🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍷 Drinks > 🇬🇦 Gabon Drinks > 🍷 Ginger Pineapple Juice (Jus d’Ananas au Gingembre) , Banana Coconut Smoothie (Boisson Banane Coco) , Lemongrass Herbal Tea (Infusion de Citronnelle)
🍷 Easy Gabon Drinks Recipes for Beginners
Introduction
Gabon, a lush country in Central Africa, is known for its rainforests, wildlife, and of course, its incredible cuisine. But beyond the stews and grilled dishes, Gabon also has a refreshing side — its drinks!
Gabonese beverages are typically tropical, fruity, and naturally sweet, using ingredients like pineapple, mango, banana, ginger, and coconut. They’re healthy, easy to make, and perfect for any time of the year — especially if you live somewhere warm.
Unlike sodas or sugary store-bought juices, traditional Gabon drinks are often homemade with real fruit, spices, and natural sweetness. They’re also very flexible — you can adjust them to your taste or blend local ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
In this article, we’ll explore three of Gabon’s most popular non-alcoholic drinks that you can prepare in under 15 minutes each:
1.Ginger Pineapple Juice (Jus d’Ananas au Gingembre)
2.Banana Coconut Smoothie (Boisson Banane Coco)
3.Lemongrass Herbal Tea (Infusion de Citronnelle)
Each one brings a different taste of Gabon — from tangy and spicy, to creamy and soothing. Let’s get blending!
🔹 Recipe 1: Ginger Pineapple Juice (Jus d’Ananas au Gingembre)
About This Recipe
If you love bold, refreshing flavors, this drink is your perfect match. Ginger Pineapple Juice is one of the most loved beverages across Central Africa. It combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the zing of fresh ginger, creating a drink that’s both energizing and detoxifying.
You’ll find this juice served at family gatherings, roadside stands, and even fancy hotels in Libreville (the capital of Gabon). It’s light, vibrant, and naturally full of vitamins.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups cold water
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for extra freshness)
- Ice cubes for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Add pineapple, ginger, and water into a blender.
2.Blend on high until smooth (about 1 minute).
3.Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a clear juice.
4.Stir in honey or sugar and lemon juice, adjusting sweetness to your liking.
5.Pour into glasses over ice and serve immediately.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overdo the ginger! A little goes a long way — too much can overpower the pineapple.
- Use ripe pineapple for natural sweetness and flavor.
- Chill the juice before serving for the best taste.
- For an extra twist, add a few mint leaves before blending.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this juice ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 2 days in a sealed jar. Shake before drinking.
Q: Can I skip the honey or sugar?
Absolutely. If your pineapple is ripe, you might not need any extra sweetener.
Summary
A tropical explosion in a glass! Gabon’s Ginger Pineapple Juice is refreshing, slightly spicy, and packed with natural energy. It’s perfect for a hot afternoon or as a healthy breakfast drink.
🔹 Recipe 2: Banana Coconut Smoothie (Boisson Banane Coco)
About This Recipe
This one’s pure comfort in a cup. Gabon’s Banana Coconut Smoothie is thick, creamy, and naturally sweet. It’s often enjoyed for breakfast or as a mid-day snack, especially by families looking for something nutritious but quick.
The magic lies in the combination of banana’s creaminess and coconut’s tropical aroma. It’s vegan, dairy-free, and full of potassium and healthy fats. You can even freeze it into popsicles for a fun summer treat!
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup cold water or ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but lovely)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Peel and slice bananas.
2.Add bananas, coconut milk, water (or ice), and honey into a blender.
3.Blend until creamy and smooth, about 30 seconds.
4.Add cinnamon or vanilla for aroma if desired.
5.Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Use very ripe bananas — they’re naturally sweeter and blend smoother.
- Don’t use coconut cream unless you want it very thick. Coconut milk gives a better balance.
- If it’s too thick, add a little more cold water or ice.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for texture.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this smoothie vegan?
Yes! It’s already vegan — just skip honey or replace it with maple syrup or agave.
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, that actually makes it thicker and colder — perfect for hot weather.
Summary
The Banana Coconut Smoothie is a Gabon favorite — simple, nourishing, and absolutely delicious. It’s ideal for breakfast, a post-workout drink, or an afternoon refresher.
🔹 Recipe 3: Lemongrass Herbal Tea (Infusion de Citronnelle)
About This Recipe
Not all Gabonese drinks are fruity — some are calming and herbal. One of the most traditional is Lemongrass Tea, known locally for its soothing aroma and relaxing qualities. Gabonese people often enjoy it in the evening to unwind after a long day.
This caffeine-free drink is gentle on the stomach, helps with digestion, and smells amazing. If you’re into natural remedies, you’ll love this simple herbal infusion.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 stalks fresh lemongrass (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- A few slices of fresh ginger or lemon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Wash and cut the lemongrass into small pieces.
2.Bring water to a boil in a small pot.
3.Add lemongrass (and ginger or lemon if using).
4.Simmer for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
5.Strain into cups, add honey if desired, and serve warm.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overboil — it can turn bitter. Gentle simmering is key.
- Add lemon zest for a citrusy lift.
- You can chill it and serve over ice for a cool summer tea.
- Store leftover tea in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
FAQ
Q: Can I mix lemongrass with other herbs?
Yes — try adding mint, hibiscus, or green tea for variation.
Q: Is this tea good for sleep?
Definitely. Lemongrass has calming properties that can help you relax before bed.
Summary
Lemongrass Herbal Tea is Gabon’s version of calm in a cup. It’s refreshing, aromatic, and the perfect way to end your day naturally.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Gabon’s drink culture is like taking a mini-vacation to Central Africa — without leaving your kitchen. These three recipes — Ginger Pineapple Juice, Banana Coconut Smoothie, and Lemongrass Herbal Tea — prove that Gabonese beverages are simple, healthy, and full of heart.
You don’t need fancy equipment or rare ingredients — just a blender, a pot, and a few tropical fruits or herbs. Whether you’re starting your morning with energy, cooling off in the afternoon, or winding down before bed, Gabon has a drink for every mood.
So go ahead — try one recipe at a time, experiment with your own twists, and share your favorite version online. Who knows? You might inspire someone else to taste a little bit of Gabon too. 🇬🇦✨
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