Category: Drinks (Page 2 of 2)

Dirty Diana Cocktail

January 10, 2017 / Kaluhi / 12 Comments

I did a post on 30 random things about me just over a year ago. One of the things I revealed about myself that very few of you may know is that my first name is Diana. Yes, Kaluhi is my (middle) name too, and the one my readers know me by since I wanted my brand to strongly identify as African from the very beginning. It was just a matter of time before I named one of my recipes after myself; and this cocktail was just too good to name it after it’s ingredients. Dirty Diana. Sounds a bit risque to some, yet peaks one’s interest a little bit. Mystery. Assertion. Power. Does it have anything to do with me? I don’t know 🙂 Let those who know me well decide that *evil grin*

I was home with my youngest sister chatting away about the things we just cannot wait to accomplish this year. And the perfect conversation starter was my Dirty Diana cocktail. Food is simply a lot more delicious when you can share it with people you love, is it not? Today, I give you this recipe, which I hope to bring you just as much joy and keep you cool as we get into sweltering January. My Dirty Diana Cocktail will take you to the moon and back!

Mango & Cardamom Lassi

December 16, 2016 / Kaluhi / 6 Comments

One of the things I will eternally love about December is that it marks the commencement of my favorite fruit season: mango season. And by this poll, Mango season is definitely your favorite fruit season too! I think if there is one fruit I can live on for the rest of my life, it would be mango. I love this fruit, not only because of its ability to take up other flavors so well, but also because of it’s versatility. My sisters call me ‘mama maembe’ (mother of mangoes) because of my absolute love for this fruit. And quite frankly, I do not mind that moniker :DD

To kick off the mango season this time round, I have made an absolutely luxurious mango lassi with warmth of whole cardamom and a hint of sweet malt. As fully get into hot afternoons, clear skies and sunglasses weather, my mango and cardamom lassi is just perfect for every occasion and every mood!

Thorn Melon & Apple Smoothie

October 4, 2016 / Kaluhi / 12 Comments

Over the past month, my body has been feeling very lethargic. I stopped exercising and that is not something I am proud to admit. Despite being relatively tiny, exercise and clean eating is still very important. And when my body started slowing down, I knew exactly what it needed and what was missing: More fruits more vegetables, and daily exercise even just a little bit. Someone once told me I do not need to exercise or eat clean because my very high metabolism keeps me slim. But exercise and clean eating is not about loosing weight only (one of the many peculiar beliefs of Kenyans), but more about feeling good and having your body perform in its best possible state. Yes, it is ok to indulge once in a while coz YOLO, and it is also ok to cut back and show your body some love. To do that, I made a really refreshing green smoothie: my thorn melon and apple green smoothie that has become one of my favorites! I just had to share the recipe with you and hope your body will enjoy it as well. Cheers!!

Salted Caramel Banana Milkshake

September 20, 2016 / Kaluhi / 7 Comments

In most African homes, bananas are almost always present. They serve so many purposes, the main one being dessert. As an African child, whenever you craved something sweet while at home, you would be handed a banana to calm those cravings down. Going to school and had nothing to carry for break? Worry not, bananas were always there to save the day. Too hungry while you waited for supper/lunch that’s taking too long? Grab that banana. Going for a long trip and you’re reaching for something mom packed? Guess what you find first? Bananas. While I disliked that growing up, nowadays I snack on fruits since it was how we were raised. The best way! And despite bananas being among my least favorite fruits, I still find myself reaching for some when my rumbling tummy needs some soothing.

With only bananas at home and me craving something a bit indulgent, I decided to make a banana milkshake. But you know with me, something has to give. It is no ordinary one since I added a homemade salted caramel that’s so easy to make ant takes your banana milkshake from basic to fantastic!

Karafuu and Rosemary Carrot Soup

August 5, 2016 / Kaluhi / 6 Comments

August started with such a huge burst of sunshine and warmth. Glorious month it is, even more so that it is my birth day month! Unlike this year, last year or the year before it always has the first two weeks of August still shaking off the July freeze. This year has been different. Warmer. I however feel we have one more week of cold temperatures before we finally move on and enjoy beautiful sunshine. I prepared this carrot soup in anticipation of cozy cold nights in, but the weather decided to surprise us with some warmth. But in all honesty, soups can be taken in any weather. And I believe my soothing karafuu and rosemary carrot soup will warm your body and keep you comfy.

