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Drinks

Typical drinks from Cape Verde

In Cape Verde, alcoholism is a serious public health problem. As a result, in 2019 the Cape Verdean Parliament enacted the Alcohol Law (Law No. 51/IX/2019, of April 8) establishing the regime for the availability, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in different contexts.

National legislation establishes:

  • The minimum age for alcohol consumption in Cape Verde is 18 years old.
  • The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted in:
    • "commercial catering or drinking establishments" (bars, restaurants).
    • "nightclubs and similar establishments" (discos, nightclubs).
    • "establishments located in ports and airports where access is reserved for passengers", and "spaces where festivals are held".
  • It is forbidden:
    • The consumption of alcoholic beverages on public roads.
    • Selling and making available alcoholic beverages in clubs, sports halls or venues, academic parties, rallies and events attended by young people and minors (...).
    • Providing, selling and/or making available alcoholic beverages in public places and in places open to the public to anyone under the age of 18, to anyone who is notoriously drunk or appears to have a mental disorder.
    • The provision, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in canteens, kiosks, stalls and grocery stores, in vending machines, and at petrol stations located on roads or outside towns.

 

Frequently asked questions:

  1. What kind of drinks can you drink while on vacation in Cape Verde?

During their stay in Cape Verde, visitors can taste non-alcoholic drinks such as natural juices made from seasonal fruits (passion fruit, tamarind, papaya, baobab or calabaceira, mango, etc.), teas and iced teas (such as "bissap" or purple hibiscus), national coffee from the island of Fogo, etc.

You can also try alcoholic beverages such as "grogue" or "aguardente" (a distilled sugar cane drink typical of Cape Verde), various punches and liqueurs, the national beer "Strela", wine from the island of Fogo (made from grapes grown on volcanic soils), caipirinhas, etc., as well as other imported varieties.