In the Spirit of Spirits: Accra's Most Popular Cocktails
By Charles Aboagye
Photo Source: Mixology Crew
Ghana has had a vibrant nightlife culture from colonial times to the present with each period being characterized by distinct features. Over the past decade, a wave of mixology innovation has swept across the streets of Accra, Kumasi, and beyond. Bartenders in Ghana are not only mastering classic cocktail recipes like the Manhattan, Negroni, and Bloody Marys but also are infusing their creations with Ghana’s rich and bold flavors.
Amid this shift, cocktails have emerged as the new stars. Whether it’s the sweet tang of palm wine or the exotic allure of hibiscus, cocktails have become an important part of nightlife in Ghana. To keep up with the trends, clubs, bars, and hangouts are investing in their mixology with most not only putting a Ghanaian twist on the classic cocktails but promoting signature drinks their customers can enjoy.
Here are some popular signature cocktails that will add to your nightlife experience in Ghana.
1. Kokroko
Photo Source: Vanguard Nigeria
Arguably the most popular cocktail in the country, the Kokroko cocktail served by the Republic Bar & Grill is an absolute delight. It is made of very simple ingredients including pulverized ice, spirit shot, hibiscus, lime, mint, and brown sugar. This cocktail truly lives up to its name which translates to “the Great One” and has even been featured on BBC. Enjoying Kokroko in its signature beer jug should be a highlight for any nightlife lover.
Visit Republic Bar & Grill and enjoy Kokroko here.
2. The Hotspot
Photo Source: Kozo Accra
One thing Ghanaian bars and restaurants would do is play with words and your taste buds. Kozo, the Afro-Asian restaurant serves up some spicy mix when it comes to their Hotspot cocktail. The Hotspot is a tequila-based delight mixed with homemade sherbet syrup, almond syrup, fresh lemon, and orange juice, and adds some heat with red chilies. If you like to get things started on a spicy note, the Hotspot cocktail is a must-try that blends flavor and fun.
Enjoy Kozo’s spicy cocktail here.
3. Wrong Turn
Tread carefully, this cocktail will take you down a meandering path. Garage, one of the best nightlife experiences, cautions their cocktail lovers with this blend of gold rum-infused cinnamon, almond syrup, lime juice, pineapple juice, strawberry puree, and Campari.
4. Zombie
Photo Source: Exhale Lounge
You’re welcome to try a Zombie for the night. Exhale Lounge warns the faint-hearted not to try this blend of gold-white-spiced-dark-rum, Triple Sec, orange juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters. For those who crave cocktails that defy the ordinary and seek an experience that tantalizes the senses, “The Zombie” at Exhale Lounge is a must-try.
Enjoy a Zombie here.
5. Zulu
Ace Tantra’s simple yet indulgent Zulu is sure to be a highlight of your nightlife experience. Dark rum whiskey and tequila in precise measurements come together to form a perfect Zulu cocktail that will indulge your taste buds and keep you in the right vibe for the night.
Experience Ace Tantra’s Zulu here.
Fred*, a mixologist in one of the leading establishments we spoke to said that as clubs, bars, and restaurants in Ghana try to outperform each other when it comes to mixology, cocktail lovers are sure to enjoy the best blends that will take them on a taste journey.
*Fred’s name has been changed.
