In brief
- Gnamakoudji is a fresh ginger juice, spicy and sweet, drunk very cold in West Africa
- Origin: West Africa (Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali)
- Essential ingredients: fresh ginger, water, cane sugar, lime
- A refreshing drink, prepared in large quantities for family meals and Ramadan
Origins and cultural history of gnamakoudji
Gnamakoudji is a traditional West African drink, consumed notably in Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, Guinea and Benin. Its name comes from Dioula, the language of West African traders, and literally means “spiced water”, a reference to the heat of the fresh ginger.
It is drunk very cold, often prepared in large quantities for festive meals or during the month of Ramadan, where it accompanies the breaking of the fast alongside bissap juice or baobab juice.
What are the essential ingredients of gnamakoudji
The gnamakoudji recipe relies on just a few ingredients, easy to find in an African and Caribbean grocery store, including NKOSI.
- fresh ginger
- water
- cane sugar
- lime
- fresh mint, optional
Nutritional benefits of gnamakoudji
Fresh ginger provides, per 100 g, around 80 kcal, 415 mg of potassium, 43 mg of magnesium and 5 mg of vitamin C, according to composition data from the USDA (FoodData Central database). Lime adds to the drink's vitamin C content.
Frequently asked questions about gnamakoudji
How long does gnamakoudji keep?
Gnamakoudji keeps for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, in a closed bottle or jug. It can also be frozen in ice cubes for later use.
Can the heat of gnamakoudji be reduced for children?
Yes: simply reduce the amount of ginger or dilute the drink with still or sparkling water when serving. The taste stays fragrant, with less heat.
Where to find gnamakoudji ingredients in France?
NKOSI sells the cane sugar and lime juice in this recipe on nkosiagro.com and ships them from the Paris area within 24 to 72 working hours, to mainland France (2 to 3 working days) and to ten European countries. The minimum order is 39 €: in France, delivery to a pickup point is then free, and home delivery is free from 59 €.
