Drinking Alcohol in Morocco, Your Ultimate Guide

Drinking alcohol is a complex and controversial topic in Morocco, a Muslim-majority country where alcohol consumption is forbidden by Islam. However, the Moroccan government has made an exception for tourists and foreigners, and alcohol is widely available in major cities and tourist destinations.

Despite its availability and legal status, alcohol is still a sensitive topic in Morocco, and it is important to be aware of the cultural and religious norms surrounding its consumption. This blog post will provide you with a comprehensive overview of drinking alcohol in Morocco, including where to buy it, what to drink, and how to behave when drinking.

Is alcohol legal in Morocco?

In Morocco, drinking alcohol is legal, but only in licensed places such as hotels, bars, and certain restaurants. You cannot drink in public spaces or on the streets, as this is considered disrespectful and may lead to fines.

The restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol in Morocco are in place to respect the Muslim majority of the country. Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol, so it is important to be mindful of this when drinking in Morocco.

Here is a more detailed explanation of the restrictions:

• Alcohol cannot be sold on public holidays or during the month of Ramadan. This is because public holidays and Ramadan are times of religious observance, and many Muslims will be abstaining from alcohol during these times.
• It is not allowed to drink alcohol in public places, such as the streets or parks. This is because drinking alcohol in public is considered to be disrespectful to Moroccan culture and religion.

If you are caught drinking alcohol in public in Morocco, you may be fined or even arrested. It is therefore important to be aware of the restrictions and to drink alcohol responsibly.

Where to buy alcohol in Morocco

Here are some places where you can buy alcohol in Morocco:

• Licensed bars and restaurants: Alcohol is widely available in licensed bars and restaurants in major cities and tourist destinations. You can usually find a variety of beers, wines, and spirits to choose from.
• Supermarkets and liquor stores: Alcohol is also sold in supermarkets like Carrefour and liquor stores in major cities. However, the selection may be more limited than in bars and restaurants.
• Hotel bars and restaurants: Most hotels in Morocco have bars and restaurants that sell alcohol. This is a good option if you are staying in a hotel and don’t want to go out to find a place to drink.

When buying alcohol in Morocco, it is important to keep the following in mind:

• Ask around: If you are not sure where to buy alcohol, ask your hotel concierge or a friendly local. They will be able to point you in the right direction.
• Be prepared to show your passport: Some places may require you to show your passport when buying alcohol. This is to ensure that you are of legal drinking age (18 years old in Morocco).
• Be aware of the prices: Alcohol can be more expensive in Morocco than in other countries. Be sure to budget accordingly.

What to drink in Morocco

Here are some of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Morocco:

1. Beer: Morocco has a number of domestic breweries, and the most popular beers include Casablanca, Stork, and Flag Spéciale. Imported beers are also available, such as Heineken, Budweiser, and Carlsberg.
2. Wine: Morocco also has a growing wine industry, and there are many high-quality Moroccan wines available. Some of the most popular Moroccan wines include Gris de Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Imported wines are also available, such as French, Italian, and Spanish wines.
3. Spirits: Morocco produces several local spirits, such as mahia (a fig brandy) and mescal (a cactus brandy). Imported spirits are also available, such as whiskey, vodka, and gin.

What is Moroccan Mahia?

Mahia, a traditional Moroccan Jewish brandy distilled from dates or figs, is a unique and delicious spirit with a rich history. It is thought to have originated in the 16th century and was traditionally distilled by the Jewish population of Morocco. It is a popular drink at Jewish festivals and celebrations and is often served with coffee or tea.

Mahia is typically made by fermenting dates or figs in water and yeast for several weeks. The fermented mixture is then distilled, and the resulting distillate is aged for several months in oak barrels. Mahia has a clear, amber color and a strong, sweet flavor. It is typically consumed neat, but can also be used in cocktails or mixed drinks.

Here are some tips for choosing what to drink in Morocco:

• Consider your taste: If you are unsure of what to drink, ask your server or bartender for recommendations. They can help you to choose a drink that you will enjoy.
• Pair your drink with your food: If you are eating a meal, consider pairing your drink with your food. For example, a light beer or wine can be paired with seafood, while a red wine can be paired with meat.
• Try something new: Morocco has a variety of unique alcoholic drinks, so don’t be afraid to try something new. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

Read also: what to eat in Morocco

Alcohol prices in Morocco

Alcohol prices in Morocco vary depending on the type of alcohol, where you buy it, and the time of year. In general, alcohol is more expensive in Morocco than in many other countries, especially when compared to the average cost of living. This is due to a number of factors, including high taxes on alcohol and the fact that Morocco is a Muslim country.

Average Alcohol Price by Type

Beer:

• A 33cl bottle/can costs around 15 MAD (≈1.5€) in supermarkets.
• Popular local brands: Casablanca, Stork, and Flag (Speciale).
• Imported options such as Heineken, San Miguel, and Guinness are also available.

Wine:

• Slightly more expensive than beer, with bottles starting around 50 MAD (≈5€).
• Locally produced wines are usually cheaper than imported ones.
• Notable Moroccan labels: Touareg, Val d’Argan, Les Celliers de Meknès, and Domaine de Sahari.

Spirits:

• The most expensive alcoholic beverages in Morocco.
• A bottle of vodka costs around 300 MAD (≈30€).
• A bottle of whiskey can reach 450 MAD (≈45€) or more.

Drinking Etiquette in Morocco

The legal drinking age in Morocco is 18, though the enforcement of this rule can vary from one city to another. Always carry an ID if you plan to buy alcohol.

It’s also important to note that Morocco has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. Even a small amount of alcohol in your system can lead to serious penalties.

Here are some tips for drinking etiquette in Morocco:

• Don’t drink in public. This is illegal and can be considered disrespectful to Muslims.
• Be discreet if you are drinking in a public place. Avoid drawing attention to yourself by drinking out of a bottle or can. Instead, order a drink in a bar or restaurant.
• Don’t offer alcohol to Muslims. It is considered rude to offer alcohol to someone who does not drink it.
• Don’t get drunk in public. It is important to be respectful of Moroccan culture and to avoid getting drunk in public.
• Be aware of your surroundings. If you are drinking in a bar or restaurant, be aware of the people around you. Avoid making loud noises or being disruptive.
• Avoid Drinking during Ramadan. Alcohol sales are prohibited during Ramadan, and it is considered disrespectful to drink alcohol during this time.

Here are some additional general tips:

• If you are invited to a Moroccan home, it is best to ask if alcohol is acceptable before bringing any.
• If you are offered a drink, it is polite to accept it, even if you don’t want to drink it. You can always take a sip and then leave the rest of the drink.
• If you are toasting, it is polite to say “Bessaha” or “Sehha”.
• If you are drinking with Moroccans, they may encourage you to drink more than you are comfortable with. It is perfectly acceptable to say no if you don’t want to drink anymore.

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