South African beverages offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s diverse culture and natural bounty. From herbal teas to iconic liqueurs, South African drinks provide a range of flavours and experiences that are as varied as the nation itself. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most beloved South African beverages, each with its unique story and taste.
Rooibos Tea Plantation in South Africa
Non-Alcoholic Delights
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, is perhaps the most famous of all South African beverages. Native to the Cederberg region, this caffeine-free herbal tea is renowned for its rich, earthy flavour and numerous health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, rooibos tea is enjoyed hot or iced, often with a slice of lemon or a touch of honey. If you enjoy your tea, then one of the best ways to keep yourself hydrated and refreshed is with this indigenous tea. Its soothing properties make it a popular choice for relaxation and wellness.
Generally, the leaves are oxidized (often termed ‘fermentation’ in common tea processing terminology). Unoxidized “green” rooibos is also produced, but the more demanding production process for green rooibos (similar to the method by which green tea is produced) makes it more expensive than traditional rooibos. In South Africa, it is common to prepare rooibos tea in the same manner as black tea and add milk and sugar to taste. While we mostly had it straight with hot water and honey.
Mageu
Mageu is a traditional South African non-alcoholic beverage made from fermented mealie (maize) pap. This thick, creamy drink is often flavoured with vanilla, strawberry, or banana, and is enjoyed for its nutritional benefits. Mageu is a staple in many South African households, particularly as a refreshing drink during hot weather.
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Gemmerbier
Gemmerbier, or ginger beer, is a popular homemade beverage in South Africa. Made from fermented ginger, sugar, and water, this fizzy drink is enjoyed for its refreshing and slightly spicy flavour. Often served at family gatherings and traditional events, gemmerbier is a beloved drink that offers a taste of South African hospitality.
Rock Shandy
I first learned about the rock shandy when my guide ordered one at the bar, and then came to find out that it’s a popular nonalcoholic drink in Southern African countries. Different variations exist, but it’s largely equal parts sparkling water and lemonade with a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
South African Liqueurs
Amarula
Amarula is a world-famous South African cream liqueur made from the fruit of the marula tree. This unique beverage combines the exotic, fruity notes of marula with velvety cream to create a rich, indulgent drink. Often enjoyed over ice or in cocktails, Amarula’s distinctive taste and creamy texture have earned it a loyal following both in South Africa and internationally.
Amarula is made with sugar, cream and the fruit of the African marula tree, which is also locally called the Elephant tree. And because of the marula tree’s association with elephants, the distiller has made them its symbol and supports elephant conservation efforts, co-funding the Amarula Elephant Research Program.
Amarula is so delicious, and it hasn’t gone unrecognized, since it won gold medal at the 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It’s essentially a smooth, aged cream liqeur made from fruit of the African marula tree, which you’ll likely come across in Southern Africa.
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Van der Hum Liqueur
Van der Hum is a distinctive South African liqueur made from brandy, naartjie (tangerine) peel, and a blend of spices. With its rich, citrusy aroma and complex flavour profile, Van der Hum is enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. It’s a unique beverage that reflects the country’s creative spirit in liqueur making.
Springbok Shooter
The Springbok shooter is a vibrant green and gold cocktail named after South Africa’s national rugby team. Made with layers of peppermint liqueur and Amarula, this visually striking drink is a favourite at celebrations and sporting events. The drink mimics the colour of the springbok and veld, and the jersey of the Springbok team, by layering creamy Amarula over a vibrant green peppermint liqueur and/or green crème de menthe. The combination of minty freshness and creamy sweetness makes it a delightful party beverage.
Springbok Shooter Cocktail
South African Alcohols
Wine
South Africa boasts some of the oldest and most renowned wine regions in the world. South Africa is known for its internationally acclaimed wines, which are a cheerful mix of upmarket sophistication and variety. Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek are just a few of the areas known for their exceptional vineyards. South African wines, particularly Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, offer a range of flavours from crisp and refreshing to robust and full-bodied. The country’s wine industry is celebrated for its innovation and quality, making it a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
The roots of the South African wine industry can be traced to the exploits of the Dutch East India Company back in 1659, which established a supply station in what is now Cape Town.
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South Africa's Western Cape is actually one of my favorite wine regions in the world. It's in part because of the history, which dates back hundreds of years, but also because it's a strong producer of some of my favorite varietals, including Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Not to mention that South Africa's wine regions, such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, are just stupid-beautiful. The best part, you can get great bottles of wine for $10-$20. And glasses of wine for less than $2, like what I had at Cape Town's Old Biscuit Mill. You guys, glasses of wine for less than $2!
Pinotage: As the name presumes, it’s a cross between a couple grapes, Cinsaut (also known as Hermitage) and Pinot Noir, and exists as the signature grape of South Africa wine country. As you may expect it’s a red grape, and produces a fruity, yet earthy flavor with a sweet, almost smokey finish. It’s really an underappreciated wine, but if you go to South Africa to drink one wine, make it pinotage, since South Africa is responsible for a majority of its production.
