Joanna James
While there is certainly plenty of culinary delights worth savouring in the Maldives, just as diverse are the varied drinks on offer. From alcoholic concoctions to fresh fruit beverages, there is much to enjoy on your island getaway.
Starting things off is a local favourite called "raa". This is the name given to a drink which is a kind of palm wine. It is made using toddy that has been tapped from palm trees and is generally sweet (when fresh), though it can have a strong smell. While it can be drunk right after it has been tapped, it can also be kept to ferment a bit. This fermentation does offer raa a slight alcoholic content value and makes it sourer; this is the nearest Maldivians get to drinking alcohol which is otherwise prohibited to be sold or drunk on local islands.
Those who just read that alcohol is prohibited on local islands and are wondering how they are going to enjoy their favourite cocktails need not worry; this rule does not apply to private island resorts! In fact, one of the best things to do in Maldives is to chill out by the beach with that special someone or enjoy celebrations with friends while sharing tropical cocktails. Apart from the classical cocktails, you get distinctive local creations worth trying like the "Maldivian Lady" made with ingredients like lychee liqueur, coconut rum, pineapple juice and orange.
Tea or "sai" as the locals call it, is also very popular and can be enjoyed at street-side eateries as well as local cafes and restaurants. Black tea is commonly drunk here though a milk tea option is usually available too. A great way to start the day would be to enjoy some Maldivian jasmine tea, while the perfect thirst quencher would be to have some heavenly iced tea. Private island resorts such as SAii Lagoon Maldives not only offer English breakfast black tea, organic green tea and various iced tea creations but tea-based cocktails too!
If you are looking for a drink that helps you beat the heat and stay healthy too, then you can try one of the many juices in Maldives made with fresh fruits or select vegetables. Papaya, mango, pineapple, watermelon, apple and orange are amongst the popular fruit juices on offer. When it comes to health juices, veggies such as carrots and beets are also used along with natural ingredients like ginger as well as coconut water. Resorts also serve smoothies which provide more fruit-based refreshment.
Wine connoisseurs can also look forward to enjoying their favourites or trying other fine wines from around the world. Resorts in Maldives generally have onsite bars and restaurants which serve a range of wines be it red, white, sparkling, sweet or rosé varieties. You can look to enjoy aperitif cocktails made with wine too, perfect to have before dinner. A variety of beer is also served here apart from the usual favourites such as Carlsberg and Heineken. Depending on the resort, you can sample beers from diverse brands such as Peroni, Singha, Hoegaarden, Leffe and Menabrea.
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