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Chapman Nigerian Cocktail

Also known as Chapman Nigerian Cocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

Chapman is Nigeria's most beloved non-alcoholic cocktail — a vibrant, ruby-red, refreshing drink that is a staple of Nigerian bar culture, street food stalls, restaurants and social gatherings. Made from a combination of carbonated soft drinks (Sprite and Fanta Orange), Angostura bitters, Ribena blackcurrant cordial, cucumber, orange slices and ice, Chapman has a beautiful deep red colour, a complex bittersweet flavour and an unmistakably Nigerian character.

Chapman Nigerian Cocktail, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle of Fanta Orange
  • 1 bottle of Sprite or 7UP
  • 3 big tablespoons of Ribena blackcurrant cordial — gives the deep red colour
  • 1 tablespoon of Grenadine syrup — optional
  • 3 dashes of Angostura bitters — essential for authentic Chapman flavour
  • Half a fresh cucumber, sliced into rounds
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • Plenty of ice cubes
  • Cherries or strawberries for garnish — optional

Method

  1. 01

    Building the Drink. Fill 4 to 6 tall glasses generously with ice cubes. The ice is critical — Chapman must be served very cold.

  2. 02

    Adding the Ribena. Pour 1 tablespoon of Ribena into each glass. Add Grenadine if using. The Ribena sinks to the bottom creating a layered effect.

  3. 03

    Adding the Bitters. Add 1 to 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters to each glass. Small in quantity but enormous in effect — they add the distinctive herbal note that makes Chapman uniquely Chapman.

  4. 04

    Adding the Fizzy Drinks. Pour equal parts Fanta Orange and Sprite into each glass over the ice.

  5. 05

    Garnishing. Add 2 to 3 slices of fresh cucumber and 1 slice of orange to each glass.

  6. 06

    Stirring and Serving. Stir gently — just enough to combine. Do not over-stir — preserve the fizz. Add a cherry if desired. Serve immediately with a straw.

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