Doesn’t matter where you’re going, the drinks are always lit.
After a long day under the hot Sub-Saharan sun, there’s nothing better than a tall glass of cocktail to ease the nerves of all that hustle. And, there is no other city in Nigeria that does cocktails better than Lagos. From vodka-laced champagne mimosas to gin-based martinis, or more creatively ambitious trademark mixes, find around the city – especially commercial zones – dynamic centers of mixology and repose.
Mixology, the art of fine cocktail, must hearken back to the days of alchemy and mixing potions. It follows that the liquid result of this more modern art feels almost magical. The best mixologists have a reverence for fresh ingredients, original recipes and finding new ways to highlight bold flavors. Of course, there are upscale liquid-refreshment destinations popped up at every nook and cranny of our city, where the cocktail is a work of art. Local, down-to-earth bars or truly uptown lounges, there is a spot for every penchant.
South
92B Younis Bashorun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Reminiscent of a western Creole-meets-Cajun influence, and strategically situated in Victoria Island, South emanates a rather Latin American sensibility. It is formally tagged SOUTH Eatery and Social House – the name, inviting enough. The cosmopolitan venue is situated in a serene yet upscale environment in the heart of what is Lagos’ prime commercial hub, a one-story structure with a small well-kept garden area. Think simple, modern, contemporary architecture, with its long wood-paneled entrance gates, large square windows and homely interior style. Think neat and organized, with a mild ash, white and grey color code and hints of polished natural wood all around. Feel the earthy vibe with two or three pots of plants strategically placed around a well-planned floor area. Enter the small head room with the low plaster-of-Paris ceiling, complete with elegant cornices, and be hit with an overwhelming feeling of welcome. Next, try a London Berry Bramble, a gin-based cocktail similar to another drink on the menu – the Bourbon Berry Lemonade – and prepare for the equal parts sweetness and tartness of the crème de mûre recipe, the perfect gin fix.
More a whiskey person? Then, go for the Bourbon Berry Lemonade, the perfect summertime drink – even more perfect since it is essentially always summer in Lagos. Or, go for something completely new with South’s Black Margarita, the most expensive cocktail on the menu…for good reason. One word for this cocktail goodness? Spicy. This special margarita owes its blackness to activated charcoal. Its mix includes a super fancy tequila called Don Julio Añejo. The lime garnish is dipped in fresh chili and some chili powder, yet the ‘spicy’ is just short of overwhelming. A great feat, really. And, oh, expect a 30ml extra tequila, complimentary. South’s drink menu is impressive, and so are their mixers. Experience a world of variety, drinks from different regions of the Latin world.
Hard Rock Café
3 - 4, Block XVI, Water Corporation Road, Oniru Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos.
A spot strategically located in the heart of Victoria Island, it’s a ‘Hard Rock’ life for the patrons of this trending hub. Hard Rock Café is a lively rock ‘n’ roll-themed chain known for its authentic burgers and other American classics…and as the venue of popular music-world events like this year’s GidiFest and other more intimate music shows. The place to be for global-standard service, this fabulous destination is a brand franchise of the world-famous Las Vegas café, Elvis Presley’s favorite hangout during his lifetime. This chain, though only three years old, attempts most heartily to live up to the notoriety of its hallowed name, and looks to be succeeding. With VI’s beach line as Mother Nature’s added side attraction, it is impossible to visit the café and not leave satisfied. The atmosphere is colorful – quite literally – every night, colorful lights are turned on to give the interior an out-worldly ambience. A fan of Hollywood? Perhaps the most attractive element of the interior design are the photos of music legends, large and small, and life replicas of famous guitars and other memorabilia, mounted in boxes all around. And, the bar? One of those sights you won’t forget in a hurry, with tall hollow shelves almost touching the ceiling, seemingly hanging in the air. The exclusive selection of cocktails are the cherry at the top of the beautiful sundae that is the Hard Rock Café.
Shaunz Bar
Murphis Plaza. 27 Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Arguably the most popular karaoke spot in all of Lagos, Shaunz Bar offers a special dynamic to its clientele: the freedom to enjoy a nice drink while singing along to your favorite jam. As popular for its captivating atmosphere as it is for its karaoke, it’s the perfect hangout for music lovers from all walks of life. Did I mention they do karaoke? Their karaoke nights are the bomb! Walk into the bar and just stand at the entrance for five seconds, the view alone will relax anyone. If that somehow fails, make a selection from their carefully-crafted classic mixes, like a Long Island or Manhattans, or their lesser-known liquor and inventive libations served in unique barware. One way or another, requiescence is guaranteed.
Crossroads
Eko Hotel and Suites. 1415 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
From regular Tex-Mex Restaurant to the go-to Wednesday cocktail spot, Crossroads growth has been nothing short of inspiring. It is the perfect blend of dining, lounge and bar – a practical master class on how to set up a restaurant. This spot currently has the longest bar of any other cocktail retreat in the city, so of course it offers an extensive array of exotic mixes. Add to that predictably trendy furnishings – considering it is located within the famed Eko Hotel and Suites – and we have the ideal mixology center.
