The Ultimate Nigerian Chapman Drink Recipe
Chapman is a delightful and refreshing drink, loved across Nigeria for its sweet, citrusy, and lightly fizzy taste. It’s a crowd favourite at Nigerian restaurants, bars, and parties, perfect for cooling off on a warm day or accompanying spicy dishes. And the best part? It’s simple to make at home!
Let’s walk through how to create this classic drink in a few easy steps.
Ingredients for Chapman (Serves 4)
- 1 bottle of Fanta (or any orange soda)
- 1 bottle of Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda)
- 1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons of blackcurrant cordial (such as Ribena)
- Angostura aromatic bitters (4-5 dashes)
- 1 cucumber (sliced into thin rounds)
- 1 lemon (sliced into wedges)
- 1 lime (sliced into wedges)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chapman
-
Prepare Your Glasses:
- Fill large glasses (tall ones work best) with plenty of ice cubes. This ensures your Chapman stays cold and refreshing.
-
Add Flavour Bases:
- Add a tablespoon of grenadine syrup to each glass. The grenadine gives Chapman its signature pinkish-red hue and a subtle sweetness.
- Next, pour in 1-2 tablespoons of blackcurrant cordial, depending on how rich you want the flavour.
-
Add Angostura Bitters:
- Add 4-5 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters to each glass. The bitters add a depth of flavour and a slight herbal kick that makes Chapman truly unique.
-
Mix the Sodas:
- Pour equal amounts of Fanta and Sprite into each glass, filling them up about three-quarters full. The sodas give the drink its fizz and citrusy flavour.
- Stir gently to combine the flavours without losing the fizz.
-
Garnish with Cucumber and Citrus:
- Add a few slices of cucumber and wedges of lemon and lime to each glass. This adds a refreshing, cooling element to the drink.
- You can also lightly squeeze a lime wedge into the drink for an extra burst of citrus.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- For an extra touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy your Chapman drink cold!
Tips for the Perfect Chapman
- Use Plenty of Ice: Chapman is best served icy cold, so don’t be shy with the ice cubes.
- Customise to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of grenadine, blackcurrant cordial, or bitters to suit your preferences.
- Non-Alcoholic, Yet Complex: Angostura bitters are alcoholic, but the small amount used means the drink remains non-alcoholic and is safe for most people to enjoy.
- Serve with Snacks: Pair your Chapman with spicy Nigerian small chops like puff-puff, samosas, or grilled suya for a true taste of Nigeria.
Conclusion
Chapman is a delightful, versatile drink that can be enjoyed at any gathering or as a refreshing treat on a sunny day. Its beautiful colour, fruity taste, and fizzy kick make it a drink you’ll want to make over and over again. Cheers to a classic Nigerian beverage that never disappoints!