Kosupa Travel

Have you heard of “Waragi,” one of Africa’s most iconic liquors? It has gained some online buzz recently after being featured on TV. During my trip to Uganda, I had the opportunity to try Waragi firsthand. Here’s my experience and everything you need to know about this fascinating drink!

What is “Waragi”?

Waragi is a distilled spirit predominantly made in Uganda, often from bananas or cassava. It’s referred to as Uganda’s gin, holding a status comparable to beer in Uganda and similar to shochu in Japan. However, unlike shochu, Waragi has a high alcohol content of around 40% and is typically consumed straight, without mixers.

Uganda Breweries commercially sells Waragi, making it available in supermarkets and convenience stores. Historically, Waragi production was banned under national health campaigns (allegedly also influenced by British interests), but it later became permitted through political campaigns. Today, Waragi is widely produced, even illicitly, in Ugandan households, making it a staple beverage throughout the country.

www.ugandabreweries.com

Originally influenced by imported British gin in the 1960s, Waragi now has a unique flavor profile distinct from typical gin, using local ingredients and aromas.

The name originates from the Luganda word for distilled liquor, “Enguli,” combined with “War Gin” (meaning “war liquor” in English), coined by British residents in Uganda. Hence, “Waragi” is the more accurate pronunciation.

Drinking Waragi at a Local Ugandan Pub

To truly appreciate Waragi, I decided to drink it like the locals, immersing myself in Ugandan culture at a local pub rather than just buying it from a convenience store.

At a Pub in Mpigi, Near Kampala

Though Uganda is relatively safe, solo travelers, especially asian, might attract attention. Therefore, it’s advisable to visit local pubs with acquaintances or in groups. I was guided by local friends from SINA Village to a lively pub in Mpigi, a small town near Kampala.

Enjoying Waragi and Beer

In Uganda, it’s common to order several bottles of beer along with Waragi for the table, with everyone drinking freely. Similar to Japan, we started with a beer toast.

We began with Nile Beer, a flagship lager from Nile Breweries, one of Uganda’s leading beer manufacturers.

nilebreweries.com

Next, we had Club Beer, another popular choice in Uganda. Ugandans seem to favor pilsners, much like many Japanese people.

Finally Tasting Waragi!

I finally got to taste Waragi. Despite hearing about its intense flavor, I found it surprisingly light and refreshing with a hint of banana. Its high alcohol content makes it easy to get drunk quickly when consumed straight, but the taste was pleasant and not overwhelmingly strong.

Uganda Breweries offers three types of Waragi: the original, coconut-flavored, and pineapple-flavored. The flavored varieties might appeal to those who enjoy sweet-tasting alcohol.

Following local advice from my guide Patrick, I tried mixing Waragi with Guinness beer, but it resulted in a bitter, hard-to-drink concoction. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend this combination!

Ugandan drinking style involves mixing Waragi with beer, leading to quick intoxication for both locals and visitors. Soon enough, everyone in the pub started dancing.

Conclusion

This time, I introduced Waragi, one of Africa’s iconic drinks. Waragi’s surprisingly refreshing taste can offer a unique cultural experience, enhancing your African travels. If you like it, try different flavors and experiment with various mixers to create your own cocktails!

Back in Japan, I shared Waragi (pineapple flavor) with friends at a bar, and it was a hit. Mixing it with soda water made a delicious instant tropical-flavored sour cocktail!