Surinamese drink
Surinamese drink
Are you curious about what refreshing and unique flavors Surinamese cuisine has to offer when it comes to drinking?
From traditional recipes to modern drinks
Surinamese drink combines authentic flavors from different cultures that have shaped the country. You will find influences from the indigenous people, African roots, Indian spices and Chinese traditions. Popular brands such as Fernandes drinks and Presenti drinks offer a wide range of flavors, from the iconic Surinamese cola to exotic fruit juices. Think Markoesa juice, Soursop juice and Maaza Passionfruit Drink that take you to the tropical nature of the country.
In addition to factory drinks, traditionally made Surinamese drinks remain popular. Grandmother’s recipe for syrups such as Lekker Bekkie Rozen Syrup, Lekker Bekkie Ginger Syrup and Lekker Bekkie Dawet Syrup is still passed on with passion. You can easily mix this with hot water or cold water for a refreshing moment. For an adventurous twist, try a Dark ‘n Stormy with Surinamese rum or a soursop cocktail that pairs perfectly with a Creole rice dish or brown beans with rice.
Blue Bird Tours & Travel connects you with local markets and eateries where you can taste these Surinamese drinks authentically during your trip through Suriname.
Classics and hidden treasures in a glass
The iconic Surinamese cola syrup
The Surinamese Cola Syrup forms the basis of one of the most beloved drinks from the country. You make this refreshing drink by mixing cola syrup with cold water, which gives you a unique taste that is different from regular canned or bottled cola. During your trip through Suriname, you will discover that this syrup is present in almost every household. The authentic character of this drink fits perfectly with the local food culture, where you often serve it alongside brown beans with rice or other Creole dishes. Blue Bird Tours & Travel will take you to local shops where you will find original syrups that remain unchanged for generations.
Refreshing juices with a tropical character
The range of Surinamese fruit juices goes beyond just Markoesa and Zuurzak. Pueblo Orgeade offers a sweet almond-like taste that combines perfectly with warm days in tropical nature. Red grape and Fruit punch are among the most popular choices you’ll find in restaurants and street vendors. These drinks reflect the richness of tropical fruits that grow in Suriname’s fertile regions. You can taste the influence of diverse cultures in every glass, from the Indian community to the Chinese inhabitants who put their own spin on recipes.
Special syrups for every moment
In addition to the well-known Lekker Bekkie syrups, you will discover other artisanal creations that you prepare with hot water for a warming drink or with cold water for refreshment. The Caribbean sorrel syrup makes a red, slightly acidic drink that is especially popular during holidays. This traditional preparation originates from the Caribbean and has found its way to the country via Suriname’s African roots . Each drink tells a story of cultural exchange and adaptation, where recipes have been refined and passed down through generations.
Modern interpretations and fusion
The younger generation brings new energy to Surinamese drinking by combining modern trends with traditional recipes. Ice cream soda is made with local syrups and vanilla ice cream, while some cafes are experimenting with Bubble tea varieties that contain Surinamese fruit flavors. Even Fernandes Cream Ginger finds its way into cocktails and mocktails served in trendy establishments. This evolution shows how Surinamese cuisine continues to grow without losing its authenticity, where old and new flavors come together in surprising combinations.
Where to find authentic drinks
During your visit to Suriname, local guides will lead you to the best places for Surinamese snacks and drinks. You’ll find authentic flavors at markets in Paramaribo, where vendors offer freshly prepared juices, or in neighborhood restaurants that make their own syrups. Blue Bird Tours & Travel organizes culinary routes that take you to hidden gems where grandmother’s recipes still form the basis. You will experience how Food & Drink is central to social gatherings and how each drink tells a story about Suriname’s rich cultural tapestry shaped by the indigenous people, various migration waves and the unique Spanish-Portuguese Jewish community.
Perfect combinations with local dishes
Choosing the right drink to accompany your meal greatly enhances the taste experience. For example, Indian fried rice goes with a lightly sweetened fruit juice that balances the spices, while a Creole rice dish combines harmoniously with a heavier, more syrup-like drink. Restaurants and eateries often offer suggestions for combinations that have been tested for generations. You will discover that the diversity in Surinamese drinks fits perfectly with the equally diverse cuisine, where each element from Chinese cuisine, Javanese traditions or Creole influences has its own ideal drink accompaniment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Fernandes and Presenti drinks?
