# RTD Kenyan Gin Cocktails African Originals' 5.8 Gin & Tonic Features Locally Sourced Ingredients By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2025-04-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/58-gin-tonic References: [foodanddrinktechnology](https://www.foodanddrinktechnology.com/news/58577/african-originals-launches-kenyas-first-locally-sourced-rtd-gin-and-tonic/) & [shop.africanoriginals](https://shop.africanoriginals.com/product/alcoholic/gin/premium-gins/5-8-classic-gin-tonic/)  Award-winning company [African Originals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-flow-school) launched 5.8 Gin & Tonic, the first ready-to-drink, locally sourced gin and tonic in Kenya. 5.8 Gin’s botanicals are sourced by the Maasai tribe and the fruits are grown across Kenya, representing a close relationship with local farmers and communities. While The Classic is made from baobab from coastal Kilifi, Very Berry uses blueberries from Tigoni, and Spiced Orange gets its juicy brightness—and a hint of heat—from oranges and chilis from across the country. The demand for convenient, [RTD](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elephant-gin) options continues to grow around the world, now reaching Africa, where affluent, urban consumers under the age of 35 are looking for ready-to-drink products that are authentically African and sweet in taste and yet have a [lower alcohol content](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drop-of-gin) compared to hard spirits. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 39% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Locally-sourced Ingredients:** A rising preference for drinks that utilize ingredients harvested within the region showcases an opportunity to build strong relationships with local agriculture and forge a unique brand identity. - **Authentic-african Flavors:** The infusion of traditional African botanicals and fruits into beverages is capturing consumer interest, highlighting the chance for brands to offer authentic experiences that resonate culturally. - **Low-alcohol RTD Beverages:** A growing market for ready-to-drink options with lower alcohol content appeals to younger consumers seeking balanced socializing and healthier lifestyle choices. ### Who This Affects Most - **Ready-to-drink Beverages:** The expansion of the RTD market in Africa provides an opening for beverage companies to explore unique regional flavors and tailoring products to local preferences. - **Botanical-infused Alcohol:** Distilleries and beverage companies can innovate by incorporating native botanicals to create distinctive spirits that stand out in a competitive global market. - **Sustainable Agriculture Partnerships:** Engaging directly with local farmers and communities can lead to sustainable sourcing practices, enhancing brand authenticity and social responsibility. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [African Botanical Gins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/procera-gin.md) - [Convenient Canned Classic Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gibsons-london-dry-gin-tonic.md) - [Summer-Ready Premixed Gin Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whitley-neill-gin.md) - [Ready-To-Pour Negroni Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elephant-gin.md) - [Citrusy Canned Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/four-pillars-rare-dry-gin-tonic.md) - [Spring-Ready RTD Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greenbar-distillery.md) - [Mixology-Inspired Canned Gin Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edinburgh-gin-cocktails.md) - [Low-Alcohol Canned Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edinburgh-gin-raspberry-collins.md) - [RTD Eco-Conscious Highballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crafthouse-cocktails.md)