Sodabi is a type of liquor made from distilled palm wine.[1] Originating from Togo/Benin, it is popular across many West African countries, where it is often produced using artisanal methods in local villages.
Quality of the drink can vary widely based on the producer, as there is often little to no oversight on the production methods and final chemical content. According to French authorities, this is why the drink was banned throughout the colonial period. Colonial authorities were also concerned that consumption of the drink would hamper imports of European liquors.[2] It is known by many names: koutoukou in Ivory Coast, Akpeteshie in Ghana or Ogogoro in Nigeria.
It is primarily drank neat in shot format but locals often keep a bottle of Sodabi with Herbs and Spices added into the Bottle to that the flavour, potency benefits can be fully released. It is drunk for ceremonies, food, every day drinking to any occasion. In voodoo rituals, it is poured over participants to drive away negative spirits and offered to ancestors as a way to ensure their comfort in the afterlife.
Today, several companies have started large scale production of the drink for export to other parts of the world.