Sometimes, a journey around the world doesn’t require a suitcase, just a shaker, a glass, and the right ingredients. Cocktails are more than just drinks; they’re cultural signatures, carrying the flavours, stories, and festive spirit of the countries they come from.

 

Today, we’ll sip our way across three countries, discovering the fruity sweetness of Nigeria’s Chapman, the bold yet refreshing allure of Spain’s Sangria, and the tangy kick of Mexico’s Margarita. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, these recipes will bring global flair to your glass.

Nigeria’s Chapman

A Nigerian party classic, Chapman is the ultimate non-alcoholic cocktail, beloved for its fruity sweetness and bright red hue. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works just as well for family gatherings as it does for upscale events.

 

Ingredients

1 cup Fanta

1 cup Sprite

1 cup blackcurrant juice (e.g., Ribena)

½ cucumber (sliced into thin rounds)

½ orange (sliced)

1 lemon (sliced)

A dash of grenadine syrup

Ice cubes

 

Method

Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes.

 

Pour in the Fanta, Sprite, and blackcurrant juice in equal parts.

 

Add a dash of grenadine syrup for colour and depth.

 

Stir gently and garnish with slices of cucumber, orange, and lemon.

Spain’s Sangria

A staple of Spanish summers, Sangria is a wine-based punch packed with fruit and perfect for slow, sunny afternoons. While traditionally alcoholic, you can make a non-alcoholic version by swapping wine for grape juice.

 

Ingredients

1 bottle red wine (or grape juice for non-alcoholic version)

2 cups soda water or lemon-lime soda

½ cup brandy (optional)

1 orange (sliced)

1 lemon (sliced)

1 apple (cubed)

2 tablespoons sugar

Ice cubes

 

Method

In a large jug, combine the wine (or grape juice) with brandy and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.

 

Add all the sliced fruits and mix gently.

 

Chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavours blend.

 

Just before serving, add soda water or lemon-lime soda and ice.

Mexico’s Margarita

Zesty and refreshing, the Margarita is Mexico’s iconic cocktail, perfect for warm evenings and festive nights. The balance of lime, tequila, and a touch of sweetness makes it timeless.

 

Ingredients

½ cup tequila

¼ cup triple sec (orange liqueur)

¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon sugar syrup, or agave syrup

Ice cubes

Salt (for rimming the glass)

Lime wedges (for garnish)

 

Method

Run a lime wedge around the rim of two glasses and dip it into salt.

 

In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and sugar syrup with ice.

 

Shake well until chilled.

 

Strain into the glasses and garnish with lime wedges.

From the sweetness of Chapman to the fruity depth of Sangria and the citrusy zing of Margarita, these cocktails capture the spirit of their homelands. The next time you want to travel without leaving your kitchen, just mix, sip, and let your taste buds take the trip.

 

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