Drinking in South Sudan is a wild ride. After years of alcohol being banned under Sharia law during the northern Sudanese rule, South Sudan has made a solid return to the drinking scene. The country’s bars are diverse, from the fancy spots to the local mud huts.
Whether you’re sipping beers, slamming shots, or dodging hangovers, there’s something for everyone. Here are my top 7 drinks you’ve got to try in South Sudan.
7. Steem – Energy in a Bottle (Non-Alcoholic)
If you need an energy boost, Steem is your go-to. It’s a sugary, fizzy drink that locals love, sort of like a mix between Red Bull and tropical fruit juice. It’s the drink you grab when you need to stay awake or power through the midday heat. Be warned: It’s sweet, it’s sharp, and it’ll give you a proper sugar high.
6. Kisses Vodka – Cheap and Strong
Kisses Vodka comes straight from Ukraine and is the kind of vodka that sneaks up on you. At $12 a bottle, it’s great for getting the party started, whether you’re sipping it neat or mixing it into something ridiculous. It’s affordable, strong, and a great choice for a night out in Juba.
5. Pombe – The Local Moonshine
No trip to South Sudan is complete without Pombe. This homemade fermented drink is brewed from millet or maize, and it’s as local as it gets. It’s often made in plastic jugs and shared around at social gatherings. It’s strong, unpredictable, and might just give you a headache the next day — but that’s part of the fun.
4. Novida Soda – Fruity and Refreshing (Non-Alcoholic)
If you want to take it easy, grab a Novida Soda. It’s a refreshing, fruity soft drink that’s perfect for cooling down in the African heat. It’s big in South Sudan, and you can find it at local shops or markets. It’s sweet, fizzy, and a nice break from the booze.
3. Club Pilsner – The Local Lager
Brewed in South Sudan, Club Pilsner is the beer of choice for many locals. It’s a light lager, easy to drink, and goes down smooth after a long day of work or a tough night out. You’ll find it in bars across Juba, often served ice-cold with a side of grilled meat.
2. Face Down in a Ditch Cocktail – A Wild One
At Afex, they serve a cocktail called Face Down in a Ditch, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. With six different liquors, Heineken, and Guinness all mixed together, it’s a strange, disgusting, yet strangely delightful concoction. It’s strong enough to knock you out, so be careful.
1. South Beer – The Ultimate Local Lager
South Beer is the most popular beer in the country, and for good reason. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for the South Sudanese heat. Whether you’re at a fancy restaurant or a roadside bar, you’ll see locals cracking open bottles of South Beer to relax and socialize. It’s as local as it gets and a must-try when you’re in Juba.
Drinking in South Sudan is an experience. From the strong local spirits to the refreshing non-alcoholic options, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re chilling with a cold beer or braving a shot of Pombe, the drinks are as varied and wild as the country itself. Cheers!