Six Perfect Drinks for Jollof - Kitchen Butterfly (2024)

I’d never really given much thought to the perfect drinks for Jollof till #Jollofgate, when I spied a bottle of ale next to Jamie’s offering. Now, I knowJonny Garrett, the deputy editor of Jamieoliver.com who worked with him on thefeatureis a beer aficionado who loves pairings…(he’s @beerchannelon Twitter)

To be honest, food and drink pairings aren’t something we do a lot with Nigerian food, but we should because what we drink can enhance (or not) the experience of the flavours. In this regard, one seeks for answers to the question ‘Drink pairings for spicy food’.

In my opinion, spice isn’t about heat and overwhelming flavours. Its about subtle blends of flavours, and layers of complexity that complement well to yield a tasty dish.

Some of these drinks I’veknown and drunk from time of ‘this-high’, others, I grew into and yet more are new – suggested by the present and their availability.

Soft Drinks

The go-to, standard accompaniment to Jollof rice. My preferred option is Coca Cola.

Chapman

This sweet, fruity, refreshing mocktail is perfect, perfect for Jollof Rice. A mixture of Fanta Orange, Sprite, Blackcurrant co*cktail and a dash of bitters is more than the sum of its parts. {Chapman recipes}

Malt drinks

A bit dark, a bit sweet, Malt drinks are great if a tad heavy for most meals.

@Kitchnbutterfly And gold Malta Guinness ^_^

See Also

UNESCO settles jollof war between Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria | AfricanewsNigerian Jollof Rice (smoky without firewood or buring)The great Jollof rice Debate Ghana vs NigeriaThe Nigerian Jollof 101 - Extras & Essentials

— Lita (@LitaofLagos) August 20, 2015

Orijin

New kid on the block Orijin is a firm favourite for some Jollof lovers. Its herby flavours complement the rich tomato flavour…take it from there. Try it. I did but was really put off at the bitter contrast. But hey, some people love it.

@Kitchnbutterfly Dodo! And Orijin #WorldJollofDay

— Franklyne Ikediasor (@FabulousGuy_) August 20, 2015

Shandy/ Radler

Light, crisp and refreshing, this is perfect for Jollof. Whether mixed with soda or juice, it delivers the same level of refreshing 🙂

Pale ales

It was the sighting of an ale bottle next to Jamie’s ‘Jollof’ that got me thinking. So yes, apparently, they are a great match for spicy food.

co*cktails

Oh yes, I’ve served a few tropical mixers with Jollof that are beautiful. Anything from a Zobo co*cktail to a Soursop one and Mango,…Awesome.

Wine

My favourite wines to pair with Jollof are sparkling /dry white wines and sweet reds. Roses work well too. Some recommendations for White? Prosecco, Champagne; and reds? Primitivo, Sicilian red, Zinfandel or Valpolicella Ripasso.

{Some co*cktail recipes}

Some Interesting Reads on Food Pairing

3 Rules for Pairing Wines with Spicy Foods