One thing’s for sure – when it comes to quenching your thirst in Morocco, you’re definitely spoiled for choices.
Personally, one of my absolute favorites is Moroccan mint tea. There’s just something about it that hits differently here. Sitting on a rooftop patio as the call to prayer echoes in the distance, or tucked away in a peaceful riad courtyard, that first sip is so refreshing. It’s sweet, cooling, and somehow instantly calming at the same time.
But mint tea is only the beginning. From creamy avocado smoothies to freshly squeezed orange juice on busy market squares, Morocco has a whole range of drinks that are both refreshing and surprisingly unique. Whether you’re trying to cool down in the heat or just want to experience local flavors, these Moroccan drinks are definitely worth adding to your list.
Traditional Moroccan Drinks
If you’re looking for Moroccan soft drinks, these are the ones you’ll come across most often:
Moroccan Mint Tea
Morocco is famous for its mint tea and it’s something you’ll be offered everywhere you go.
Made with green tea, fresh mint, and quite a bit of sugar – it’s simple, but really refreshing, especially when it’s hot out. I found myself ordering it all the time, whether I was taking a break in a riad or sitting out on a rooftop.
You’ll usually see mint tea poured from a teapot into small glasses from a bit of a height, which gives it a light foam on top. It’s a small thing, but it’s part of how it’s traditionally served.
This is easily the most iconic drink in Morocco, and honestly, one of my favorites.
Orange Juice
It’s hard to miss the orange juice stands in Morocco. They’re everywhere, especially in busy squares and markets.
In places like Jemaa el-Fnaa, vendors line up with piles of oranges, squeezing juice nonstop. No machines tucked away in the back – it’s all done right in front of you, and served within seconds.
The flavor is sweet with a bit of tang, and it’s exactly what you want after being out in the sun for a while. Fresh, cold, and easy to grab as you walk past. I ended up grabbing a glass pretty often, especially during the day when I just needed something quick and cold.
Moroccan Coffee “Nous Nous”
“Nous nous” is what you’ll usually see on café menus if you’re ordering coffee in Morocco. The name literally means “half-half,” referring to the ratio of strong coffee to hot milk.
It’s typically served in a small glass rather than a mug, with a visible split between the darker coffee and the lighter milk before it’s stirred. The result is smoother than an espresso but still strong enough to feel like a proper coffee.
You’ll notice people ordering it throughout the day, especially mid-morning or in the afternoon. Cafés tend to be busy at those times, with people sitting outside, talking, or just watching the street.
I ended up ordering this whenever I wanted a break from the sweetness of mint tea. It’s a good middle ground if you still want something with a bit of strength to it.
Rose Tea
Rose tea is one of the less common drinks you’ll find in Morocco, but it does show up in certain cafés and traditional riads.
It’s made by steeping green tea with dried rose petals, which gives it a light floral aroma and a slightly sweet, delicate flavor. The scent is noticeable right away, followed by a softer taste that isn’t as bold as other teas.
It’s usually served in calm, more tucked-away settings rather than busy street stalls, which fits the overall feel of the drink.
If you’re interested in trying something a bit different, rose tea is a good option to look out for.
Avocado Smoothie
Not the kind of drink most people expect to find in Morocco, but it’s surprisingly popular.
Known as jus d’avocat, it’s made by blending ripe avocado with milk and sugar. Some versions include almonds or dates on top, adding a bit of texture. Thick, cold, and quite filling – it’s usually served in a tall glass and feels closer to a milkshake than a juice.
You’ll mostly see it in cafés and juice bars rather than out on the street. Because of the texture, it’s often ordered as something more substantial, especially during the hotter parts of the day.
Raib
Raib is a yogurt-based drink that’s commonly found across Morocco.
It’s made from fermented milk, giving it a slightly tangy flavor with a smooth, thick texture. Some versions are lightly sweetened or flavored with things like orange blossom water.
