Despite the popularity of soda and other drinks in Ghana, there are still local brews that are equally popular. A part of Ghana’s gastronomy, these beverages signify local culture and history and can be a great way to get to know the country.
Below are the 5 popularly local Ghanaian drinks to try this season;
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Sobolo
Sobolo is definitely the most popular local Ghanaian drink on this list. It is made by boiling dry hibiscus leaves, which are called Bisap in certain parts of the country. Or it might be called Hibiscus tea by the resident bourgeoisie. The dry hibiscus leaves are boiled with cloves, ginger, and a host of other local herbs and spices. Others too add pineapple to give it an extra boost, and then sugar to make it sweet.
Sobolo is believed to have health benefits and has been widely consumed during the COVID-19 pandemic as an immune booster. Sobolo is bottled and sold chilled or frozen.
Pitoo
Pitoo is a type of beer that is consumed not only for its taste, but also because it has alcohol. It’s made from sorghum or millet ground into powder, mixed with water, stirred thoroughly and left to settle. The water on top after it settles is fetched off and the settled sorghum or millet paste boiled. The liquid after it is strained is what we call Pitoo. It is sold mostly in the south and north of the country.
Asaana/Aliha
In Ghana, a fermented corn beverage called Asaana is popular among the locals. The drink is made with fermented corn and sugar. First, the corn is sprinkled with water and covered for 2-4 days to allow it to ferment and sprout. It is then boiled for about an hour, after which the water is strained from it and added to caramelized sugar.
Burkina
Burkina is a Ghanaian millet-based drink made with fresh cow milk or milk powder, salt, water, and sugar. People in the north of Ghana have been consuming the drink since the 1970s when it was introduced to them by traders from Burkina Faso (the former Upper Volta), where it is called “Degeh”. The millet in the Burkina village contains magnesium, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin B. The milk has Vitamin D and Calcium which makes it a great source of good nutrition.
Lamugin
Lamugin, also popularly known as “Hausa beer”, is a ginger drink with origins in the Northern part of Ghana. Uncooked rice or millet is soaked overnight to soften it, and blended. Water, cloves, and ginger are added to the blend. It is then sifted and doused with sugar. Like other local drinks
