Now, let me tell you something, you see, in Morocco, they do drink alcohol, but it’s not something you gonna see everywhere like in other places. It’s kinda kept quiet, but if you ask around, you can find some good stuff. The first thing you might wanna try is something called Mahia. Oh boy, that’s a strong drink, made from fruits like figs, grapes, or dates. They even add some anise to give it that special taste. People say the name “Mahia” means “water of life” in Arabic, but let me tell ya, it’s more like fire water! Just a little sip, and you’ll feel the heat goin’ down your throat, ha! But, it’s something that’s been in Morocco for a long time, so if you wanna taste a bit of tradition, you can’t miss it.
Now, let’s talk about Arak. You’ll find this in Morocco too, though it’s not just a Moroccan thing. It comes from the Middle East mostly, places like Lebanon and Syria. But over here, they still drink it. It’s an anise-flavored spirit, kinda like Mahia but not exactly the same. It’s stronger, and they say you should mix it with water to bring out the flavor, but either way, it’s a drink that’ll wake you up, that’s for sure! Folks over there sit around, pour themselves a little bit of Arak, and chat for hours, sippin’ slow. If you ever get the chance to sit with them, don’t be shy, give it a try.
Now, I heard some of the folks there also like to drink wines. Yeah, that’s right, even though you might not expect it, Moroccan people sometimes enjoy Spanish and Portuguese wines. The hot weather makes you wanna drink something smooth, so they go for reds from Spain, like Valdepeñas and Rioja. They say the Spanish reds go well with the spicy Moroccan food, makes it all come together real nice. And let me tell ya, if you like wine, you might wanna look for a bottle from Portugal too, like that Alfrocheiro. They say it’s a good deal for the price, and the taste is a bit lighter, fruity, perfect to cool down with.
But let me tell you, if you’re in Morocco and it’s hot, you might wanna start with something lighter. The local folks love their fresh juices and teas, especially mint tea. It’s refreshing under the hot sun, and you’ll see everybody drinkin’ it. But if you’re there for the alcohol, like I said, it’s there if you look for it. Just know it’s not like other places where folks are drinking in the open. You might find it in certain places or at gatherings, but don’t expect to walk down the street and see it everywhere.
So, to sum it up, Morocco’s got a rich drinking culture, though it’s a bit more hidden. If you’re lucky enough to find some Mahia or Arak, give it a shot, literally! And if you wanna sit back with some wine, there’s Spanish and Portuguese wines that go perfectly with the food. Just remember, everything in moderation, you don’t wanna overdo it!
Tags：[Mahia, Arak, Moroccan alcoholic drinks, Spanish wine, Moroccan culture]