As the world keeps evolving, alcoholic drinks continue to be a major part of our social and leisure lives. There are very few places you can go to and not find someone who loves to unwind with a bottle of beer, wine or any other alcoholic beverage. Africa, specifically South Africa, is home to a unique alcoholic beverage known as Amarula. This cream liqueur is made from the fruit of the African Marula tree and is widely enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will not only take a quick look at the history of Amarula, but also show you how to take this refreshing drink.
The History of Amarula
Amarula has always been associated with African elephants. This strong link can be traced back many years ago when elephants would roam around Marula trees, eat the fruit and become quite tipsy. The Marula fruit itself has a high sugar content and once it ferments, it naturally converts into alcohol. Elephants would occasionally stumble about or even fall over after consuming a large amount of Marula fruit.
Fast forward to 1989 when the Amarula Cream liqueur was first introduced to the world. Made from Marula fruit, cream, and sugar, it is not surprising that this beverage has always been a hit. The creaminess of Amarula and its unique taste make it quite versatile such that it can be enjoyed on its own, over ice or in a cocktail.
How to Drink Amarula
One of the best things about Amarula is that it can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few suggestions:
On The Rocks
Take a few cubes of ice and place them in a tumbler. Pour Amarula over the ice cubes and serve. You can also add a bit of vanilla syrup or hazelnut syrup to give it an extra kick.
Mixed
If you want to be more adventurous with your Amarula, you can mix it with other ingredients to create a refreshing cocktail. Here is a simple recipe:
| Ingredients | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Amarula Cream Liqueur | 1 shot (30ml) |
| Vodka | 2 shots (60ml) |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 1/2 a Lemon |
| Sugar Syrup | 1 tsp |
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice and add all the ingredients above. Shake the mixture well and pour it into a martini glass to serve. You can also add a twist of lemon or use a lemon wedge to garnish your cocktail.
As a Dessert Topping
Amarula is also an excellent dessert topping. Use it to top off a chocolate cake, cappuccino or even ice cream. It is a perfect finishing touch to a meal with family and friends.
Conclusion
Amarula is a tasty and versatile alcoholic beverage. It is ideal for unwinding, in a cocktail or even for making desserts. We hope that our simple guide on how to drink Amarula has given you some ideas on how to enjoy this delightful drink. Try it out with a few friends next time and experience the uniquely African taste of Amarula.
