Africa is an amazing continent, and so are its beverages! We are going to look at the most popular African drinks that are out of this world. beverages are part of an alluring social culture in the continent.
People catch up over a few drinks – alcoholic or not – which is why Africa has a bubbly social culture. From coffee to wine, you’ll love what the continent has to offer.
What is the Most Popular Drink in Africa?
There are many popular drinks in Africa, but the most popular drink overall is probably tea. Tea is a very popular beverage throughout the continent. It’s prepared with water, milk, tea leaves and sugar. They sometimes add spices like cardamom or ginger for flavour.
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Coffee is also quite popular in some other parts of Africa such as South Africa and Ethiopia. Juices, sodas, and alcoholic beverages are widely popular.
What is a Traditional African Drink?
There are many traditional African drinks, each with its unique flavour and history. Some of the most popular African drinks include Palm wine, Maas and Karkadé among others.
However, while down to the second-largest continent, indulge in the following most popular African drinks.
1. Karkadé
Made from hibiscus flowers, this refreshing drink is popular in Sudan and other parts of North Africa. They often serve it iced and have a sweet/tart flavour.
2. Munkoyo
This non-alcoholic beverage is made from maize and is popular in Zambia and other parts of Southern Africa. It has a sweet taste and is usually drunk with food.
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3. Mate
Mate is a traditional infusion made from the leaves of yerba mate, a type of holly native to South America. Mate was first introduced to Africa in the 1600s by missionaries, and it quickly became popular among slaves and indentured workers. Today, it is still consumed throughout the continent, particularly in Cameroon, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Ghana.
5. Boukha
Boukha is a distilled spirit made from figs. It is popular in Tunisia and Algeria. Boukha is typically aged for two years in oak barrels, and it has a sweet, fruity flavor. This popular African drink is a warming spirit with notes of raisins and spices. You can enjoy it neat or as a cocktail ingredient. Its alcohol content of 37,5% ABV.
6. Oshikundu
Oshikundu is one of the most popular African drinks, a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage from Namibia. They make this drink with water, pearl millet flour (mahangu), sorghum flour and usually pearl millet bran.
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A small amount of already fermented oshikundu is also added to the mixture. It is then left to ferment for several hours at room temperature until it has a brown color and thick texture.
7. Dawa
Dawa is a popular cocktail in Kenya made with vodka, honey, lime juice and ice. The name dawa means “medicine” in Swahili, and they say the cocktail has healing properties. Dawa is often consumed as a hangover cure, and it is also believed to be an aphrodisiac.
8. Amasi
Amasi is a popular South African fermented milk drink made with cow’s milk, culture, and enzymes. It has a thick, creamy texture and a sour, tangy flavor. Amasi is traditionally served with pap (a type of cornmeal porridge), but they can also enjoy it on its own or with bread.
Amasi is a nutritious drink that is rich in calcium and protein. It is also said to have several health benefits, such as aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. Amasi is easy to make at home, and it can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
9. Pinotage
Pinotage is a type of red wine made from a grape variety that is native to South Africa. Pinotage wines are typically fruity and full-bodied with soft tannins. The young or aged enjoy the wine, and it pairs well with grilled meats and stews.
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10. Jabula
Jabula is a type of beer brewed in Botswana. They make the beer from sorghum, maize and millet, and it has a light, slightly sweet flavor. Jabula is low in alcohol content and people of all ages can enjoy it. They often serve beer during special occasions, such as weddings and funerals.
11. Mazagran
Mazagran is a type of coffee that is popular in Algeria and Morocco. It is made by mixing strong coffee with lemonade or mint syrup, and they usually serve it over ice. They can also make Mazagran with espresso and milk for a more creamy drink.
Mazagran is a type of coffee that is poured over ice and served in a tall, narrow glass. It gets its name from Mazagran—a port city in Algeria—which was granted to France by the Treaty of Tafna in 1837.
12. Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is one of the popular African drinks. It is a type of herbal tea that is made from the leaves of the rooibos plant, which is native to South Africa. The tea has a reddish color and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants and has been said to have many health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system.
13. Maghrebi Mint Tea
Maghrebi mint tea is a type of herbal tea that is popular in Morocco and Algeria. It is made with green tea leaves, mint leaves and sugar, and they usually serve it hot or cold. Maghrebi mint tea has a sweet and refreshing flavor, and they say it has several health benefits, such as aiding digestion and relieving stress.
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14. African Coffee
A type of coffee that is grown in Ethiopia, this coffee is very popular throughout the world. It has a unique flavor that is unlike any other coffee out there.
15. Palm Wine
They make palm wine from the sap of palm trees and it is popular in many parts of Africa. It has a sweet taste and is usually drunk by itself or with food.
