Beer is deeply ingrained in Ghanaian culture, particularly among the middle class and often enjoyed during social gatherings and celebrations. A fermented alcoholic drink made from grains, hops, barley, water, and yeasts, a bottle of beer typically contains between 5-10 percent alcohol. Globally, it is consumed by a lot of people.
Moderate consumption has potential health benefits including providing vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants but let’s save the health stuff for another time.
Let’s stick to enjoying the ‘cold coffee’.
Beer is a wonderful factor in the happiness equation. Finding the balance between having fun and being careful is the trick to enjoying beer responsibly. Let’s look at a few tips.
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- Beer is best served chilled
Beer is best served cold. This is not just a timeless marketing tagline, but it’s a truth that has emerged throughout the history of beer. While opinions may vary on how temperature affects flavor, one thing is certain – the refreshment of a cold beer is unmatched.
- Drink from a glass, not a bottle
You may have noticed that military personnel often choose glasses in social settings, like mess halls or drinking pubs. This preference goes beyond mere etiquette and good behavior; outside military codes of conduct, it’s rooted in the sensory aspects of drinking. By using a glass, you can relish the aroma and flavor of your drink, which are lost when drinking straight from the bottle, thereby enhancing your overall experience. Keep your glassware clean, whether it’s a snifter, tulip-shaped glass, beer mug, or a regular mug like those commonly used in Ghanaian homes. A clean vessel makes all the difference in enhancing your beer-drinking experience.
- Pair your beer with food
Beyond the pleasure of combining flavors, enjoying a meal with your beer also has a practical benefit: it slows the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, reducing its impact and the likelihood of intoxication.
It is common to see people enjoying beer alongside traditional dishes like light soup, fufu, banku, or any hearty local meals in Ghana. And let’s not forget, kebabs or spicy beef, locally referred to as ‘abotsi‘ also make fantastic companions!
@kofigabs♬ original sound – Mr Happiness
- Drink water
Remember to drink water alongside your beer! It’s crucial to stay hydrated, as some beers can cause dehydration due to their high alcohol level. Balancing your beer with water slows down your alcohol intake and helps counteract the dehydrating effects. In fact, some experts recommend a 1:1 ratio – for every beer, take a glass of water to stay hydrated.
5. Finally, “Thomas Jefferson said it best:
‘Moderate beer drinking softens the temper, cheers the spirit, and promotes health.’
Responsible drinking is key. Enjoy your beer in balance, take care of yourself, and it can bring joy and wellness to your life.
