Iconic Zanzibar Cocktail Favourites: Stone Town Negroni & More

If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar, don’t miss out on the famous local cocktails at Chuini Zanzibar Lodge by Newmark Hotels & Reserves. What could be better than sipping cocktails infused with local gin and spices against a backdrop of the stunning ocean and palace ruins in this five-star setting? We’ve got two of our best cocktail recommendations for you below!

Taste Sensations from the Spice Island
Known as the Spice Island, Zanzibar has, for centuries had a reputation for growing excellent aromatic spices. Situated on the East African coastal route between Europe and India, the islands were a popular stopping point historically for traders from Persia, India, China, Arabia and Europe.

To this day, Zanzibar’s reputation as an excellent spice producer remains. Dishes served at Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge are often infused with locally grown spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Guests are also encouraged to sample these aromatic flavours in the cocktails served at the hotel’s bar and enjoyed overlooking the ocean.

Here are some signature Zanzibarian cocktails to sample on your next visit to Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge.

Stone Town Negroni Cocktail
The Negroni cocktail is traditionally made with equal parts gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari—best enjoyed on the rocks with a citrus slice garnish. The name is believed to have come from General Pascal Olivier Comte de Negroni in 1870 or Northern-Italian Count Negroni in the early 1900s.

Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge serves up a delightful local twist on this classic cocktail. Made with Zanzibar Spiced Gin, a spirit infused with the island's finest spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and star anise, this drink offers a unique and flavourful experience—not to be missed on your Zanzibar getaway.

These aromatic flavours are carefully selected to infuse the gin with a warm, rich flavour, crafting a unique taste experience unlike any other.

Ingredients:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Zanzibar Gin, clove, cinnamon, Campari, Martini Rosso

View From The Top Cocktail
As the name suggests, this delightful cocktail would make an excellent choice for a sundowner on one of the private decks at Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge. Savour it as you look out onto the sparkling blue ocean and watch yet another mesmerising island sunset.

This local, popular cocktail is also made with our local gin, the Zanzibar Spiced Gin, bringing a unique twist to its already fantastic flavour. The mixologists at Sea Breeze Restaurant and Bar, the hotel’s in-house dining spot, use locally grown herbs from the Chuini gardens. Only the freshest local ingredients are selected to create this amazing tropical cocktail.

Ingredients:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Zanzibar Gin, guava, basil, green tea, lime, lemongrass

Book now with Newmark Hotels & Reserves and experience Zanzibar from Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge, a luxurious hotel set adjacent to the ruins of an ancient Sultan’s palace. With local cocktails, picturesque surroundings, fine dining, and nearby local attractions, it’s the ideal island getaway.