While the Akan are the largest ethnic group in Ghana, they only make up a plurality of the nation’s population. The country is multi-ethnic and has a diversified population, language, and religious groupings. Seventy-one per cent of Ghanaians identify as Christian, while nearly a fifth identifies as Muslim and ten per cent claim no religious affiliation. With this many groups, every group in Ghana, from the north to the south, has its unique original local beverages. These local drinks in Ghana range from fruit juice to milk & porridge form and many more.
Traditional Ghanaian drinks continue to be widely consumed due to their natural qualities and high nutrient content, despite large global beverage firms invading and affecting the culture of Ghana with their beverages (coke, sprite, Alvaro, etc.). not to mention their importance to culture. The people of Ghana seems to like these local drink and now even consume them n style. Some local brands have also noticed the love the people are giving local drinks and now they have taken the local drink packaging to a whole new level. Others have open restaurants and shops where they serve only local drinks. However, that is a good sign of promoting made-in-Ghana products.
In this article, Mrpocu.com will list some of the top local drinks in Ghana you should try. The popular local drinks to healthy local drinks. You are definitely going to like them all.
Refreshing Local Drinks In Ghana
Brukina
Brukina is a fermented beverage prepared from millet and cow milk that is also known as “deger” or “nunu” in various regions of West Africa. To give it a distinctive flavour, a little sugar and salt are added, and you can even add peanuts for more flavour. This is a Muslim beverage that is offered in tiny plastic bottles at any bus stop or neighbourhood grocery. Additionally, you can buy it from road vendors while sitting in traffic in the comfort of your automobile. We suggest purchasing it from the neighbourhood markets where it is served fresh. The Osu local market is a place where you may find it (found at the end of Oxford Street, walking towards Osu Presbyterian church).
Advantages of this beverage? contains essential elements such fiber, vitamin B, antioxidants, magnesium, calcium, manganese, tryptophan, and phosphorus.
Asaana & Nm3daa
Asaana is comparable to “African Coke.” It is a well-known non-alcoholic caramelized corn beverage produced locally that is created from fermented corn and caramelized sugar (tastes a bit like Malt). The fact that there are TWO distinct forms of Asaana is unknown to many people. The Asaana, which is the first and is well-known, is followed by the Nm3daa. What distinguishes these two, then? In reality, the discrepancies are due to where they came from and how they were made. The Volta Region is the place of Asaana’s origin. Due to its greater popularity, it is primarily sold in markets by women who either carry large calabashes that hold the beverage or sit behind knee-length tables with the same calabash on top. The Assana is one of the best locals drinks in Ghana good for your health.
To keep the beverage cold, huge ice cubes are added. The beverage is placed in a miniature rubber bag that was once used to sell water (pure water sachets came to change this bag).
Ga’s make nm3daa historically, and it is frequently offered during customary weddings, naming rituals, and funerals (basically only consumed on special occasions).
Sobolo
This is perhaps one of the most popular and drank drinks among diverse African and non-African countries. It is known as Bissap in Senegal, Zobo in Nigeria, Sorrel in the Caribbean, and Sobolo in Ghana.
Made from hibiscus leaves and flavoured with pineapple juice and ginger (sometimes a lot of ginger!) to give it a strong, distinctive flavour. It goes well with any spicy meal and is typically served chilled. This drink has been turned into a cocktail in several places, making it a popular and beloved beverage throughout Ghana.
Want to know some quick benefits of Sobolo?
- Helps reduce blood pressure
- Contributes to weight loss
- Helps decrease cholesterol levels
- Contains a lot of vitamin C helps prevent certain illnesses
You might also attempt to make it yourself at home! Hibiscus leaves are available in all of the neighbourhood markets. Simply boil the leaves (you may also add ginger and/or pineapple to them), let them cool, and then store them in the refrigerator. Just like that!
Pito
Pito is an African fermented beverage that is frequently categorized as beer. It is made from fermented millet, sorghum, or occasionally a blend of the two. Although it is popular in other parts of West Africa as well, the drink is most commonly associated with Nigeria and Ghana. After being soaked and dried, the grains are ground and mixed with water. After boiling, the mixture is allowed to ferment. Pito must be strained before being served. The resulting beverage, which ranges in colour from amber to dark brown, is gently sweet and slightly sour. Pito is frequently sipped from standard glasses but is typically presented in a calabash (gourd). Pito is one of the popular oldest local drinks in Ghana
Pito is traditionally neither canned nor bottled; instead, it is typically bought straight from the home where it is brewed. Pito is increasingly being purchased in gallons and consumed from plastic cups, despite the fact that some people still insist on buying it in pots and drinking from calabashes. Pito brewing is a significant source of income for rural households who would otherwise struggle to make ends meet. It is primarily consumed at social events like weddings, naming ceremonies, and funerals.
Lamugin (chilled ginger)
Although you might believe it to be the same as the ginger drink, it is not. The distinction is that lamugin is made by combining it with additional components like water, lemon, and soaking cloves.
Akpeteshie
This alcohol is extremely potent—stronger than whiskey! commonly referred to as Ghana’s national spirit. It is created by distilling either sugar cane or palm wine. It actually has a lengthy history, which we shall discuss with you at another time. So subscribe and keep checking for updates.
Palm wine
An alcoholic beverage known as “palm wine” is produced from the sap of different types of palm trees. Young boys from nearby villages known as “tappers” climb up to the tallest parts of the plant to gather the sap, which is often removed from there. The yeast in the air is allowed to ferment the sap once it has been gathered. In order to remove the sap from a felled palm tree’s trunk, a small fire is inserted into the tree’s trunk. The sap is then collected in jars. As soon as the white sap flows out, it starts to ferment. With the same amount of alcohol as a typical beer, palm wine only needs two hours to produce its alcoholic component. Palm Wine is one of the oldest local drinks in Ghana.
Ginger drink
This drink is made entirely of fiery ginger, as the name already suggests. Any flavourings can be added to the beverage to give it a special twist. Excellent for sore throats and colds!
Ice Kenkey
A probiotic local smoothie called Ice Kenkey is prepared with kenkey. The kenkey could be either a Fante or a Ga kenkey, the two main varieties. The Fante kenkey is a favourite among most people. Kenkey is combined with water, sugar, powdered milk, and ice to make it. It can also include peanuts.
Atadwe (Tiger nut) Milk Drink
Last but not least, atadwe “milk” is a tiger nut pudding created in Ghana using blended rice or rice flour and tiger nut milk collected from the nuts. It is a light dessert that complements entrees that are hot.
Solom Drink
This Ghanaian drink which is popular in the Volta Region of Ghana is made from fermented red millet. The slightly fermented red millet is mixed with water and allowed to boil for about 10 minutes, it is allowed to cool and sugar is added to taste. it is sold chilled with the aid of an ice block.
Gari soakings
A popular Ghanaian dessert called Gari Soakings is made with gari. It is prepared by soaking the gari in milk or water, as the name suggests. frequently accompanied by sugar and roasted groundnuts.