Jerepigo, a sweet dessert wine with a dash of brandy, and Pinotage, which is a mix of Cinsaut and Pinot Noir grapes, are two local specialities you don’t want to miss out on!
A one day wine tour of the Western Cape Winelands focusing on Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
Beer
For South Africans, beer and boerewors (farmers' sausage) 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.
Castle Lager: Castle Lager is one of South Africa’s most popular commercial beers. If there’s one drink that seems to run through most of Africa, it’s the commercial production of lager beer. And South Africa is no exception, since it’s home to more than 30% of Africa beer production. First brewed in 1895, this refreshing lager has become a staple at social gatherings and braais (barbecues) across the country. Known for its smooth, crisp taste, Castle Lager is a quintessential South African beverage that captures the laid-back vibe of the nation.
Craft Beer: While we have popular local beers produced by South African Breweries, smaller local and more niche breweries are becoming more popular. Craft beer? In Africa? See it and believe ladies and gentlemen. In actuality, there’s a thriving craft beer scene in South Africa, especially in the Western Cape, around Cape Town, and Durban. Some local craft beers include Mitchell’s, Jack Black, Agar’s, Afro Caribbean, Copperlake, Devil’s Peak, Clarens Brewery, Gilroy’s Brewery, and Sabie Brewing Co. Among them, a couple of my favorites were Boston Breweries and Devil’s Peak, both located in Cape Town. I found myself gravitating to Devil’s Peak IPA, called King’s Blockhouse, which is brewed in the west coast IPA style of brewing and tasted just like home.
Umqombothi: Umqombothi is a traditional South African beer made from maize, sorghum malt, yeast, and water. The most local, micro-brewed beer you’ll find in South Africa, however, is umqombothi, which is a low abv beer (no more than 3% usually) made using corn, sorghum malt, yeast and water. This homebrewed beer is rich in cultural significance and often consumed during traditional ceremonies and celebrations. Popular among the Xhosa people of South Africa, this isn’t something you’ll find at restaurants or bars, but more likely to find amongst a gathering of locals passing it around. With its thick, slightly sour taste, Umqombothi is a beverage that embodies the communal and celebratory spirit of South African culture.
Whiskey
South African Whisky is gaining traction abroad, even among some of the most elite brands in the world.
Yes, they like their whiskey in South Africa. You’ll actually see Jameson billboards across the country. However, South Africa also has their own whiskey makers, such as Bain’s, the first South African whiskey to be named “World’s Best Grain Whisky” at Whisky Magazine’s World Whisky Awards. It has some spice to it, so if drinking it neat, you may want to add a splash of water. I highly recommend picking up a bottle if you’re in South Africa, since I consider it one of the best single malt whiskies for the price.
Generally speaking, there's a thriving spirits scene in South Africa. In addition to Bain's, other whiskey producers include Drayman's Highveld, Three Ships, and Knights.
Klipdrift
Ask locals about South African spirits and they’re likely to instead mention Klipdrift (a.k.a. Klippies), which is a South Africa distilled brandy that dates back to 1938. You’re most likely to hear it referenced to a “Klippie and coke,” which is just that, brandy and coke.
Mampoer and Witblits
Mampoer and witblits are to South Africa what moonshine is to America. That’s right, white lightning baby! The best way to get a taste is through mampoer tours, such as in Groot Marico (just west of Johannesburg), which has tours offered by the Marico tourism office. Many of the mampoer makers produce fruit-infused products, just like you’ll find with some of the larger moonshine makers.
Pinotage Coffee
A modern twist on traditional beverages, Pinotage coffee is a fusion of South Africa’s signature red wine grape and rich coffee flavours. This innovative drink combines the best of both worlds, offering a unique taste experience that is distinctly South African.
Summary of Popular South African Beverages
| Beverage | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rooibos Tea | Non-alcoholic | Caffeine-free herbal tea with a rich, earthy flavor and numerous health benefits. |
| Amarula | Liqueur | Cream liqueur made from the fruit of the marula tree, known for its exotic, fruity notes and velvety cream. |
| Castle Lager | Beer | Popular commercial beer with a smooth, crisp taste, a staple at social gatherings. |
| Umqombothi | Beer | Traditional beer made from maize, sorghum malt, yeast, and water, with a thick, slightly sour taste. |
| Springbok Shooter | Cocktail | Vibrant green and gold cocktail made with peppermint liqueur and Amarula, often enjoyed at celebrations. |
| Van der Hum | Liqueur | Distinctive liqueur made from brandy, naartjie peel, and spices, with a rich, citrusy aroma. |
| Mageu | Non-alcoholic | Traditional drink made from fermented maize pap, often flavored with vanilla, strawberry, or banana. |
| Pinotage Coffee | Coffee | Fusion of South Africa’s signature red wine grape and rich coffee flavors. |
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