KENYA COFFEE SCHOOL
Mixology & Bartending by Kenya Coffee School (KCS)

(Elevating Beverage Craftsmanship in Kenya’s Hospitality Industry) – Kenya Mixology School

1. Introduction

Kenya Coffee School (KCS) expands its expertise into mixology and bartending with a globally competitive certification program. This initiative:
✔ Professionalizes bartending in Kenya’s booming hospitality sector.
✔ Integrates coffee-based cocktails (e.g., Espresso Martini, Cold Brew Negroni).
✔ Promotes sustainable practices (zero-waste garnishes, local ingredients).

Target Audience:

  • Baristas transitioning to bartending.
  • Hotel staff & aspiring mixologists.
  • Entrepreneurs launching cocktail bars.

2. Certification Tiers

Level 1: Certified Mixology Associate (CMA)

  • Duration: 4 weeks (40 hours).
  • Skills:
    • Classic cocktails (Old Fashioned, Mojito).
    • Coffee-infused drinks (Kahlúa-based, nitro cold brew mixes).
    • Hygiene & bar safety.

Level 2: Advanced Bartending Professional (ABP)

  • Duration: 8 weeks (80 hours).
  • Skills:
    • Molecular mixology (foams, syrups, smoke infusion).
    • Kenyan-themed cocktails (e.g., Dawa 2.0 with honey & coffee liqueur).
    • Inventory & cost control.

Level 3: Master Mixologist (MM)

  • Duration: 12 weeks (120 hours + apprenticeship).
  • Skills:
    • Signature drink development.
    • Bar management & sustainability audits.
    • International flair techniques (optional).

3. Unique Value Proposition

A. Coffee-Alcohol Fusion

  • Teaches coffee-based mixology (e.g., using Kenyan cold brew in cocktails).
  • Partners with local brands (e.g., Vivo Coffee Liqueur).

B. Sustainability Focus

  • Zero-waste garnishes (citrus peels → syrups).
  • Farm-to-glass ethos (partnering with Kenyan sorghum/rum producers).

C. Digital Integration

  • Mixology App: Recipe database, cost calculators.
  • NFT Certificates: Blockchain-verified credentials.

4. Curriculum Breakdown

ModuleKey TopicsTools Used
FoundationsSpirit categories, coffee pairingsBoston shakers, espresso machines
Craft TechniquesLayering, muddling, carbonationSous-vide infusers, nitro kits
Business SkillsMenu pricing, bar brandingPOS systems, Canva design tools
Latte Art +Cocktail presentation (e.g., smoked rosemary)Torches, edible glitter

5. Partnerships & Accreditation

  • International Bartenders Association (IBA): Global standard alignment.
  • Kericho Gold Tea Distillery: Local gin/tea-infused cocktail modules.
  • County Liquor Boards: Licensing support for graduates.

6. Funding Model

  • Training Fees: $100 (CMA), $250 (ABP), $500 (MM).
  • Corporate Sponsorships: e.g., EABL (East African Breweries) for scholarships.
  • Pop-Up Bars: Revenue share from student-run events.

7. Expected Impact

  • 1,000+ certified mixologists by 2026.
  • 20% increase in coffee-alcohol fusion menus at Kenyan bars.
  • Reduced import reliance by using local spirits/coffee.

Launch Quote:
“From coffee beans to cocktail dreams—KCS mixes Kenya’s future of flavor.”

Barista Mtaani

Barista Mtaani is a grassroots youth empowerment initiative focused on specialty coffee skills, entrepreneurship, and job creation in local communities (Mtaani). It combines barista training, coffee value addition, and business development to equip young people with employable skills and opportunities in Kenya’s growing coffee industry. (This is a not for profit program funded for – do good, feel good with an agenda of sustainability in Implementing SDGs in Kenyan Coffee, including access to education, skills around coffee circular economy and climate resilient coffee industry).

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