Kenyan Originals Kraft Room

Inside Nairobi's Growing Craft Drink Scene

"While Procera Gin has thus far focused on international success, cider brand Kenyan Originals is appealing directly to the local market. To do so, founder Alexandra Schneider knew authentic, local flavors were the key. "To be truly craft you're not going to be able to copy and paste what's working elsewhere," Schneider says. "That's why for our fruit cider we use real fruit from Kenya—only the sweetest apple mangoes from Meru, the honey pineapples from Kisi, and the purple passion fruit from Nyeri. Getting the right ripeness, sweetness, and varietal from the right region all affects the quality and taste of our drinks."