From soft red tea leaves and fermented milk to homemade beers and pub-favoured shooters, the below drinks are must-try ones when you travel around South Africa.
1. Umqombothi
Umqombothi is a Xhosa beer. Made from corn, it is high in vitamin-B and has a low alcohol content than most commercial beers. This beer is usually drunk in a communal setting where the drink is shared between friends and family. In the past, Umqombothi was only drunk by men, despite having been made by the women.
2. Witblits
Literally “White lighting” (and also known as firewater), Witblits is a grape-fermented amateur brandy that definitely packs a punch. It’s mostly produced and consumed in the Western Cape, and is our version of American moonshine.
3. Mampoer
(Photo credit to Holger Meier)
Mampoer is the fruitier alternative to Witblits, made from peach, apricot, litchi, and other fruit. It is said to be named after the Pedi chief Mampuru and is most commonly consumed in the northern parts of South Africa, though can also be bought online. Groot Marico is said to be the Mampoer capital of South Africa.
4. Amarula
This sweet and creamy liqueur can be added to anything from Irish coffee, to ice cream – or simply enjoyed “on the rocks Made from the fruit of the Marula tree, Amarula is even a firm favourite among monkeys and elephants who become intoxicated after consuming too much of the over-ripe Marula fruits.
5. Wines
South Africa is known for its internationally acclaimed wines, which are a cheerful mix of upmarket sophistication and variety. Jerepigo, a sweet dessert wine with a dash of brandy, and Pinotage which is a mix of cinsut and pinot noir grapes, are two local specialities you don’t want to miss out on!
6. Beer
For South Africans, beer and boerewors go hand in hand, and it’s not surprising that beer is considered to be South Africa’s unofficial national drink – especially during the sporting season. While we have popular local beers produced by South African Breweries (SAB,) smaller, local and more niche breweries are becoming more popular. Some local craft beer include Mitchell’s, Jack Black, Porcupine Quills Brewery, Black Horse Brewery, Gilroy’s Brewery, and Sabie Brewing.
7. Van Der Hum Liqueur
Created by a Dutch man over 300 years ago, this Original Cape citrus liqueur combines spices, herbs, sugar, tangerines, potstill brandy, and diluted wine. It’s named after its original creator, and is a firm favourite amongst South Africans.
8. Springbok (Springbokkies)
A Springbok is a popular shooter named after the long-legged buck and the same-named South African sports team that wears gold and green. The drink mimics the colour of the springbok and veld, and the jersey of the Springboks team, by layering creamy Amarula over a vibrant green peppermint liqueur and/or green crème de menthe. It’s served in bars around the country and is very popular during the sporting season – regardless of the teams’ performance on the field.
9. Amasi
This non-alcoholic, thick and slightly sour milk can be bought at most shopping centres around the country and is a great source of probiotics. Amasi is made by fermenting fresh milk for a few days in a calabash (traditional) or plastic container (modern) leading to a high lactic acid content. Studies have shown that Amasi promotes an improved immune response in the body, and better absorption of vitamins and minerals, in those who consume it regularly.
10. Rooibos
Rooibos is a made in the Cederberg Region of the Western Cape and is shipped and sold internationally under the name of “red tea” and “red bush”. It is unique since throughout the world, it is only grown in two specific valleys in South Africa – in the Western and Northern Cape. The slightly reddish tea is packed full of antioxidants and is often added to other teas to enhance their flavours, such as other fully South African favourites like honeybush, hoodia, and buchu.
11. Mageu /amaHewu
Mageu, a non-alcoholic drink made from fermented mealie pap, looks like a thin carbohydrate-rich porridge which is drunk on its own as a meal replacement. It’s made by adding flour or sorghum to maize porridge, then adding water and leaving it in the sunshine to ferment for a day or two. It’s high in vitamin B and probiotics, and is said to improve digestion.
Which of these 11 drinks is your favourite?
Main image credited to daveynin (Flickr)
