A burst of flavours at the Heart of Mauritius

Let yourself be carried away on a journey of tropical flavours like no other! The mix of cultures and the tropical climate offers a wide variety of drinks to discover.

Sugarcane Juice: As you roam across the island, you will surely be mesmerized by the endless sugarcane fields. Have you ever been invited for a taste of freshly pressed sugarcane juice? This juice is extracted directly from the sugarcane stalk in a traditional way. It is sweet, light, and, contrary to what one might think, it has a relatively low glycemic index. Sugarcane juice has a strong refreshing power and is perfect on our hot summer days.

Alouda: While visiting our central market in Port Louis, be sure to try an Alouda, a typical Mauritian drink that may be our favourite. Made from milk, vanilla, strawberry, or almond syrup, ice cream, and basil seeds (known here as tukmaria seeds), this colorful, sweet, and tasty drink is often served with ice cubes and grated agar-agar jelly.

Panakon: Originating from the Tamil community of southern India, panakon is a tonic drink made from lemon and tamarind juice, often enhanced with spices and sugar for a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. This juice is highly appreciated, especially during celebrations like Cavadee or family gatherings.

Tamarind Juice: This exotic drink is made from the tangy pulp of tamarinds and can be enjoyed simply chilled in the hot summer waves. Tamarind juice is usually prepared from a compote of tamarind cooked with cane sugar. By adding water and ice cubes, it becomes a unique beverage that is both quenching and beneficial for health.

Java plum Juice: During a short getaway to Rodrigues Island, I was intrigued by a drink with a beautiful, attractive color. Extracted from the fruit of the java plum tree, this exotic drink has a unique flavor—both sweet, tangy, and slightly astringent—and offers numerous health benefits. However, one minor drawback, is that this juice is not easily available for several reasons: java plums are hard to find, and it takes a large quantity of fruit to make just one glass of juice after a labor-intensive process.

On your next visit, don’t hesitate to indulge in one of these must-try drinks, where each sip will make you taste the rich cultural diversity of our island.

NadElle