There’s something beautifully aimless about September, no big holidays, no pressure, just quiet weekends ripe for road trips and impromptu catchups. It’s the perfect excuse to pack a bag, call the crew, and escape the city, even if you are heading into colder places like the Aberdare, hoping to dodge the bipolar weather. That’s exactly what happened last weekend.

After a long day at the shop, I wrapped up earlier than usual. My friends and I had been planning a low-key getaway to Naivasha, nothing fancy, just some grilled fish, cassava marinated with pilipili, a good view, and each other. These trips don’t happen often, which is why they always feel like a big deal when they do. They remind us of the magic hiding in plain sight, the kind Kenya is quietly famous for.

The road itself was already part of the fun. If you’ve ever driven along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, you know what I mean. The roadside vendors with those soft, rich wool carpets? They don’t just look like comfort, they are comfort. You can feel the story in every thread. I even bought one of those traditional wool hats; it’s the perfect blend of heritage and quiet class.

And by the time we got to Naivasha? We were all in. Tents up, grill sizzling, and lake shimmering. The air was cold but kind, the perfect setting. Nyaboke, my favourite person from Kisii, was glowing; it was her first time seeing the lake, and the joy on her face was contagious. The stories flowed, the laughter rolled, and the cold wasn’t even a factor anymore.

But I had a little twist planned for the evening. Back at a supermarket stop, I had quietly picked up a bottle of Kenya Cane Smooth. I had recently picked up a few cocktail tricks and figured, why not surprise the crew? So, I casually mentioned it, then came the not-so-funny jokes. “Wewe unatuchochanga tu. Do you even know how to make cocktails?”

I did. Well, sort of. I have been experimenting a bit this year. Mixing, shaking, tasting. Not a pro, but not the same person who used to think a cocktail was just juice and KC in a cup. I set up a little drink station by the tents, with a shaker, fresh fruits, some citrus, and ice from our cooler box.

I didn’t need much. The real star? Kenya Cane Smooth, the perfect balance between local heritage and a clean, modern finish. It was the kind of base you could build anything on, and I did. And once the drinks started flowing? Let’s just say the jokes stopped real quick.

I decided to recreate two KC Smooth signature cocktails I had seen my favourite artist, Yaba, make countless times on his socials, both easy and made within minutes. No fancy tools, no hard-to-find ingredients, just a bit of creativity, good company, and a love for great vibes.

By the end of the night, the lake had stilled, the fire was down to soft embers, and the last of the cocktails had long disappeared. We sat there wrapped in blankets and conversation, knowing we had stretched the day for all it was worth. It was an intimate, simple evening, filled with the best laughs and memories.

So next time you are planning a weekend hangout, bring KC Smooth along and create your own perfect vibe. Celebrate the small wins, the quiet laughs, and the moments that keep us pushing forward. That is the heartbeat of our Kenyan spirit worth toasting to.