You’ll see it sold in small cups or bottles, and it’s often treated as both a drink and a light dessert.
Because it’s chilled, it works well in the heat and is a common option after meals.
Sugar Cane Juice
Sugar cane juice is one of the sweeter drinks you’ll find in Morocco, especially at street markets.
It’s made by pressing fresh sugar cane stalks through a machine, extracting a pale golden juice that’s served cold. You’ll often see the process happening right in front of you, with the stalks fed straight into the press.
The flavor is very sweet, but it still feels light and refreshing rather than heavy. It’s usually served over ice and sometimes with a squeeze of lemon to balance it out.
It’s more common in certain regions, but easy enough to try if you come across a juice stand selling it.
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice stands out straight away because of its deep red color.
It’s available at street stalls and in cafés, usually made to order using whole pomegranates. The flavor is a mix of sweet and tart, with a sharper edge compared to orange juice.
Because it’s pressed fresh, the taste can vary slightly depending on the fruit, but it’s generally more intense and less sugary than other juices.
It’s a good option if you want something refreshing without going too sweet, especially during warmer parts of the day.
Khoudenjal
Better known as Moroccan ginger, Khoudenjal is used more as an ingredient than a standalone drink.
It comes from a root similar to ginger, with a sharper, more intense flavor. In Morocco, it’s often brewed into a hot infusion, especially during colder months or when something warming is needed.
The taste is strong and slightly spicy, and it’s commonly associated with its traditional uses for digestion and general wellness.
You’re more likely to come across it in tea form in local homes or smaller cafés rather than on standard drink menus.
Apple Milk Drink (Sharbat)
A mix that sounds unusual at first, but it’s fairly straightforward once you try it.
Sharbat combines fresh milk with apple juice and a bit of sugar, creating a drink that’s light but still slightly creamy. The apple keeps it fresh, while the milk softens the flavor.
It’s typically served cold and works well alongside heavier or spiced foods. You won’t see it as often as juices, but it does show up on some café menus.
The combination isn’t something you come across often, which is what makes it stand out.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea stands out straight away because of its color. Deep red, almost like cranberry juice.
In Morocco, it’s often called karkade and made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in hot water. The flavor is tart rather than sweet, with a sharpness that’s closer to berries than traditional tea.
It can be served hot or cold, depending on the weather. During warmer months, the chilled version is more common and works well as a refreshing break from the heat.
You’ll find it in cafés and homes, though not as consistently as some of the more widely available drinks.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is one of the more traditional drinks you’ll come across in Morocco, although it’s not as widely available as juices or tea.
It’s made by blending ground almonds with water and sugar, sometimes with a splash of orange blossom water. The flavor is lightly sweet with a noticeable nutty taste, and the texture is smooth without being too heavy.
You’re more likely to find it in smaller cafés or served in homes, especially during special occasions. It’s typically enjoyed cold, which makes it a good option in warmer weather.
A Final Word
Some of you might be wondering if you can drink alcohol in Morocco, especially since it’s a predominantly Muslim country.
The short answer is yes, but it’s not as visible as in other destinations. You won’t see it openly advertised in most places, and it’s usually limited to licensed hotels, certain restaurants, and a few rooftop bars, particularly in bigger cities like Marrakech. Local beer brands like Casablanca Beer are among the most popular alcoholic drinks in Morocco if you do find a place that serves alcohol.
I was even able to have a beer during Ramadan, sitting at a rooftop bar in Marrakech, which shows that it’s possible, you just need to know where to go.
That said, most of the drinks you’ll come across are non-alcoholic Moroccan drinks like juices, teas, and milk-based drinks. Fresh juices, teas, and milk-based drinks are a much bigger part of the culture, and honestly, they’re a big part of what makes the experience feel different.
If you’re planning a trip and need more ideas, I’ve also put together a 2-day itinerary for Marrakech, along with a guide to Moroccan souvenirs worth picking up.