As it is not advisable to judge a book by its cover, do not judge this upscale destination by its strangely uninformative menu. It follows a traditional Mexican style, and as such, expect tequila – a lot of it. Try the Crossroad-special, Beer Margarita, for a unique tequila mix. Beware, it is large! Disclaimer: this drink is not for those whose only previous experience is mimosas and mojitos. This super margarita certainly packs a buzz…the good kind. Alternatively, have a sweet orangey vodka-based Eko Atlantic – named for the groundbreaking construction project spearheaded by the dynamic Lagos state government. Coupled with cherry brandy and a cocktail lover’s darling, Triple Sec, this drink is a great blend of sweet and sour.
For the lover of time-honored pieces however, there is nothing more classic that the Classic Martini…on the rocks. Don’t forget the olives. You certainly won’t forget to visit again. Looking for an alternative Tex-Mex place though, Bottles is a bar and grill, also located in Victoria Island, well-known for good food, good vibes, and mostly, their famous frozen margaritas! Nothing beats Bottles’ Margaritas…or so the legend goes.
Eko Cocktail Club
www.ekococktailclub.com
Now, let us add a little intrigue to our city cocktail culture. Cue Eko cocktail club, a gathering held at secret locations, a social organization inspired by people passionate about creating special experiences involving a fusion of alcoholic blends. “…Heisenberg and Eleven have been friends and drinking buddies for years. Over a bottle of whiskey, they discussed plans for world domination; the result of that conversation is Eko Cocktail Club,” the website tagline jokes. Solely for adventure seekers, expect thrilling vibes, exclusive cocktail mixes and vibrant, unpredictable experiences.
Here’s how it works. This exclusive society has no known physical location, applications for membership are received through their user-friendly official website. After approval…and consequent payment, details of a coming event will be delivered. All very mysterious and exciting! All that’s left is to show up, socialize, and experience an aperitif menu never to be seen in any other location. Suspicious? Don’t take our word for it; lace up those adventure boots and delve into a bold new world.
Be prepared for a night of cascading emotions, to experience a night filled with toasts, blends and emotions stroked by The Drunken Alchemist – the mysterious exclusive mixologist. Think secret supper club but for booze. New location, new menu, new theme; what is more refreshing than that? Enjoy a different experience each time you go out for a drink with Eko Cocktail Club; sipping the rarest bourbon under water or a vintage Bollinger mimosa at a private rooftop garden. Let your imagination run wild, but don’t let it get wasted…pun intended.
Rhapsody’s
Ikeja City Mall. 9 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Somewhere in the midst of the busy Ikeja City Mall – Lagos’ capital district – lays Rhapsody, a champagne wonderland out of a cocktail connoisseur’s storybook. A personal favorite of visiting tourists, this café boasts the finest décor – combining the muted rusts, orange and cream hues, with solid timber and gold graphics, all the while providing a stunning ambience which immerses patrons into the perfectly serene mood. What’s on the menu? Everything! A chapman for the conservative. A pina colada for the cool tropical lover. A bloody Mary for the daring. Find it all here at Rhapsody’s cozy bar.
La Mango
3A Adekunle Fajuyi Way, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Looking for a place which combines the wonders of mixology with the delights of cuisine, then La Mango should be your next Google Maps entry. A restaurant and bar with calm earthy settings and interior designs, La Mango offers a relaxed atmosphere – perfect for dining – as well as a great cocktail menu. Better known for its fabulous restaurant – a rare gem in Ikeja’s serene government restricted area – La Mango’s bar section follows in quality at least. The doors swing open before noon, and along with its convenient location, this makes it the perfect setting for small business meetings or get-togethers, and a place to take short breaks from the office. It’s never packed, so there’s always a place to sit. The soothing tunes which spurt from inconspicuous speakers, the idle chatter from fellow patrons, it only adds to the calming ambience. The cocktails: classic, well-crafted, budget-friendly, it’s a win-win.
Pool Terrace Bar
Sheraton Lagos Hotel. 30 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Airport Road, Ikeja, Lagos.
One of the many facilities of the esteemed Ikeja Sheraton Hotel, the Pool Terrace bar’s high-profile scene is fast becoming legend. A place of cocktail genius and a pantheon of good wine and liquor, it is no surprise that this venue boasts diverse clientele: socialites, politicians, tourists – the city’s elite. Expect a pricey menu, but don’t dismay, each liquid goodness would be well worth it.
Dubliner Irish Pub
115 Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.
