Drinks in Fiji (2)

Known for its Kava & water

Spirits in Fiji

The national and the most popular drink of Fiji is “yaqona” and often it is known as “kava” or “grog” by the natives of Fiji. The flavor of “Kava” is peppery and earthy and this unique drink of Fiji is prepared from the root of the pepper plant and after sipping this drink you will feel numbed tongue and lips along with relaxed muscular sensation and its mildly intoxicating in nature. Traditionally they were prepared by virgins, who chewed the root of the pepper plant into a soft pulpy mass before adding water but nowadays the roots are pounded in a wooden bowl using a vertical metal rod usually operated by hand.

The preparation of kava is done by drying the roots in the sun and then pounding it to make powdery and after that it is mixed with water and is strained before drinking and it looks like muddy water.

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Among all this process pounding the kava is a hard task and Kava is consumed as tea from the ancient times. Amongst Fiji's drinks the Kava is the special one. It has an unusual drinking vessel; half of a coconut shell and is called “bilo” by the Fijians.

Kava drinking in Fiji became popular during the fall of cannibalism, and originated as a way to resolve conflict and facilitate peaceful negotiations between villages. It should not be consumed alongside alcohol.

Recently the islands have started producing rum. Booth's Gin, Bounty Rum, Czarina Vodka and Regal Whisky (produced by South Pacific Distilleries, Lautoka).

Water in Fiji

Fiji drinks also include Fiji water as it’s a branded bottle of water from the Fiji Islands. Fiji water has high content of Silica and this bottled water comes from the unique artesian well situated in the Yaqara range of the Nakauvadra Mountains. The company of Fiji water was established in 1996 and the first bottles were sent to the U.S. in 1997 and this is not only popular but also an important drink in Fiji and is demanded around the globe.

Beer in Fiji

Other important Fiji drinks are Carlton, Fiji Bitter, Meridan Moselle and Suvanna Moselle.

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