6 Popular Algerian Beverages

Algerian wine is a fascinating beverage with a long history dating back to ancient Roman times. The country’s fertile soil and ideal climate are excellent for growing wine grapes, especially red grapes.

During the French colonial period, Algerian wine production saw a significant boost thanks to the introduction of modern winemaking techniques. In the mid-20th century, Algeria was the world’s top wine exporter.

Nowadays, Algerian wine is less well-known among the population than it once was. However, locals are becoming more and more interested in its revival.

Must-try Algerian wine brands include Koutoubia, Raïs, Côteaux de Mascara, and Sahara.

The robust flavors, rich aromas, and spicy and fruity edges of local vintages go well with rich and hearty dishes, including chorba frik, tajine, and rechta.

You have just had a tour of the best beverages in Algeria. Next, let’s check out the most outstanding features of local drinks.

Coffee is among the most iconic beverages in Algeria. Espresso and strong black coffee are the most popular choices.

Both coffee options are default breakfast drinks. They are often served with pastries and desserts, such as makroudh, mbesses, and qalb el louz.

Ottoman-style coffee was introduced to Algeria when this country became a part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. Still, this drink was mainly known in coastal cities in the country’s northern part.

Only after Algeria was made into a French colony in the 19th century did coffee widely penetrate southern Algeria as well as the rural regions. Today, rich and sweetened coffee is enjoyed throughout the country, especially in the north.

Algerian mint tea is a well-known beverage prepared with dried green tea, spearmint leaves, and sugar. It is also known as Maghrebi mint tea or Moroccan mint tea, highlighting its widespread appeal in the region.

The tradition of drinking mint-flavored tea in Algeria dates back to the 19th century. Algerians learned how to enjoy tea from Moroccans, who had acquired a taste for tea from the British.

While Algerian mint tea is a favorite drink throughout the country, it is especially well-known in the south and among the Tuareg people (a Berber ethnic group living in the Sahara).

In Algeria, men are usually charged with making the tea. People often have two cups at least, while a Tuareg host always prepares three or more.

Algerian mint tea is served in decorative glasses to showcase its vibrant color and pleasantly sweet taste. Sweet dishes like m’semen, baghrir, and tamina are the best accompaniments for this tea beverage.

Mazagran is a refreshing Algerian cold coffee drink that French colonial soldiers reputedly invented at the Mazagran fortress in the 19th century. It is essentially a mix of strong and sweetened coffee, water, lemon juice, and ice.

Mazagran boasts a sweet, mildly bitter, and highly refreshing flavor that is perfect for the warm Algerian climate. Some people enhance it with extra ingredients like rum, mint, or syrup.

The best type of glassware for serving mazagran is a specifically designed tall and narrow glass that is also known as mazagran. For accompaniments, light dishes like tamina and chtitha batata make perfect pairings.

When the soldiers who created mazagran returned to France, they brought this beverage with them, making it a fashionable drink in France and some European countries.

Cherbet, also known charbet mazhar, is an aromatic beverage widely consumed in Algeria. Its main ingredients are orange flower water, sugar, cinnamon, and water, though some versions feature lemons for a tangy twist.

Dating back to Ottoman times, cherbet is a must-have drink for special occasions, such as Ramadan and weddings. With a sweet and pleasantly tart taste, this fragrant refreshment goes well with various dishes, such as couscous, tajine, and bourek.

Soft drinks are a well-liked beverage category in Algeria. Among the many famous local names, Hamoud Boualem and Orangina are the ones that most deserve your attention.

Established in 1878, Hamoud Boualem is a long-time Algerian company known for soda and other fizzy drinks. Its typical brands include Hamoud, Slim, and Selecto.

Orangina is an Algerian carbonated citrus beverage invented in the 1930s. It is made with orange juice, lemon juice, mandarin juice, carbonated water, and orange pulp.

Most Algerian soft drinks boast a mix of sweetness and tanginess and are usually served with ice. You can pair them with dishes of all kinds, especially savory ones like kefta, chorba frik, and dolmas, for a contrast of flavors.