Apart from the delicious dishes you will find on the streets of Ghana, there are mind blowing local drinks that will get you addicted and obsessed, wanting you to experience more of Ghana’s wonderful taste. Here are a few local drinks you should try before leaving Ghana
SOBOLO
Sobolo is a popular beverage in Ghana and other parts of West Africa. It is also known as hibiscus tea or bissap. The drink is made from dried hibiscus flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa), which are commonly known as sorrel or roselle.
The dried flowers are boiled with water and often sweetened with sugar or honey to taste. Some variations may include additional ingredients such as ginger, cloves, or pineapple for added flavor. Sobolo is loved for its refreshing taste and vibrant red color.
BRUKINA
Brukina is typically made from dried hibiscus flowers (the same ingredient used in making Sobolo), millet flour, water, and sugar. Sometimes, additional ingredients such as ginger, pineapple, or lemon may be added for extra flavor.
The millet flour gives brukina a slightly thick and creamy texture, distinguishing it from other hibiscus-based drinks. To prepare brukina, dried hibiscus flowers are boiled with water, then strained to remove the flowers.
The millet flour is mixed with water to form a paste, which is then added to the hibiscus-infused water. The mixture is sweetened with sugar to taste and sometimes flavored with additional ingredients before being served cold.
ASAANA & NM3DAA
Asana is made from fermented corn dough water. The fermented corn dough is boiled and the water which rises above the mix is sieved off. Caramelised Sugar is then added to it. Asaanaa can be drunk with ice-cubes. They add sugar or caramel to the drink because of the unending melting of the ice. Nm3daa is made traditionally by the Ga’s and is popularly served at traditional weddings, naming ceremonies and funerals. It’s a common sight to see traditional rulers drink Nm3daa in calabashes at events.
PITO
Pito is a traditional fermented beverage that originates from Ghana, particularly among the Dagomba people in the northern regions. Here are some interesting facts about pito. Pito is typically made from fermented millet or sorghum grains, although other grains like maize may also be used.
The grains are soaked, germinated, dried, and then milled in into flour before being mixed with water to form a mash. pito is not just a beverage but also a symbol of Ghanaian culture, tradition, and social cohesion, with a rich history dating back centuries
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PALM WINE
Palm wine is a traditional alcoholic beverage that is popular in various tropical regions around the world, including West Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America. Here are some interesting facts about palm wine, particularly in the context of Ghana. Palm wine is extracted from the sap of various species of palm trees.
In Ghana, the most commonly tapped palm tree species for palm wine is the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and the raffia palm (Raphia spp.). The sap is collected by tapping into the palm tree’s trunk or inflorescence. palm wine is not only a traditional alcoholic beverage but also an integral part of the cultural heritage and socio-economic fabric of Ghana and other palm wine-producing regions.
LAMUGIN
Lamugin refers to a chilled ginger drink that is popular in some regions, particularly in West Africa. It’s a refreshing beverage made from ginger, often sweetened with sugar or honey and sometimes flavored with other ingredients like lemon or lime. The primary ingredient in Lamugin is ginger, which is known for its spicy and aromatic flavor. Other common ingredients include water, sugar or honey for sweetness, and sometimes lemon or lime juice for added tanginess.
ICE KENKEY
Blended ice kenkey, also known as “kenkey smoothie” or “kenkey shake,” is a creative and refreshing twist on traditional Ghanaian kenkey. It’s a popular street food and beverage option, especially during hot weather. Here’s how it’s typically prepared. Similar to traditional kenkey, blended ice kenkey starts with fermented maize dough.
The maize dough is cooked and allowed to cool before being used in the smoothie.
To make blended ice kenkey, chunks of cooked and cooled kenkey are blended with other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
Common ingredients used in the blend may include milk, yogurt, ice cubes, sugar or sweeteners, and sometimes additional flavorings like vanilla or cocoa powder and some groundnuts to give more flavor.
ATADWE MILK DRINK (TIGER NUT)
Atadwe milk is not only delicious but also nutritious. Tiger nuts are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, making Atadwe milk a popular alternative to dairy milk for those looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet.
It can be enjoyed on its own, used as a base for smoothies, or added to cereal or coffee as a dairy-free creamer. Overall, Atadwe milk is a versatile and wholesome beverage with a rich flavor that appeals to many people.
SOYA MILK
Soy milk is a nutritious beverage that’s low in calories, high in protein, and rich in several vitamins and minerals. Drinking soy milk may improve your cholesterol levels, reduce high blood pressure, fight inflammation, and support weight loss or weight maintenance.
It’s a refreshing beverage that appeals to many others. Soya milk is a versatile and nutritious dairy milk alternative that is suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences. It offers a range of health benefits and can be enjoyed in numerous ways as part of a balanced diet.
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AKPETESHIE
Akpeteshie is a culturally significant and widely consumed as one of the local drinks to try in Ghana, prized for its potency and flavor. However, its unregulated nature poses challenges in terms of quality control and public health, highlighting the need for greater oversight and regulation within the industry, It offers a range of health benefits.
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