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 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?

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.

Here are some tips for drinking alcohol responsibly in Morocco:

• Only drink alcohol in licensed premises, such as bars, restaurants, and hotels.
• Do not drink alcohol in public places.
• Be respectful of Moroccan culture and religion.

If you are unsure about whether or not it is appropriate to drink alcohol in a particular situation, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid drinking.

Where to buy alcohol in Morocco

Alcohol is legal in Morocco, but it is important to be aware of the laws and customs surrounding its consumption. You are only allowed to drink alcohol in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels. It is also important to be respectful of Moroccan culture and customs and to avoid drinking to excess.

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.

Please drink responsibly and enjoy your time in Morocco!

What to drink in Morocco

Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, and Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol. However, the Moroccan government has made an exception for tourists and foreigners, and alcohol is widely available in major cities and tourist destinations.

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

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.

Wine

Morocco also has a growing wine industry, and there are a number of 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.

Spirits

Morocco produces a number of local spirits, such as mahia (a fig brandy) and mescal (a cactus brandy). Imported spirits are also available, such as whiskey, vodka, and gin.

Try 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.

Types of Alcohol

The most popular types of alcohol in Morocco are beer, wine, and spirits. Beer is the most affordable option, with a 33cl bottle costing around 18 MAD (1.6 euros) in a supermarket. Local brands such as Casablanca, Stork, and Flag are the most popular, but imported beers such as Heineken and Guinness are also available.

Wine is more expensive than beer, with a bottle costing around 50 MAD (4.5 euros) in a supermarket. Locally produced wines are generally more affordable than imported wines. Some popular Moroccan wines include Val d’Argan, Les Celliers de Meknès, and Domaine de Sahari.

Spirits are the most expensive type of alcohol in Morocco. A bottle of vodka costs around 30 euros (275 MAD) in a supermarket, while a bottle of whiskey can cost upwards of 50 euros (450 MAD).

Drinking etiquette in Morocco

Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, and alcohol consumption is not widely accepted. However, it is legal to drink alcohol in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels. It is important to be respectful of Moroccan culture and customs when drinking alcohol, especially if you are drinking in a public place.

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 from 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. 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.

Here are some additional 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.

By following these tips, you can enjoy drinking alcohol in Morocco in a respectful and culturally appropriate way.

What to avoid when drinking alcohol in Morocco

Here are some things to avoid when drinking alcohol in Morocco:

• Drinking in public. This is illegal and can be considered disrespectful to Muslims.
• Getting drunk. It is important to be respectful of Moroccan culture and to avoid getting drunk in public.
• Offering alcohol to Muslims. It is considered rude to offer alcohol to someone who does not drink it.
• Drawing attention to yourself. Avoid drinking out of a bottle or can in public. Instead, order a drink from a bar or restaurant.
• Being disruptive. If you are drinking in a bar or restaurant, be aware of the people around you and avoid making loud noises or being disruptive.
• Drinking during Ramadan. Alcohol sales are prohibited during Ramadan, and it is considered disrespectful to drink alcohol during this time.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• Be discreet. Alcohol is not widely accepted in Morocco, so it is best to be discreet when drinking, especially if you are in a public place.
• Be respectful of Moroccan culture and customs. Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, so it is important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. This includes avoiding public displays of affection and dressing modestly.
• Be aware of your surroundings. If you are drinking in a bar or restaurant, be aware of the people around you. Avoid drinking with strangers or people who seem intoxicated.

By following these tips, you can avoid any potential problems and have a safe and enjoyable experience drinking alcohol in Morocco.

FAQ