Quick Liquor mixers explained: Schweppes & Handas range guide

What makes Quick Liquor mixers stand out

When you're putting together a proper drink, the spirit gets all the attention but it's the mixer that makes or breaks your cocktail. That's why Quick Liquor mixers deserve a closer look. Whether you're a gin enthusiast who needs the right tonic or someone exploring creative cocktails with local flavour, this range covers the essentials and then some.

The lineup brings together two very different approaches to mixers: Schweppes, the global tonic water standard, and Handas, a Kenyan brand doing interesting things with cold-pressed and distilled juices. Between them, you've got everything from classic G&Ts to more adventurous serves.

Schweppes Tonic Water: the classic choice

Schweppes has been the go-to tonic water for generations, and for good reason. It's got that clean, slightly bitter quinine taste that balances spirits without overpowering them. Quick Liquor stocks it in two convenient formats.

The Schweppes Tonic Water 330ml Can is your single-serve option, perfect when you're mixing one drink at a time and want to keep the fizz fresh. It's the right size for a standard gin and tonic or vodka tonic without waste.

If you're entertaining or just prefer having more on hand, the Schweppes Tonic Water 500ml PET bottle gives you flexibility. You can pour exactly what you need and save the rest for later.

Handas: locally crafted mixers with character

Handas brings something different to the table. These are Kenyan-made mixers that work beautifully in cocktails but also stand up on their own. The range includes both cold-pressed and distilled juice options, each with its own purpose.

The Handas Juice Cold Pressed Extreme Strength - 500ml is concentrated and punchy, designed to add bold flavour to your drinks without diluting them. A little goes a long way, which makes it economical for home bartending.

For something with a floral twist, the Hibiscus Jaba Juice (Distilled) by Handas 500ml brings that distinctive hibiscus tartness that pairs brilliantly with white spirits like gin or vodka. It's got a beautiful colour too, which makes your cocktails look as good as they taste.

The Strawberry Jaba Juice (Distilled) by Handas 500ml offers a sweeter, fruitier profile. It works well with rum or tequila, and it's a crowd-pleaser when you're mixing for guests who prefer their drinks on the sweeter side.

There's also Handas Cold Pressed - 250ml in a smaller format, ideal if you want to test the range before committing to a larger bottle.

Which mixer should you try first?

If you're new to the range, start with the Schweppes Tonic Water 330ml Can. Here's why: it's versatile, foolproof, and works with almost any spirit you've got at home. Whether you're making a gin and tonic, a vodka tonic, or even experimenting with whisky highballs, Schweppes delivers consistent results every time.

The can format means you're not committing to a large bottle, and you'll get that perfect carbonation in every serve. Once you've mastered the classics, that's when you can branch out into the Handas range and start playing with more creative flavour combinations.

For those who already know their way around a tonic water and want to explore something with more local character, the Hibiscus Jaba Juice makes an excellent second purchase. It's distinctive enough to be interesting but still approachable.

Building your home bar with the right mixers

A well-stocked home bar isn't just about the bottles of spirits on your shelf. Having quality mixers on hand means you're always ready to make a proper drink, whether it's for yourself after a long day or for friends who drop by.

The beauty of this range is that it covers both ends of the spectrum: reliable classics and creative local options. You don't need all of them at once, but having at least a tonic water and one Handas juice gives you flexibility.

Order on www.quickliquor.co.ke, delivered across Nairobi.

Some elements of this article were curated with the help of AI and reviewed by the Quick Liquor team. Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to your health. Not for sale to persons under 18. Drink responsibly.