Inside AJABU: The Rise of Africa's Cocktail Culture

AJABU: The Festival Putting African Cocktails on the World StageRecorded live during Tales of the Cocktail 2026 in New Orleans, Damian sits down with Colin Asare-Appiah and Alexander Quest to explore one of the most exciting movements in global hospitality.At the heart of the conversation is AJABU Cocktail & Spirits Festival—a festival built around connection, collaboration and celebrating the incredible diversity of African hospitality. But this episode goes far beyond cocktails.Colin and Alexander discuss the philosophy of Ubuntu, why hospitality is deeply embedded in African culture, and how indigenous ingredients and local spirits deserve a place alongside the world's most celebrated brands. Along the way, they share stories of travel, flavour discovery, community, and why the global bar industry has only just begun to appreciate what Africa has to offer.If you're passionate about cocktails, culture or hospitality, this episode is a fascinating introduction to a part of the drinks world that deserves far more attention.Episode HighlightsWhy AJABU was created and what makes it different from other cocktail festivals.How African hospitality is rooted in community, generosity and genuine welcome.Discovering indigenous African spirits, ingredients and forgotten flavours.Alexander Quest's remarkable journey from thoracic surgeon to internationally recognised bartender and bar owner.Why Africa may be the most exciting emerging destination in the global cocktail industry.In this episode you'll learnWhat AJABU means and the philosophy behind the festival.Why collaboration sits at the heart of African cocktail culture.How indigenous ingredients inspire modern cocktails.The role of Ubuntu in hospitality.Why travel and cultural exchange make better bartenders.How local African spirits compare with familiar Western categories.Why Africa's cocktail scene deserves far greater global recognition.About the guestsColin Asare-AppiahBorn in Ghana, Colin Asare-Appiah is one of the drinks industry's most respected educators, mentors and global ambassadors. A multiple award winner at Tales of the Cocktail, he co-founded the AJABU Cocktail & Spirits Festival to showcase African hospitality, creativity and talent to the world.Alexander QuestAlexander Quest is an award-winning bartender, entrepreneur and former thoracic surgeon from Cameroon, now based in Côte d'Ivoire. Through his bars and educational work, he champions indigenous African ingredients, local spirits and the stories that connect communities across the continent.Topics coveredAJABU Cocktail & Spirits FestivalAfrican cocktail cultureUbuntu philosophyIndigenous African spiritsPalm spirits and traditional distillationHospitality traditions across AfricaLocal ingredients and flavour discoveryCommunity in bartendingCultural exchange through cocktailsTales of the Cocktail 2026Resources & LinksAJABU Cocktail & Spirits Festival: https://ajabu.comAJABU Instagram: @ajabuFestival tickets (via Quicket): https://www.quicket.co.zaMemorable Quotes"Connect. Collaborate. Create.""Community is a big part of AJABU.""Hospitality for us is a genuine welcome.""Travel creates better conversations.""Together we can achieve many things."If you enjoyed this episode...Please consider following The Cocktail Academy, leaving a rating or review, and sharing this episode with someone who loves cocktails, hospitality and discovering the stories behind the world's most exciting drinks cultures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.