Our Mixologist of the month is Lara Rawa. Through the span of her career, she’s shattered glass ceilings with dedication, hard work and a smile on her face. Creating a world of her own, Lara has risen against all odds to become a force in the male dominated Cocktail industry.

A triple threat; Lawyer, Entrepreneur, Mixologist, and the Founder of Lagos Cocktail Week. Lara began her career by studying Law at the University of Lagos, then obtained a Masters Degree in International Business Law from Queen Mary University of London. She was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2007.

For the love of cocktails and the mystery of the mix, Lara decided to follow her passion and become a Mixologist. Transitioning from a Lawyer to a Mixologist, Lara established her own mobile bar company called Eventi Cocktails in 2009. Lara has been a two time judge on Baileys Baked Fest, and a Celebrity Mixologist for Schweppes amongst others.

An award winning and certified Mixologist, Lara is motivated by her mother who works hard and works smart, never giving up against all odds. In 2014, the Lagos Cocktail Week was born. The first of its kind week long event has impacted the lives of many bartenders and mixologists in Lagos. In addition, it has put Lagos and Nigeria at large on the map of the International Cocktail scene.

The Lagos Cocktail Week has three principles; Educate, Inform, and Entertain. It educates people about cocktail trends both local and international. It also provides a unique customer experience to explore the different varieties of cocktails first hand.

Lara’s resilience has kept her on the steady path for growth all these years. During the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown, Lara evolved with the times and started to sell her cocktails in a can. This launched SmashBox Cocktails; cocktails and mocktails on the go.  Without a doubt, Lara will continue making an impact for many years to come. 

This is why we love Lara Rawa.