transforms. Rooftop bars buzz with energy, and quiet lounges fill with chatter, making cocktails more than just a drink—they become a vital part of the December experience. However, navigating a crowded menu to find a drink that matches the celebratory yet relaxed vibe can be tricky.
According to Lagos-based mixologist and CEO of SipTales & More, Olaitan Alao, the secret lies in finding a careful equilibrium. "A festive cocktail needs to balance warmth and celebration," Alao explains. "It should feel rich enough to be a treat, but still bright and sharp enough that you don't feel weighed down after one or two." This philosophy of balancing indulgence with ease guides his expert recommendations for the season.
Olaitan Alao's Top 5 Picks for December
Drawing from years of refining flavours for real-world settings—from noisy house parties to intimate gatherings—Alao has curated a list of five cocktails that he believes are perfect for the Nigerian December. The selection spans reliable benchmarks, tropical relaxers, and clever upgrades to local favourites.
1. The Margarita: The Unforgiving Classic
For Alao, the Margarita is less about adventure and more a tool for assessment. "The Margarita is a reliable classic," he states. "If a bar can't make a decent one, it tells you a lot." Its simplicity, built on tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec, is what makes it a true test of skill, with no place to hide behind excessive syrups. In December, when service can be rushed, a well-made Margarita stands out as sharp, refreshing, and perfectly festive—a cocktail that eases you into the night rather than ending it prematurely.
2. Tropical Coconut & Pineapple Daiquiri: The Ultimate Relaxer
This cocktail captures the essence of a Lagos December escape. Blending white rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, lime, and simple syrup, it is what Alao calls "outdoor-coded"—a drink that instantly induces relaxation. The coconut cream softens the alcohol, while the pineapple and lime create a balanced, indulgent yet fresh profile. Alao recommends it for cocktail newcomers, noting its crowd-pleasing nature and the easy availability of its affordable ingredients during the season. It's as suited for a beach hangout as it is for a backyard party.
3. Passion Fruit Martini: The Reliable Crowd-Pleaser
There's a reason this drink is a staple on Nigerian cocktail menus. Made with vodka (or vanilla vodka), passion fruit juice or purée, lime, and syrup, it is bright, bold, and unapologetically fruity. It achieves elegance without effort, striking a perfect balance between sharp and sweet. During the packed social calendar of December, this cocktail seamlessly fits into any event, from birthday parties and girls' nights out to impromptu bar visits.
4. Whiskey Sour: The Sophisticated Choice
"For the millennials," Alao says succinctly about the Whiskey Sour. Often seen as a graduation in cocktail appreciation, it is a balanced, strong, and refreshingly unflashy drink. Combining aged whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice, it rewards restraint. You're more likely to find it in hotel bars or quieter lounges where conversation is key. This cocktail embodies Alao's belief that "less is often more," proving that perfecting the basics is all you need.
5. Detty Chapman: The Lagos Festive Upgrade
The classic Chapman is a nostalgic, deeply local favourite. For December, Alao advocates for an elevated version. The festive 'Detty Chapman' moves away from excessive soda, focusing instead on fresh citrus, bitters, and a splash of champagne. The result is a lighter, sharper, and more grown-up drink that retains its playful essence. "It is the kind of cocktail where there is always one uncle asking for extra bitters," Alao jokes. It's a testament to refining classics rather than replacing them.
Common Home Cocktail Mistakes & The Real Secret
Beyond his recommendations, Alao highlights simple errors that ruin home cocktail attempts. "People forget dilution," he points out. "Shaking or stirring is not just about chilling a drink, it is part of the recipe. Under-diluted cocktails taste clunky." He also warns against overcomplication, noting that a solid home bar only requires a few key spirits, fresh citrus, simple syrup, bitters, and one or two fresh elements like cucumber or hibiscus.
However, for Alao, the true essence of a December cocktail isn't technical. "Don't just order something sweet and move on," he advises. "Order a cocktail with a story behind it." This story includes the garnish and the setting. Most importantly, he adds, "Don't drink alone. Drink with your crew. Share a sip." In the end, the perfect festive cocktail is defined not by its ingredients, but by the shared experience with loved ones.
