December in Lagos is one of my favorite times of the year. Everything slows down a bit and the entire city goes on holiday. It’s enough to deceiving you into thinking this is a fun place to live in. Don’t fall for it, friends!

Anyway, it’s not December anymore but that doesn’t mean we all just fall and die. House parties will still go on. There’s a little get together every other weekend and all good party guests come with a bottle. I don’t want you be the party guest that brings entry level Jameson to every party or…gasp… comes empty handed. I did a little research and here’s what you should bring to any party,

Whiskey

Whiskey is one of those “man” things I just never got into, but almost every man in Lagos has to lie about being into it. Single malt? Blend? 

Drinking it Straight

If your host likes their whiskey straight, you need to look for something “smooth”. Johnnie Walker Blue Label should be your first pick. The olds with money tend to like this one a lot so it has to be good. If your person is more bourbon than scotch, you can get a Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

In a Cocktail

For a cocktail person, go with Monkey Shoulder or Johnnie Walker Red Label. Both are blends and are perfect for mixing.

Rum

Don’t think I’ve met a proper Rum person in Lagos, but I’m sure they exist. Rum & Coke was one of those “eh, i don’t mind” mixes in college so I’m sure there’s something. 

Drinking it Straight

If you’re going to drink it straight, word on the street is that it’s better to go dark rum over white rum. So you can put that Malibu back on the shelf and look for something like a Ron Zacapa. 

In a Cocktail

You can’t miss with Wray & Nephew. I’ve heard the stories so I know it does a job. 

Vodka

I shouldn’t be encouraging vodka because we’re all old and employed now. We should’ve left this behind. That said, if you still want to relive the glory days, I’ll help you out. 

Drinking it Straight

I don’t know why you’d do this, but if you do go this route, find Tito’s. It’s a bit basic but it’s doesn’t taste like petrol.

In a Cocktail

Any vodka will work here, but Ketel One and Belvedere come highly recommended.

Tequila

Duh. Dorime. 

But if you don’t have Dorime money, Patron is always a sure thing.

Gin

I only just learned this, but apparently gin was originally developed as medicine.

The more you know, eh?

Drinking it Straight

Nobody is doing gin straight so I’m just going to skip this one. Plus, I have no idea. 

In a Cocktail

I’m a big G&T person and from my experience, going with Beefeater or Bulldog is always a safe bet. 

Brandy

Drinking it Straight

Most brandy-lovers drink it straight and I’m not aware of anything smoother than Hennessy XO is you’re going straight. 

In a Cocktail

For cocktails, go a bit cheaper and get the entry level Hennessy VS.

Now, go forth and stop being a cheap guest!