Green Mango and Ginger Cocktail

July 19, 2016 / Kaluhi / 4 Comments

Whenever mom comes back to Nairobi form her trips out west, she usually brings with her a bounty of goodies. For her most recent trip, she brought with her plenty of green mangoes, which are among my favorite kind of mango due to their very sweet unique taste. I shared this story with you guys on Instagram on Sunday as I pondered on what I would make with the newly brought fresh produce.

I decided to make a cocktail. All the flavors in this green mango and ginger cocktail married beautifully and exploded with such fullness with each seep. And in true K fashion, it so easy to make and delivers on taste too :)).

Orange and Pineapple Smoothie

February 2, 2016 / Kaluhi / 10 Comments

I love sunny weather. Weather that makes me feel like having a good time, make tasty things and down delicious drinks. That said, January is one of my favorite months. For some reason, my fellow country men have taken it upon themselves to dislike that month. For me it is a delightful month, and just as pleasant as the rest. It is believed that January is a month of brokeness. But, is it the month that makes people broke, or they themselves that made themselves broke? Njaanuary does not exist, possible overspending in December is what does, hun. LOL Topic for another day….

I made this in the first week of January just as the holiday season was coming to an end and one of my favorite months was dawning. I decided to post it at the beginning of February to pass on the beautiful vibes January has to the equally beautiful month that succeeds it. It is a sunny drink. It looks sunny and tastes like sunshine. This is an easy one which you will love too 🙂

Plum and Orange Mocktail

January 26, 2016 / Kaluhi / 8 Comments

After a week of unusual January Rains, the sun is finally out. It is now spectacularly sunny and brilliant in true January fashion. This calls for perfectly chilled drinks that are equally brilliant to cool us down in the midst of this brutal heat. For me, a mocktail is always the answer!

This was inspired by the mocktail bae and I had while we were at Ocean Basket. I tried creating my own, and the flavors were soft and mild yet wildly refreshing.I used fruits that are in season :plum and orange (I am giving mangoes a break :D) Lets soak up the sun and enjoy the best mocktails there are!

Rosemary-Orange Sangria

January 8, 2016 / Kaluhi / 10 Comments

January sunshine is in full swing. The heat is blistering but days are bright. These are the kind of days that makes me feel like having friends over, cooking up a storm and sit under a shade chatting away. Or going for a picnic. Whether you like this heat or not, one thing I am sure we can agree on is that this weather makes everyone ever so deserving of an amazing quenching drink.

My sangria was inspired by this post I viewed on food gawker. Upon doing my research, I noticed that making a sangria depended on ones taste and anything goes as long as it tastes good. That’s a good thing since it leaves so much creative power on our hands and gives us ability to make yummy stuff. It also adds a beautiful fruity spin to the usual glass of wine. For today: my perfect rosemary and orange sangria.

Honey and Cinnamon Pina Colada

September 11, 2015 / Kaluhi / 12 Comments

Lord knows how long I have been waiting for the sun to come out! After months of grey skies and layers of sweaters, I can finally soak in the sun and wear all those cute dresses that were kept at the back of my closet. With this weather too comes the soft beaconing call of fresh fruits, juicy roasted meats and chilled drinks. And for me, nothing would be more welcome to sooth my dry throat in this September heat than my Honey and Cinnamon Pina Colada.

This is a fresh pina colada made from ingredients you can readily find. One single sip will take you straight to your dream tropical getaway. It is creamy, delicious and deeply refreshing.

Honey, Lemon & Cinnamon Tea

July 31, 2015 / Kaluhi / 12 Comments

One of the ways I love keeping myself warm is by a nice hot cup of tea. And I am pleased that these days there are so many teas that are in the market, many of which have so many health benefits. I have been really into green tea. I have noticed that some brands have tea that really does not have the essence of the ingredients they use. That is why I prefer brewing my own the tea at home. #LuhyasWillBeLuhyas

One of the things I learnt from my mom is that the longer and the slower tea brews, the deeper and more distinct the flavor will be. That is the same technique I applied to my honey, lemon and cinnamon tea. Pole pole ndio mwendo! This tea had all the ingredients layered up so well and is the perfect drink to warm you up.

Purple Rain Smoothie

September 30, 2014 / Kaluhi / 10 Comments

October begins tomorrow and I could not be more excited! One of the things I love about October is all the jacaranda blossoms that beautify my already splendid Nairobi with their intoxicating purple luminescence. The city once again comes alive after the bleak and cold months of July and August. The blossoms fill the air with their fragrant scent as the wind passes through their branches and their dainty bell shaped flowers fall to the ground like purple rain, turning the ground into an enchanted pathway! This beauty inspired today’s smoothie: Purple Rain Smoothie. It is a rich smoothie that is really delicious, great for your skin and your overall health.