Fernandes drinks and Presenti drinks are both iconic Surinamese brands that offer a wide range of flavors. Fernandes is known for products such as Fernandes Cream Ginger and their popular cola varieties, while Presenti focuses more on traditional fruit juices and syrups. Both brands use authentic flavors that have been refined over generations. You can find these drinks in almost every store in Suriname, and they pair perfectly with Surinamese snacks and beverages. Blue Bird Tours & Travel will take you to local markets where you can taste and compare both brands on food tours.
Which Surinamese rum goes best with cocktails?
High-quality Surinamese Rum such as Borgoe Grand Reserve 8 Years Gift Box offers a smooth, complex taste perfect for premium cocktails. For more powerful drinks such as an authentic Dark ‘n Stormy , choose Overproof Rum with a higher alcohol percentage. Brown rum combines excellently with tropical fruit juices such as soursop juice or Markoesa juice for a soursop cocktail. Local bartenders in Paramaribo experiment with traditional recipes and modern twists. Blue Bird organizes tastings where you will get to know different types of rum and discover their perfect applications.
How do you prepare traditional syrups with hot water?
Traditional syrups such as Lekker Bekkie Rozen Syrup, Lekker Bekkie Ginger Syrup and Lekker Bekkie Dawet Syrup are prepared by mixing about 2-3 tablespoons of syrup with a glass of hot water for a warming drink. Grandmother’s recipe varies from family to family, but the basics remain the same. For refreshment, use cold water instead of hot. These artisanally made Surinamese drinks have their origins in different cultures that shaped Suriname. During Blue Bird tours you will visit houses where these traditional recipes are still passed on with passion and where you can learn the preparation methods yourself.
Where can you find the best Surinamese bojo and drinks combinations?
Surinamese bojo, a traditional cake made from cassava and coconut, combines excellently with light fruit juices or syrups. You will find this perfect combination at local bakeries and eateries in Paramaribo where Food & Drink is central. Maaza Passionfruit Drink or Pueblo Orgeade balance the sweet taste of bojo beautifully. During culinary routes organized by Blue Bird Tours & Travel, you will visit authentic locations where grandmothers share their traditional recipes . These combinations reflect the African roots and Indian spices that make Surinamese cuisine so diverse.
What are the main differences between Surinamese and regular Coke?
Surinamese Cola Syrup differs fundamentally from regular cola in that you prepare it yourself with water, whereby the cola syrup concentration can be adjusted to taste. The result has a unique, often sweeter and more aromatic taste than commercial canned cola. Fernandes Drinks produces several cola variants that retain these authentic flavors . The syrup method dates back to times when chilled drinks were less accessible and remains popular for its characteristic taste. Blue Bird Tours & Travel takes you to producers and shops where you can find original syrups and taste the difference for yourself.
What role does the indigenous population play in Surinamese drinking tradition?
The indigenous people of Suriname have made fundamental contributions to traditional drink recipes through knowledge about local plants and fruits from tropical nature. Many syrups and juices use ingredients that were originally discovered and processed by indigenous communities. This knowledge later mixed with African roots, Indian spices and influences from the Spanish-Portuguese Jewish community. The result is a unique fusion that you can taste in traditionally made Surinamese drinks. Blue Bird organizes cultural tours to areas where you will learn directly from indigenous communities about their contribution to Surinamese drinking and traditional preparation methods.
How do you combine Surinamese drinks with Maksi Alesi?
Maksi Alesi, a popular Surinamese rice dish with different ingredients, calls for a drink that balances the rich flavors. Red grape or Fruit punch offer a sweet counterpart to the savory dishes. For a more traditional combination, choose Caribbean sorrel, especially during festive occasions. The diversity in Surinamese drinks ensures that every dish finds its perfect match. Restaurants combine this knowledge with influences from Chinese cuisine and Indian nasi traditions. Blue Bird’s food tours lead you to eateries where chefs have worked out these combinations perfectly and are happy to share their knowledge.
What is the difference between the Snacks Drinks categories in Suriname?
In the Snacks Beverages category, you’ll find a clear distinction where snacks refer to small bites like bojo, bara, and pie, while beverages include all liquid refreshments. The Surinamese snacks and drinks are traditionally served together at social occasions and street vendors. The Volume in Liters of beverage bottles ranges from small 250ml portions to family sizes of 1.5 liters. For alcoholic drinks such as Surinamese Rum , the alcohol percentage is also mentioned. Blue Bird Tours Travel takes you to markets and shops where you can discover the full range and local vendors explain which combinations work best.
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