With so much American and British culture imbibed into the Lagos cocktail lifestyle, it is quite refreshing to experience another interesting culture… the Irish. The Lagos chapter of the international Dubliner Irish Pub family, also located in Ikeja, they offer everything anyone would expect from a cocktail bar: a calming, almost breathtaking setting, and drinks so good they could have been forged by the cocktail gods themselves. The pub offers only the best from a myriad of mixing marvels, from a unique take on an apple martini to your regular screwdriver, all with a very sharp Irish twist. Guinness is the quintessential Irish beer, so it won’t be a ‘Dubliner’ without it, or without Bailey’s Irish Cream for that matter, or Irish whiskey…okay, I’m done.
Rodizzo Lounge Bar
29 Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
A perfect place to relax and enjoy prime mixes, Rodizzo Lounge Bar is flanked by a team of expert mixologists who seem quite incapable of creating anything less than excellent brews. Find this little jewel along the busy Isaac John Street of Ikeja. Almost every popular brand of liquor is available here, still patrons have the chance to create their own special cocktail to their own specifications and based on their own desires. To add to their surreal opportunity, the bar recently expanded to include the Rodizzo Terrace, which allows patrons experience the signature Lagos Bella Note – the beautiful nighttime sky view.
Signature Lounge
Filmhouse IMAX. The Rock Drive, Off Bisola Durosinmi Etti Drive, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Find the Signature Lounge within the Filmhouse IMAX Cinema on the Lekki Peninsula, and discover that there is nothing better than the chance to unwind while talking with friends about that exciting new blockbuster viewed from IMAX maximum definition screens. Calm the nerves after all the nerve-racking action and suspense of all-favorite thrillers. With a plethora – that’s right, I used the word ‘plethora’ – of exquisite meals, including the local ones, and of course, would it even be a lounge without a great choice of drinks to complement the aura? Certainly not.
Sailor’s Lounge
12 Admiralty Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Don’t let the name fool you, you’ll never get a sinking feeling from hanging out at the Sailor’s Lounge. In fact, indulging in a drink or two from this first-rate café will leave you feeling like you’re on a ship…yet floating on cloud nine. This spot is located on Admiralty Way’s very first lot, Lekki, there is no location more central than that – at least in theory. Being the first bar ever built on water in Nigeria, it is an achievement in itself. This unique quality allows patrons to enjoy the very best drinks service with a spectacular view of the water line. Choose among three sections, the Sailor’s bar, the Captain’s Cabin, or the Captain’s Deck. Regardless of the choice, feel like a captain out at sea, complete with a bottle of rum.
The moment we’ve all been waiting for. What is a feature on mixology without an exposé on the best Happy Hour deals, anyone? Yes, please. Lagos is hot and ferocious, nine-to-five work is bordering on eight to eight these days, the roads are obstacle courses, the traffic never ends, and so, its residents – us – are desperately well deserving of those invaluable discounts that will help them unfurl appropriately after a hard day’s work. Unfortunately, in the city, the deals are few and far between, and sometimes, barely worth it. But, something is better than nothing, right?
As mentioned earlier, nothing beats Bottles’ Margarita, but Café Royale comes very close. It won’t even be ambitious to name theirs the second best margaritas in Lagos. Unfortunately, Bottles’ only sales is after you’ve ordered a dinner for four on Fridays, but Café Royale is more forgiving, offering their pitcher of six servings at half the price between 6pm and 8pm daily. And, they have the same offer of 50% off on wines and beers. Club Velvett offers anything from their menu of creative craft cocktails made with local ingredients for one thousand five hundred naira, Mondays to Thursdays, 7 to 9pm. Bheerhugz Café, another all-rounder venue with a fabulous cocktail and drinks menu, has a variety of budget deals on all libation found within, between the hours of six and ten pm on Wednesdays. Rooftop Bar offers 60% off bottle service on Fridays from 6 - 9 pm, and Food Shack, a rather refreshingly cozy, open air hangout in Victoria Island – perfect for late-night booze-fueled binges – offers a half price rebate on all drinks from six to ten at night.
Four Points by Sheraton does Ladies Night better than most bars around, and it has a great view from the Office Bar at the rooftop. On Thursday evenings, ladies get free drinks from ‘the Empress Menu’ which offers options from Cîroc vodka-based cocktails. A similar deal is La Mango’s ‘Ladies Night’ event on Wednesdays.
Pat’s bar offers half-priced beer on weekdays from 5 to 7pm. Sure, it's just beer, but as we know, it's a little different at Pat's which usually already offers super cheap beer. Meanwhile, stationed on a very bubbly, popular street in Surulere, Zenith Water Margin, a Chinese restaurant with a good-enough bar and drinks menu, offers a ‘buy one get one free’ sale on all beer, wine, cocktails and liquor between 5 and 8pm every day. Lastly, one of the most visible hotels in luxurious Ikoyi, Southern Sun, has a trendy lobby bar, and it offers bottomless mimosas at Sunday brunch! Is there any better news than that?
Which of these venues have you visited? What do you think of cocktails and mixes in Lagos? Which havens for great drinks have we missed out. Want to read about all the hottest Lagos events, come back Next Sunday!
The outline of this series was curated by Favour Umanah