Nairobi's cocktail scene just got a serious upgrade. Monkey Shoulder, the premium Scotch whisky crafted for mixing, has officially kicked off Old Fashioned Month in Nairobi — a city-wide celebration of one of the world's most iconic cocktails. Running throughout April 2025, this immersive campaign is rolling out across more than 25 of Nairobi's top bars and restaurants, and it's an experience every cocktail enthusiast needs to be part of.
What Is Old Fashioned Month?
Old Fashioned Month is a month-long cocktail experience designed to help consumers rediscover the timeless Old Fashioned cocktail — this time, reimagined through the lens of Monkey Shoulder's smooth, versatile blended malt Scotch whisky. The campaign combines curated cocktail menus, creative bartender showcases, and vibrant in-bar social experiences, all aimed at making whisky more accessible and exciting for a new generation of drinkers.
Why Monkey Shoulder?
Monkey Shoulder is no ordinary whisky. Crafted from a blend of three Speyside single malts and matured in ex-bourbon casks, it delivers a beautifully balanced flavour profile — think rich malt, subtle vanilla sweetness, and a gentle warming spice. Originally developed with mixing in mind, it is the ideal foundation for a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned.
As Global Brand Ambassador Joe Petch puts it: "Old Fashioned Month is about bringing people together and making whisky more enjoyable and accessible. Whether you're discovering the cocktail for the first time or coming back to a favourite, we want consumers to experience it in a way that feels fresh, social, and exciting."
Two Signature Serves to Look Out For
Across all participating venues, guests can explore two distinct cocktail experiences:
- The Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioned Perfect Serve — a refined, classic take on the beloved cocktail, executed to precision
- The Bartender's Old Fashioned Twist — a creative, one-of-a-kind interpretation where each bartender brings their own personality and flair to the glass
Together, these two serves ensure that no two Old Fashioned experiences are quite the same — making bar-hopping across Nairobi this April an adventure worth embarking on.
Where to Find It: 25+ Participating Venues Across Nairobi
The campaign spans some of Nairobi's most exciting hospitality destinations. Participating venues include Hero, Jiko, Troy Mediterranean, Mezze on The Deck, Karen Country Club, Geco, Chronos, Kwetu by Hilton, Kengeles, Fifteen Rooftop, Muthaiga Golf Club, Parklands Sports Club, Ciel, Alloy, Brew Bistro, The Roof at Ibis Styles, 254 Beer District, Fahrenheit Lounge, Bambino, Inca at Social House, Ate, About Thyme, and many more.
With such a wide footprint across the city, there's truly no excuse not to get involved.
Nairobi's Cocktail Culture Is Having a Moment
By rooting Old Fashioned Month within Nairobi's dynamic and fast-growing hospitality scene, Monkey Shoulder is doing more than just promoting a cocktail — it's championing a modern, inclusive whisky culture that speaks to today's discerning consumer. The campaign reflects a broader global trend toward premiumisation in spirits, with the premium-and-above whisky segment forecast to grow at a 5.2% CAGR through to 2027, according to industry data.
Nairobi, with its cosmopolitan population and thriving nightlife, is the perfect city to anchor this movement.
Don't Miss Out
Old Fashioned Month is only here for April, so now is the time to gather your crew, pick a venue, and raise a glass to great whisky and even better company. Whether you're a seasoned whisky drinker or a curious newcomer, Monkey Shoulder's Old Fashioned Month promises a cocktail experience that is bold, social, and unmistakably Nairobi.
Head to your nearest participating bar and ask for a Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioned — your taste buds will thank you.