9 Traditional Liberian Beverages

Palm wine, known in Liberia as “poyo,” is a traditional beverage made from the sap of palm trees, particularly the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). When freshly tapped, palm wine is sweet and slightly fizzy, with an alcohol content that increases as it ferments.

Its flavor shifts from sweet to tangy, with hints of yeast and mild acidity. It is a staple at social events and traditional ceremonies like weddings and funerals, enjoyed year-round but especially during the dry season when tapping palm trees is easier.

Coconut water is a beloved beverage in Liberian cuisine, sourced from the clear liquid inside young green coconuts. It is prized for its natural sweetness, mild nutty flavor, and hydrating properties.

Typically enjoyed fresh, directly from the coconut, it is available year-round and consumed at any time of day. Coconut water is a staple at social gatherings and beach outings due to its refreshing nature.

Club beer, produced by Monrovia Breweries Inc. since 1961, is Liberia’s well-liked beverage. This premium lager offers a refreshing and crisp taste with a mild sweetness from the grainy malt and a slight bitterness from the hops.

Club Beer is enjoyed year-round, particularly at social gatherings, parties, and casual dining events. Available in different sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—it caters to various preferences and occasions.

Ginger beer, or “ginger brew,” is a national beverage in Liberian cuisine. Made from fermented ginger root, sugar, and water, this non-alcoholic drink offers a distinctive spicy and sweet flavor.

The robust taste features the spice of ginger with a sweet undertone and slight acidity from the fermentation, creating a naturally fizzy texture.

Typically served cold, ginger beer is especially popular during Liberia’s hot summer months. It’s enjoyed year-round, often favored during lunch and dinner, and is a staple at family gatherings and traditional celebrations.

Bissap, also known as hibiscus tea or karkade, is a traditional beverage in Liberia and many West African countries. Made from the dried calyces of the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, it boasts a ruby-red color and a tart, slightly sweet flavor.

Enjoyed year-round, especially during hot summer months, bissap is a staple at social gatherings, religious events, and celebrations. It is also popular in the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Central Africa, where it’s known as “zobo” in Nigeria and “sorrel” in the Caribbean.

Gana gana, or cane juice, is a traditional Liberian beverage made from fermented sugarcane juice. This street drink boasts a sweet, slightly grassy flavor with a robust alcoholic kick and a smooth texture. It’s popular among locals for its distinct taste and warming bite.

In Liberia, gana gana is widely enjoyed in urban and rural areas with plentiful sugarcane. It’s a year-round favorite at social gatherings, festivals, and local celebrations, notably featured at the annual Cane Juice Festival, which celebrates Liberia’s cultural heritage and promotes tourism.

Sour-sop juice, or graviola or guanabana juice, is a traditional beverage in Liberia. Made from the pulp of the soursop fruit, this exotic drink offers sweet, slightly tangy, and creamy flavors. The juice’s texture can vary from smooth and thick to thin, depending on how it’s prepared.

Enjoyed year-round, sour-sop Juice is often served cold, making it a refreshing choice during hot afternoons or with lunch.

Lemongrass tea, a staple in Liberian cuisine, is made by steeping fresh or dried lemongrass leaves in hot water, it offers a light, citrusy flavor with subtle grassy undertones. Typically enjoyed hot, lemongrass tea is a favorite for breakfast or as a soothing evening drink.

It’s also served chilled year-round, and especially popular during the rainy season when a warm, comforting beverage is appreciated.

Bush tea, also known as “red bush tea” or “rooibos tea,” is a traditional beverage in Liberia and other parts of Africa. Made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, it offers a naturally sweet and earthy flavor with subtle hints of vanilla and a smooth texture.

The mild taste of bush tea often includes secondary notes of herbs like lavender, chamomile, or lemon balm, depending on the blend. Enjoyed hot or cold, it’s a versatile drink suitable for any season and commonly served during breakfast or evening.