When you think of Ghana, your mind might jump straight to jollof rice, kente cloth, or Azonto dance moves. But what about the local drinks? Trust me, Ghana’s drink game is just as strong — and maybe even more buzz-worthy (pun fully intended)! 🥂
Whether you’re looking to cool off under the hot African sun, enjoy a little buzz without selling your soul to imported beer, or just sip something uniquely Ghanaian, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive into the best local drinks you absolutely MUST try when in Ghana!
🥤 1. Sobolo (Hibiscus Drink)
Sobolo is that one drink every Ghanaian grandma swears by — part delicious, part “you’ll never fall sick again” magical potion. Made from hibiscus petals, ginger, cloves, and sometimes a bit of pineapple juice, Sobolo is a refreshing ruby-red drink with a zesty kick.
- Tastes like: Sweet-tart goodness with a ginger punch.
- Best enjoyed: Ice cold under a mango tree.
- Fun Fact: It’s so good, it’s been hijacked by fancy restaurants that now call it “hibiscus cooler.” Stay woke.
Related Read: A Tourist’s Guide to Ghanaian Street Food
🥂 2. Palm Wine (Nsafufuo)
Ahh, palm wine — the drink of the gods! Freshly tapped from palm trees, it’s sweet and slightly fizzy when fresh, but leave it a few hours and boom — it’s fermented into something that’ll have you dancing Adowa in no time.
- Tastes like: A slightly sweet, yeasty soda (fresh) or a lightly alcoholic drink (fermented).
- Best enjoyed: Fresh from the source in a calabash bowl, in a village where mobile network is still a rumor.
- Warning: It sneaks up on you! You might feel fine… until you stand up.
🧉 3. Alomo Bitters
Alomo Bitters is Ghana’s unofficial “life coach” in a bottle. Made with herbs and roots, it’s said to “cleanse your system”, “give you energy,” and “fix broken hearts” (okay, maybe not that last one).
- Tastes like: Bitter herbs mixed with alcohol. Not for the faint-hearted!
- Best enjoyed: Chilled with a side of moral support.
- Pro Tip: If you survive your first Alomo shot without making a face, you’re ready to be crowned an honorary Ghanaian.
🧃 4. Asaana (Fermented Corn Drink)
Asaana is a sweet caramelized corn drink, beloved across Ghana’s markets and street corners. Brownish in color, it’s fermented slightly and then sweetened, giving you a refreshing yet filling drink.
- Tastes like: A caramel milkshake, minus the milk.
- Best enjoyed: On a sunny afternoon while haggling over fabric at Makola Market.
- Fun Tip: Look for it in old recycled bottles; that’s when you know it’s the real deal.
🍍 5. Brukina (Millet and Milk Drink)
Imagine if yoghurt and cereal had a baby. That’s Brukina for you! This northern Ghana specialty is made with millet grains soaked in fresh milk — refreshing, filling, and slightly tangy.
- Tastes like: A creamy, grainy milkshake.
- Best enjoyed: As a meal on its own (seriously, it’s filling enough).
- Pro Tip: Brukina is lowkey the Ghanaian version of a “superfood smoothie” — don’t let Instagram influencers fool you!
🍺 6. Pito (Fermented Millet Drink)
Pito is a traditional beer brewed mostly in northern Ghana. Made from fermented millet or sorghum, it’s brewed in earthenware pots and served warm. Some say it’s an acquired taste — others say it’s love at first sip.
- Tastes like: A light sour beer, slightly earthy.
- Best enjoyed: Sitting cross-legged in a small village with locals telling ancient stories.
- Heads up: If you’re new to Pito, pace yourself. It’s stronger than it looks.
🍸 7. Akpeteshie (Local Gin)
Every country has that one drink only the locals can handle. For Ghana, it’s Akpeteshie — a distilled spirit made from palm wine or sugarcane juice. It’s affectionately called “kill-me-quick” for a reason!
- Tastes like: Pure fire. 🔥
- Best enjoyed: Sparingly… very sparingly.
- Survival Tip: If a Ghanaian uncle offers you Akpeteshie, respect your elders and sip — don’t gulp.
Related Read: How to Explore Ghana Without a Tour Guide
Where to Try These Drinks?
- Street vendors and markets: Best for Sobolo, Asaana, Brukina, and Palm Wine.
- Chop bars and local pubs: Grab a chilled bottle of Alomo or a calabash of Pito.
- Village festivals and traditional events: Fresh palm wine and Akpeteshie flow freely!
Note: Always ensure your drinks are sourced hygienically, especially if you’re buying from the roadside. Trust me, you don’t want your souvenir from Ghana to be a 24-hour stomach drama. 😅
Whether you’re in the bustling streets of Accra, the forests of Ashanti, or chilling by the Volta River, Ghana’s local drinks promise you a refreshing adventure. Each drink tells a story — of tradition, of culture, and of pure Ghanaian soul. Some will make you dance, some will make you nap, but all will leave you with unforgettable memories.
So next time you visit Ghana, forget the imported sodas — go local. Your tastebuds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you. 😉