A Guide to Mauritian Beverages: From Alouda to Rum

Mauritius isn’t just about lagoons and luxury; it’s also home to a fascinating and flavorful beverage culture that tells the story of its diverse heritage—from Indian roots and Creole soul to Chinese and French influences. Whether you're wandering through a street market or dining by the beach, you'll encounter drinks that refresh, soothe, or lift your spirits—sometimes all three. Here’s your guide to the must-try non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages of Mauritius.

1. Alouda: The Island’s Sweet Street Star

A chilled, milky drink flavored with vanilla or rose syrup, Alouda is Mauritius’ answer to falooda. It’s thick, slightly chewy thanks to basil or chia seeds, and often served with jelly cubes.

Where to Try It:

• Port Louis Central Market
• Rose Hill Market stalls
• ‍Cost: $0.50–$1

Best Time: Hot afternoons when you need a sweet, hydrating break.

2. Bois Chéri Tea: A Legacy Brewed in the Hills

Mauritian tea culture thrives at Bois Chéri, the island’s first and most iconic tea plantation. Try their vanilla-infused black tea or green tea blends that reflect the island’s flavors.

Visit: Bois Chéri Tea Factory & Museum
Tasting Tours: $10–$15
Must-try: Tea tasting with a panoramic view over the tea fields.

3. Herbal Infusions (Tisanes): Nature’s Elixirs

Locals swear by tisanes—infusions made from lemongrass, citronella, guava leaves, or bael. These are caffeine-free and traditionally used for digestion or relaxation.

‍Popular Ingredients:

• Lemongrass (citronnelle)
• Bael leaves (for detox)
• Guava or tamarind leaves (digestive)

Found at: Eco-lodges, family kitchens, wellness retreats
Cost: Usually free at guesthouses or $2–$4 at cafés

4. Coconut Water: Tropical Hydration

Whether straight from the shell at a beach shack or chilled in a bottle, coconut water is the go-to refresher in Mauritius.

Try it at:

• Flic en Flac beach stands
• Le Morne roadside stalls
• ‍Cost: $1–$2 per coconut

Tip: Ask for a spoon to eat the soft flesh afterward!

5. Mauritian Rum: The Island Spirit

No guide is complete without Mauritian rum, known for its smooth, flavorful character. The island’s sugarcane heritage is deeply tied to rum-making, and distilleries here are world-class.

Top Distilleries to Visit:

• Rhumerie de Chamarel – A picturesque estate with guided tours and tastings.
• Saint Aubin Rum – Organic cane, aged in oak barrels.
• Labourdonnais Distillery – Famous for its fruit-infused rums.

Tasting Experience: $10–$20
Rum Varieties: White, dark, spiced, and fruit-flavored (lychee, vanilla, coffee)

Cocktail to Try: Ti-Punch (rum, lime, cane syrup)

6. Fresh Juices & Fruit Coolers

Tropical fruits shine in Mauritius, and so do their juices. From mango and pineapple to papaya and passion fruit, you’ll find stalls juicing them on the spot.

Available at:

• Market juice stands
• Beach cafés
• ‍Cost: $2–$3
• ‍Don’t Miss: Chilled tamarind juice or fresh sugarcane juice with lime

7. Phoenix Beer & Craft Brews

For those who prefer hops over spirits, Phoenix Beer is Mauritius’ iconic lager—crisp, light, and island-perfect. You’ll also find a growing craft beer scene in urban areas like Grand Baie.

Local Alternatives: Flying Dodo Brewery (Moka)
Price per beer: $2–$4
Best place to sip: Seaside bars at sunset

8. Aloe Vera and Medicinal Drinks

Some stalls and health shops offer homemade aloe vera juices—good for digestion and cooling down in the tropical heat.

Other options:

• Bael syrup
• Turmeric-tonic drinks
• Herbal tonics sold by Ayurvedic stores

Sip & Savor the Island’s Soul

Mauritian beverages aren’t just drinks—they are storytellers of culture, health, tradition, and tropical joy. Whether you're sipping alouda in a busy market or clinking rum glasses at a sunset beach bar, each drink deepens your connection to the island.

Quick Recap: What to Try

Start your refreshment journey with Alouda, a sweet, milky drink infused with basil seeds and agar jelly—best savored at the bustling Port Louis Market, where it costs about $1. For tea lovers, a visit to the Bois Chéri Tea Factory is a must. Sip freshly brewed Mauritian tea at their scenic viewpoint café for around $2 to $10, depending on your selection.

If you're staying at an eco-lodge or guesthouse, you’ll often be offered tisanes—herbal infusions made from local plants like lemongrass or citronella—either complimentary or for a modest price (typically up to $4). Craving something ultra-refreshing? Grab chilled coconut water straight from the shell at beach shacks for just $1–$2.

No visit is complete without sampling Mauritian rum. Head to Chamarel or Saint Aubin for guided tastings and distillery tours, usually priced between $10–$20. You’ll also find fresh fruit juices—from mango to passionfruit—served at local markets and beaches, costing around $2–$3.

Finally, unwind with a bottle of Phoenix Beer, the island’s beloved lager, available at most bars and cafés for $2–$4. Whether you prefer tea on a mountaintop or rum by the beach, Mauritius has a drink for every moment and mood.

Mauritius’ beverage culture is a flavorful journey through its multicultural roots—from cooling herbal tisanes to bold local rum and sweet street-side alouda. Every drink tells a story, and every sip brings you closer to the heart of the island. Whether you're wandering markets, lounging at beach bars, or enjoying scenic tea tastings in the hills, Mauritius serves refreshment with soul.

Ready to taste Mauritius one sip at a time? Let Hi DMC craft your perfect island itinerary—complete with visits to tea plantations, rum distilleries, beach cafés, and local markets. Discover the true flavor of Mauritius with experiences tailored just for you.

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