📝 About This Recipe
The Chapman is Nigeria's most iconic mocktail, a vibrant and refreshing ruby-red punch that is a staple at every sophisticated celebration from Lagos to Abuja. It features a unique blend of citrus sodas and fruity syrups, balanced by the sophisticated, aromatic punch of Angostura bitters. This drink is beloved for its complex sweet-tart profile and its stunning presentation, garnished with a garden of fresh fruits and crisp cucumber.
🥗 Ingredients
The Soda Base
- 350 ml Fanta Orange (chilled)
- 350 ml Sprite or 7-Up (chilled)
The Signature Flavors
- 1/4 cup Grenadine Syrup (for that classic red color and pomegranate sweetness)
- 6-8 dashes Angostura Bitters (the secret ingredient that defines an authentic Chapman)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Blackcurrant Cordial (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
The Garden Garnish
- 4-6 slices Cucumber (thinly sliced rounds)
- 2 slices Orange (half-moons)
- 2 slices Lemon (rounds)
- 2 sprigs Fresh Mint (slapped to release oils)
- 2 cups Ice Cubes (plenty of clear ice)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by chilling your highball glasses or dimpled glass mugs in the freezer for 10 minutes to ensure the drink stays ice-cold.
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2
Prepare your garnishes: slice the cucumber, orange, and lemon into thin, elegant rounds or half-moons.
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3
Add a generous amount of ice cubes to each glass, filling them about halfway to the top.
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4
Pour 1/8 cup (2 tablespoons) of grenadine syrup into each glass, letting it settle at the bottom for a beautiful gradient effect.
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5
Add 3 to 4 dashes of Angostura bitters into each glass. Do not skip this; the bitters provide the botanical complexity that cuts through the sugar.
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6
Squeeze half a tablespoon of fresh lime juice and half a tablespoon of lemon juice into each glass to add a bright, acidic zing.
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7
If using blackcurrant cordial (like Ribena), add half a tablespoon to each glass now to deepen the sunset hue.
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8
Slowly pour the chilled Fanta Orange into the glasses until they are roughly half full.
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9
Top up the remaining space with the chilled Sprite or 7-Up, leaving about an inch of room at the top for the garnishes.
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10
Use a long cocktail spoon to give the drink a very gentle stir—just enough to incorporate the syrup without losing the carbonation.
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11
Slide the cucumber slices down the sides of the glass; they provide a refreshing aroma that is essential to the Chapman experience.
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12
Add the orange and lemon slices into the drink, tucking them between the ice cubes.
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13
Take a sprig of mint, clap it between your palms to release the aromatic oils, and place it on top as a fragrant crown.
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14
Serve immediately with a colorful straw and enjoy the refreshing taste of a Nigerian classic.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use Angostura bitters; while it contains a tiny amount of alcohol, the few dashes used keep the drink classified as a mocktail while providing the necessary flavor. For a less sweet version, increase the ratio of lime juice and add a splash of club soda. Ensure all your sodas are thoroughly chilled before mixing to prevent the ice from melting too quickly and diluting the flavor. If you are making a large batch for a party, mix the liquids in a large pitcher but only add the ice and garnishes to individual glasses to keep the punch from getting watery. Traditional Chapman is often served in a dimpled beer mug to give it that classic 'club' feel.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with spicy Nigerian Suya (skewered spicy meat) for the ultimate flavor contrast. Serve alongside puff-puff (fried dough balls) for a traditional Nigerian party snack experience. Great with spicy chicken wings or peppered snails. Excellent as a cooling accompaniment to a hot plate of Jollof Rice. Serve as a welcoming drink for summer garden parties or festive brunches.