Asaana: the caramelised corn drink sold chilled on Accra’s streets

On a hot afternoon in Accra, street sellers walk between cars with coolers full of chilled drinks. Alongside sobolo and pure water, some sell a brown, slightly fizzy drink in plastic bags or bottles. This is asaana, made from fermented corn and caramelised sugar. It tastes sweet with a gentle sourness and is a popular alternative to imported soft drinks. Many Ghanaians grew up drinking it, and it is enjoying renewed interest as people look for local drinks.

What asaana is and how it tastes

Asaana is a non-alcoholic drink made by fermenting maize, boiling it and mixing the liquid with caramelised sugar. The caramel gives it a brown colour and a distinctive flavour. Corn is soaked and allowed to ferment, then boiled with water. The liquid is strained, and sugar that has been heated until it turns brown is added. The drink is cooled and sometimes left to develop more flavour.

Asaana is sweet, with a slight tang from the fermentation and a toffee-like note from the caramel. Served cold, it is very refreshing.

Sellers, sobolo and events

The drink is associated with southern Ghana, particularly Ga and Akan communities, and is popular in Accra. Asaana is sold by street vendors, at markets and in small shops. Some producers have started bottling it for supermarkets. Sobolo, made from hibiscus leaves, is red and spicy, while asaana is brown and caramel-sweet. Both are seen as healthier local alternatives to sodas, though both can contain a lot of sugar.

Some couples and families serve asaana at parties and weddings, especially when they want local drinks on the menu.

Hygiene, home and a growing market

Buyers often prefer sellers they trust, since the drink is made by hand and quality can vary. Some families make asaana at home, adjusting sweetness and fermentation to their taste. Small businesses are packaging asaana with labels and branding, aiming at young customers and visitors. Asaana is best served very cold, often with ice. Some people mix it with a little milk, though most drink it plain.

Asaana costs less than most sodas and has been sold on Accra’s streets for generations. The only advertising it has ever needed is a hot day and a cold cooler.