The Dawa cocktail has become a classic drink in Kenya, setting of my novel Burning Embers. ‘Dawa’ means medicine or magic potion in Swahili; the drink is said to soothe all ills. Kenyans use a traditional Dawa stick to stir the cocktail – a wooden stick, sometimes carved or painted or decorated with beads, but you can use any stick for stirring.

The drink originated in Brazil, and was not a favourite back in 1970 when Burning Embers is set, otherwise I would have let Coral sip one at Rafe’s nightclub, The Golden Fish, while watching sensual dances and relaxing in the cool evening sea breeze.

It’s a very simple cocktail to make, and I’ve come up with a non-alcoholic version for those who prefer to give the vodka a miss. Sip on a sunny evening and dream of summer to come!

Ingredients:

1 measure vodka (or tonic water/apple juice)

Ice (crushed)

1 lime wedge (quarter)

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon honey

1. Place the lime wedge in a strong tumbler and crush with a pestle until the lime is juiced.

2. Add the sugar, ice and the vodka.

3. Twist your Dawa stick in honey, then use it to stir up the drink. The more you stir, the sweeter it gets.

Enjoy!