7 Classic Nigerian Drinks You Need To Try

Looking to try your hands at some classic Nigerian drinks? Look no further. Many on the list below are traditional and homemade, featuring fresh ingredients that are packed with health-boosting nutrients. In this modern era, many of the more traditional drinks have been commercialised and can now be bought in bottles from supermarkets and specialist websites. As with many things though, nothing beats the one you make by hand.

All can be served cold as a refreshing summer beverage. The 'milks' can be warmed up for a cosy winter/autumn drink. The Ginger Drink and Zobo can even be served hot as tea. 

Why wait until you visit Nigeria to try these drinks? Full recipes can be found in my cookbook Vegan Nigerian Kitchen.

1. Chapman Cocktail

This bright orange drink is said to have originated from the exclusive Ikoyi Club in Lagos. A combination of popular soft drinks, blackcurrant and copious amounts of freshly sliced fruits make Chapman a refreshing, flavourful and perfect drink for a hot, sunny day. 

2. Fura Da Nono (Millet Milk)

This unique beverage hails from the northern part of Nigeria. There are two main elements to this drink - the fura balls and the milk. The fura balls are made from spiced millet flour. To keep this vegan, you will need any plant-based milk alternative such as soya milk or oat milk. The drink is made by dissolving one of the balls in a cup or bowl of chilled milk. 

3. Ginger Drink

This fresh, immune-boosting drink is common amongst the Hausa people of northern Nigeria. It is sometimes called Hausa beer and is served at special occasions such as weddings and birthday parties. Can you guess the other key ingredient that gives this drink its bright yellow colour?

4. Kunun Aya (Tigernut Milk)

A creamy drink with a sweet, spicy, slightly nutty taste. It is consumed mainly in northern Nigeria, a popular drink amongst the Hausa and Fulani. There are strong similarities between this drink and the Spanish drink Horchata de Chufa. If you are unable to buy tiger nuts locally, you can easily find it online. When working with dried tiger nuts, it is a good idea to soak them for 8 hours or overnight to rehydrate before making this drink. Because tiger nuts are naturally sweet, you may choose to leave out the dates. 

5. Palm Wine

This traditional beverage, which is most popular in the southern parts of Nigeria, is produced from the sap of the palm tree (most commonly date palm or coconut palm tree) which is extracted by a palm wine tapper. The white sap is taken from the cut flower of the tree and is thick, sweet and non-alcoholic before it undergoes fermentation. The fermentation process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, yielding a highly aromatic wine that is mildly intoxicating. 

6. Tsamiya (Tamarind Juice)

Another delicious drink from the northern part of Nigeria, this beverage is easy to make and requires fresh, seasonal ingredients. It has a slightly sweet and sour taste, which can be enhanced with other flavours such as ginger, vanilla, cinnamon or nutmeg.

7. Zobo (Hibiscus Punch)

A popular drink from the northern part of Nigeria but beloved across the whole country. This drink, which is sometimes called Zoborodo, is a spicy and aromatic fruit punch that’s loaded with tons of health benefits. Hibiscus leaves have wonderful floral notes, and the signature deep red colour of the drink is mighty appealing.

Which drink are you curious to try first? Find all the recipes for these and more in my cookbook Vegan Nigerian Kitchen.