What are the best Libyan drinks? The number one question that no one asked me! Libya is a country that prides itself on deep-rooted traditions, and those traditions extend to its drinks. While you won’t be finding any ice-cold beers or cocktails on offer, Libya has a collection of unique and flavorful beverages that range from sweet and fruity to fizzy and refreshing.
Whether you’re wandering the streets of Tripoli or enjoying a meal at a local café, there are plenty of drinks to discover. Here’s a countdown of 10 Libyan drinks you have to try, with a cheeky mention of alcohol at the end.
10. Watermelon Juice
Libya’s scorching heat calls for something light, hydrating, and delicious, and watermelon juice fits that bill perfectly. This drink is as simple as it sounds: fresh watermelon, pressed into juice and chilled. It’s naturally sweet and a wonderful way to cool down when the sun is at its hottest. You’ll find it sold by street vendors in the summer, served in tall glasses over ice. No frills, just pure, hydrating bliss.
9. Moonshine (Arak)
Now, for the drink that you probably shouldn’t be searching for, but it’s a part of Libya’s underground drinking scene: arak. This homemade moonshine is typically made from fermented dates or grains, and it’s illegal in Libya, as alcohol is strictly prohibited. It’s produced and consumed in secrecy, and if you’re lucky (or unlucky) enough to come across it, it’s something that’ll hit you like a freight train. Strong, potent, and incredibly risky to find, arak is certainly not for the faint of heart. I shall leave it at that.
Photo: Hani Nissan
8. Sparkling Water/Soda Water
Libya has embraced the effervescence of sparkling water, and it’s readily available in most cafés and restaurants. It’s refreshing and offers a fizzy alternative to sugary sodas. While not as flavorful as other drinks on this list, sparkling water is perfect for those looking to quench their thirst and balance out the rich, spiced Libyan dishes. It’s also a great way to help digest after a hefty meal.
7. Libyan Coffee
You cannot talk about Libyan drinks without talking about Libyan Coffee culture. Libyan Coffee is a quintessential part of daily life in Libya, and you’ll find it everywhere, from bustling cafés to quiet street corners. Rich, strong, and often served black with sugar, it’s the perfect pick-me-up, enjoyed multiple times a day. A typical Libyan coffee break is never complete without a cigarette, and sipping coffee while smoking is almost a national sport. If you wanna make friends here, its all about coffee and a smoke.
Photo: Aminah Jarouche
6. Qamar al-Din (Apricot Drink)
Qamar al-Din is a classic Libyan drink, especially popular during Ramadan. Made from apricot paste, mixed with water and sweetened to perfection, this fruity drink has a dense, syrupy texture that’s both satisfying and refreshing. The tangy apricot flavor makes it an excellent drink to break the fast, and it’s often served chilled. You’ll often see Qamar al-Din during special occasions, but it’s available year-round in many cafes.
5. Karkadeh (Hibiscus Tea)
A vibrant drink known for its deep red color and tangy taste, Karkadeh is made from dried hibiscus flowers. It’s sweetened with sugar and often served chilled, making it a refreshing choice in the hot Libyan climate. The tartness of the hibiscus is complemented by the sweetness, and it’s incredibly hydrating, making it a go-to for cooling off in the summer. Some versions of Karkadeh are served hot, too, offering a slightly different flavor profile, but cold is definitely the preferred option when the temperatures soar.
4. Libyan Tea
Tea is a serious business in Libya. Libyan tea is sweet, strong, and aromatic, made by brewing black tea leaves with mint and a generous amount of sugar. It’s a drink that permeates daily life, whether at home, in a café, or at social gatherings. Tea drinking in Libya is a ritual, often involving multiple rounds, and it’s typically enjoyed with a cigarette. If you want to understand Libyan culture, just sit down and enjoy a glass of tea with the locals—you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
Photo: libyan aesthetic
3. Jallab
Jallab is a uniquely sweet and fragrant drink that’s made from a base of date molasses, grape molasses, and a touch of rosewater. It’s typically served chilled with pine nuts or raisins floating on top. The result is a deep, aromatic, and refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot afternoons. While not as ubiquitous as some other drinks, Jallab is a special treat that you’ll encounter during Ramadan or other festive occasions. It’s the sort of drink you sip slowly, savoring the complexity of the flavors.
2. Doogh (Yogurt Drink)
A traditional North African beverage that you’ll find all over Libya, Doogh is a yogurt-based drink that combines yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt. It’s savory, tangy, and wonderfully refreshing—perfect for cooling off and complementing the rich flavors of Libyan cuisine. Sometimes, mint is added for extra refreshment, and in certain places, you might even find it carbonated for a fizzy twist. If you’re looking for something to balance out spicy dishes like shakshuka or harira, Doogh is the drink to go for. One of the best Middle-East drinks that you can even get as far as the Balkans.
Photo: GiveRecipe
1. Ginger Beer
And now, the drink that takes the crown as the must-try in Libya: Ginger Beer. While many countries around the world have their own variations of this fiery, spiced beverage, Libya does it right. The Libyan version of ginger beer is potent, spicy, and tangy, providing a refreshing bite to counter the heat of the day.
It’s widely available and easily found in markets, restaurants, and cafés across the country. Whether you’re pairing it with a spicy sfiha or sipping it solo on a warm afternoon, ginger beer is undoubtedly one of the standout drinks of Libya. The kick from the ginger combined with the fizzy sweetness makes it a drink you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Photo: Behance
A Quick Word on Alcohol in Libya
Libya is a country that strictly prohibits alcohol, in keeping with Islamic law. The sale, consumption, and importation of alcoholic beverages are all illegal. That said, there is a hidden underground market for alcohol in Libya, and homemade moonshine (known as arak) is sometimes available, though it’s not something you’ll easily find. How much you need a drink though depends on you…
Libya may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of drinks, but its range of refreshing beverages is as diverse as its food. Whether you’re cooling off with ginger beer, sipping some Libyan tea, or indulging in the sweet, complex flavors of Jallab, Libyan drinks have something unique to offer. So, when you visit (or even if you’re just looking to try something different), make sure you sample at least some of these 10 Libyan drinks.
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