This Nigerian Chapman cocktail is the revised version of the common drink you can find only in Nigerian restaurants. The refreshing drink is usually made as a punch with a base of orange and lemon sodas. Alongside, grenadine syrup and a touch of Angostura bitters poured over a mix of sliced fruits, cucumber and ice. Unlike the popular Hibiscus beverage (zobo), the Nigerian Chapman is not a popular go-to beverage for gatherings or potlucks. Likewise, it is a great accompaniment to popular Nigerian dishes like Jollof. Although, it is delicious and a favourite to many Nigerians, it is unclear why this beverage still lurks in the dark.






Tools you will need to make the chapman cocktail:
- cocktail shaker.
- a shot glass or Measuring Jigger.
- Serving glass.
- pestle or a cocktail muddler.
I’m proud to collaborate with more than 30 Black recipe developers as we celebrate Black History Month 2022. This Virtual Potluck explores Black food through the lens of Afrofuturism. Our collaboration of recipes explores the intersection of the Black diaspora via culture, future, geopolitics, imagination, liberation, culture, and technology. Cook and share the inspiring recipes by checking out the list of participants below. Follow each participant and continue the discussion with us on social media using the hashtag #BHMVP2022!

In the spirit of Afrofuturism, I have decided to put a spin on this refreshing drink. Hence, I’m taking a simple punch full of sugary sodas and revising it into an elegant cocktail. My Nigerian Chapman cocktail focuses on freshness. Using the juice of oranges and lime with a base of mashed cucumbers. Thus, replicating the day-old taste of cucumbers pickling in a punch. Similarly, the original Chapman is typically best enjoyed after chilling overnight in the refrigerator. I retained the core refreshing taste from the cucumbers and fizzling effect with the use of soda water. Therefore the only difference is that it’s fresher, with an addition of dry gin that turns it up a notch.


Black History Month Potluck Participants List:
- Warm Brewed Zobo Drink by Dash of Jazz.
- Sorrel Martini Popsicles by Dish It With Tisha.
- Fish Patties with Pontchartrain Sauce by Dude That Cookz.
- Stuffed Shrimp & Grit Collard Green Rolls by Fior.
- Spicy Berbere Lentil Chili by Flights and Foods.
- Sankofa Bowl w/ Suya Duck Breast by Food Fidelity.
- Brown Stew Pineapple Chicken with Roasted Groundnuts by Geo’s Table.
- Champurrado Custard by Global Kitchen Travels.
- Caribbean Fish and Chips with Tamarind Sauce by Heal Me Delicious.
- Curry crab stuffed dumplings by Home Made Zagat.

Nigerian Chapman Cocktail
Ingredients
- 30 g Chopped cucumber
- 1 Orange
- 1 Lime
- 1 shot Grenadine syrup
- 5 drops Angostura bitters
- 180 ml Soda water
- 2 shots Dry gin
- handful Ice cubes
Instructions
- Chop the cucumbers into cubes, toss them into a cocktail shaker and mash with a pestle or a cocktail muddler.
- Squeeze in the juice of one orange, pour in the dry gin, grenadine, angostura bitters and squeeze in the juice of one lime.
- Cover the cocktail shaker with its lid and shake vigorously.
- Place some ice cubes into cocktail glasses, place a sieve on top and pour in the shaken mixture.
- Finish with some soda water and add a slice of cucumber to garnish. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Twinkl has included this recipe among their top picks for 9 Fun Meal Ideas for the Whole Family.
10 Responses
I’m so glad you introduced me to this Nigerian Chapman Cocktail! I love classic cocktails, especially when gin is involved, but I haven’t really ventured to recipes outside of the States. This was so refreshing.
This drink was so deliciously crisp and refreshing! Love the combo of orange, lime, and gin. I paired this with some tacos and it was perfect.
Gotta love a refreshing alcoholic beverage. You’re helping me step up my home-bartendar game!
Oh yea! This Chapman was amazing! My husband and I truly enjoyed making these, and sipping on them!
Oh yes! This is one of my new faves! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
This cocktail has all delicious ingredients, I’m saving this cocktail to make at my next game night.
Kept seeing this recipe in my Instagram feed while following the Eat the Culture Virtual Black History Month Potluck and just knew I had to try it. I’m normally not a gin lover but this is the cocktail that has changed my mind. It’s so good, I can’t wait to make it again for some friends coming over this weekend!
As an avid Gin drinker I couldn’t wait to taste this. The Nigerian Chapman was surely worth the wait – it will be served at my next soiree.
This chapman was delicious! I served it at a dinner party and everyone loved it. A few friends asked for the recipe too.
This is one of my favorite cocktails but I hadn’t made it at home until finding your recipe. Delicious! Thank you!