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Peter Matika
THEY say two is company and three’s a crowd. But that’s a notion that barman-cum-mixologist Leo Makuni from the Boundary Bar and Restaurant in Bulawayo does not believe in.

In actual fact, he is of the opinion that the more the merrier and to him three is a magic number. Perhaps that is why in just nine minutes he is able to prepare three different cocktails fit for a trio.

This week our beverage tasting adventure landed us at the Boundary where we had the opportunity to sample three of their best cocktails.

The first one being the Maithai, a colourful alcoholic and fruity flavoured cocktail that would send your taste buds into heavenly sensation.

A combination of two rums, white and dark, orange juice, pineapple and of course a secret ingredient, the melange is prepared in just three minutes. Pronounced MuayThai, a form of Thai boxing which encompasses stand up striking along with a number of clinching techniques. It’s a sport that is characterised by the use of fists, elbows, knees and shins. So you probably get the drift here; it’s a drink that will definitely knock the lights out of you.

Leo Makuni prepares a Zambezi Maithai

“This is a crowd favourite and a signature to our establishment. As a mixologist I came up with the recipe and it is indeed a banger and a choice many go for,” says Leo. He mentioned that the cocktail was not limited to a single gender and in-fact had proved to be favourite among men.

“Anybody, of course above 18 can enjoy it. It’s a mellow drink that needs you to drink it slowly and in moderation. Cocktails are best consumed with a straw,” says Leo.

Adding to his comments, the establishment’s manager Kimberly Greenland said she preferred to have it stirred as it blended all flavours into one to create an intoxicating sensation in the mouth.

“Some like it stirred some don’t but I prefer it stirred because of the thrilling sensation it creates on my taste buds and of course the invigorating feeling it gives me after a long day at work,” said Greenland.

She said cocktails had become a favourite over the past few months and as a bar they were “pushing” the movement hence they have introduced cocktail specials on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

“We have our women crush Wednesdays where we promote females in the music industry,” says Greenland.
The second on his list was the Very Merry Berry and of course this is self-explanatory. It is a cocktail mixed with white gin and lots of berries as well as colourants. This is a favourite for the ladies or if you can’t manage the hard taste of alcohol.

“This is a lovingly created beverage blended with gin and fresh berries. These include raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and… it’s a trade secret,” said Leo laughing as he made haste to complete the third cocktail – Sex on the Beach.

This cocktail that needs no introduction, it is classed as an international bartender’s association official drink. Peach or orange in colour, the drink definitely sends shockwaves down your throat and leaves your bones feeling wobbly.

“A Sex on the Beach contains vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice. But over the years mixologists have improved it to suit what their clients prefer. It is a classic cocktail that many love and especially in the summer,” adds Leo.

He noted they had a growing menu of cocktails, which of course he is contributing to immensely.
“So far there are 13 signature cocktails to choose from but our menu holds 20. We review our cocktails every week to improve on our client satisfaction.