10 Best Oceanian Beverages

Kava is a traditional drink across the Pacific Islands, especially in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa. It’s made from the ground root of the kava plant.

Its preparation and consumption follow specific rituals that vary from one island culture to another. Typically, its taste is earthy and somewhat bitter. Sipping kava can leave a numb sensation in the mouth due to the active kavalactones, which have sedative and relaxing effects.

Kava is consumed during ceremonial occasions. That’s why it’s considered a symbol of hospitality and social bonding in these countries.

Beer in Oceania has a rich and varied tradition, with each country having its own favorite brands and styles.

In Australia, for example, Victoria Bitter is an iconic beer. New Zealand, on the other hand, is known for its craft beer scene made from different hops.

The Pacific Islands also have their local breweries, such as Vanuatu Brewing Limited producing beers that reflect the tropical climate.

Ginger beer is a non-alcoholic beverage with a spicy and strong ginger taste. It’s a favorite in Australia, with the Bundaberg brand being one of the most recognized.

Originating from the town of Bundaberg in Queensland. Its popularity extends beyond Australia, such as the United Kingdom and the United States.

Ginger beer is an ideal ingredient as a mixer in cocktails or enjoyed on its own.

Coffee is a favorite drink around the world but in Oceania, especially Australia and New Zealand, flat white is a famous coffee drink.

Flat white features a strong espresso shot topped with a velvety microfoam of steamed milk. Therefore, it’s known for its creamy and smooth texture with a harmonious blend of coffee and milk flavors that is neither too bitter nor overly diluted.

Long Black is another coffee beverage popular in Australia and New Zealand.

Made by pouring a double-shot of espresso over hot water, it resembles an Americano but retains a stronger espresso flavor.

Long Black showcases the quality of the coffee beans and the precision of the brewing process, making it a staple in local cafés in these countries.

Coconut water is the clear liquid inside young green coconuts. It has hydrating properties and a sweet, nutty flavor.

It’s a common beverage in the tropical parts of Oceania, particularly in the Pacific Islands such as Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.

In these islands, coconut water is often consumed fresh directly from the coconut.

Australia is renowned for its Shiraz, a type of red wine that has gained international acclaim.

The Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Hunter Valley are among the regions famous for producing Shiraz.

Overall, Australian Shiraz is famous for its bold, robust taste, often with notes of blackberry, plum, pepper, and sometimes chocolate or tobacco, depending on the winemaking technique or the area.

Sauvignon Blanc is an acclaimed wine in New Zealand, particularly in the Marlborough region on the South Island.

It’s a white wine known for its vibrant acidity, with flavors ranging from zesty lime and green apple to tropical fruit and passionfruit.

Although not exclusive to the whole of Oceania, Lemon, Lime, and Bitters (shortened as LLB) has become a beloved non-alcoholic pub staple in Australia and New Zealand.

It’s made by mixing lemonade, lime cordial or fresh lime juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters. The drink offers a sweet, citrusy taste with a slightly bitter undertone.

Originating from New Zealand, Lemon & Paeroa is a soft drink that combines lemon juice with carbonated mineral water from the town of Paeroa.

Known as “World Famous in New Zealand,” L&P is a national icon with a sweet, lemony flavor. You can enjoy this drink on its own or as a mixer.