The best cocktails in Lagos for a karaoke night are the ones that relax you without wrecking your voice: something bright and citrusy before you sing, something sweet to sip between songs, and plenty of water in between. Here is a practical guide to what to order at Shaunz Karaoke Bar in Victoria Island, depending on where you are in the night.

Why your drink choice matters on a karaoke night

Singing is a physical thing. Your vocal folds like to be moist and relaxed, and a few habits help or hurt that more than people realise. Alcohol can dry you out, very cold drinks can make your throat feel tight for a minute, and fizzy drinks can leave you burping right in the middle of a high note. None of this means you should sit on plain water all night. It just means pacing and order matter.

Think of the night in three parts: warming up, the main event, and the encore. Each part has drinks that suit it.

Warming up: light, bright and easy

When you first arrive and you are scrolling the touch screen for your opening song, go for something refreshing that you can nurse slowly.

  • Mojito – rum, lime, mint and soda. Fresh, not too heavy, and the mint feels good on the throat. A classic first order for a reason.
  • Gin and Tonic – clean and simple. Ask for plenty of ice, let it sit for a minute, and sip it slowly; it is one of the lighter options on the list.
  • Rock Shandy – the classic version is lemonade, soda water and a dash of bitters, traditionally made without alcohol. Perfect if you want to stay sharp for your first song or you are the one driving. Ask the bar how they make theirs.

Confidence builders: sip, don't gulp

Once your name is in the queue and the nerves start showing up, a well-made sour or daiquiri gives you something to hold and a little lift.

  • Margarita – tequila, lime and orange liqueur. Tangy and punchy. If you have stage fright, one Margarita taken slowly is usually plenty.
  • Daiquiri and Strawberry Daiquiri – rum, lime and sugar in the classic form, with the strawberry version fruitier and softer. Great for people who want a cocktail that does not taste too strong.
  • Whiskey Sour – whisky, lemon and a touch of sweetness. For the person who normally drinks whisky neat but wants something friendlier for a long night.
Tip: order your cocktail, then ask for a glass of room-temperature water with it. Alternate sips. Your voice at 11pm will thank you.

For the group table: drinks that start conversations

Karaoke is a group sport, and some cocktails are made for passing around the table and daring each other onto the stage.

  • Long Island – several white spirits in one glass, topped with cola. It tastes gentler than it is, so treat it with respect, especially if you plan to sing more than once.
  • Zombie – a rum-heavy tiki classic with fruit juices. Fun, tropical and strong. One per person is a sensible rule.
  • Sex on the Beach – vodka, peach and fruit juices. Sweet, colourful and a favourite for girls' nights and birthdays.
  • Wild Sex – one of the cheekier names on the Shaunz list and an easy conversation starter. Ask the bartender what goes into it.
  • Shots – best saved for the moment someone finally nails their song. Celebrate with one round, not five.

If your group is five or more, remember there is a ₦100,000 minimum spend for the table. A mix of cocktails, a bottle of champagne for the toast and a Shaunz Platter usually gets a group there naturally. See the full list on the Shaunz menu.

After the big number: smooth and sweet

You did it. The crowd clapped. Now you can relax into something richer while you watch everyone else take their turn.

  • Pina Colada – rum, coconut and pineapple. Creamy and holiday-like; a lovely reward after a power ballad.
  • Tequila Sunrise – tequila, orange juice and grenadine. Pretty to look at and easy to drink.
  • Black Russian – vodka and coffee liqueur. A good late-night choice when you are winding down.

Prefer something simple? There are beers like Heineken, Trophy, Guinness, Budweiser and Desperados, plus Smirnoff Ice, wine, cognac and whisky. Beer is fizzy, so if you are about to sing, give it a few minutes to settle.

Food helps more than you think

Drinking on an empty stomach is the fastest way to forget the words to a song you have known since secondary school. Line your stomach early. The Shaunz Platter is built for sharing, pepper soup is warm and comforting (go easy on the pepper right before a ballad), and shawarma or grills keep everyone going until midnight. You can also order online if you are planning ahead.

Get your first round on the house

Karaoke runs every day at Shaunz from 4pm till midnight, entry is free, and there are over 50,000 songs to choose from. If you reserve through our link, your first drink is free, which is a very good excuse to try something new from the list above. Still deciding what to sing? Our guide on how to sing karaoke better pairs nicely with your first Mojito.

Please drink responsibly, and plan your ride home before the night starts.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a good cocktail to order before singing karaoke?
Something light and citrusy that you can sip slowly, like a Mojito or a Gin and Tonic. Pair it with a glass of room-temperature water so your throat stays hydrated.
What can I drink if I don't want alcohol?
The classic Rock Shandy is traditionally made without alcohol, so ask the bar how they prepare theirs. Water between songs is always a good idea whatever you are drinking.
Is the first drink really free?
Yes, when you reserve through the Shaunz reservation link your first drink is free. Book through the link before you come.
Which cocktails are best for a group?
Sharing-friendly favourites include Sex on the Beach, Zombie and Long Island, plus a round of shots or champagne for the big toast. Groups of five or more have a ₦100,000 minimum spend.