Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Your Nigerian Christmas Party

A Nigerian Christmas in the UK hits differently — the weather may be cold, but the celebration is always warm, loud, and overflowing with good food and good vibes. And while most people talk about the Jollof, the Fried Rice, the Turkey and small chops, every Nigerian knows that a Christmas party is only complete when the cooler is fully stocked with the right non-alcoholic drinks. In fact, for most UK-based African families, the drinks table is the real centre of attraction.

For many Nigerians living in the UK, Christmas is a time to reconnect with home through authentic African flavours, especially the classic “minerals” we grew up with — Maltina, Supermalt, Fayrouz, Chapman mixers, Zobo, and of course, Fanta and Coke in their iconic glass bottles. These drinks are more than refreshments; they carry nostalgia, culture, and the unmistakable taste of Naija joy.

As holiday shopping begins, thousands of Africans in the UK search for where to buy Nigerian drinks in bulk, non-alcoholic African party drinks, and the best drinks for a Nigerian Christmas party, and at Niyis, the data shows one thing clearly: the classics are back and hotter than ever.

Whether you are hosting a big family gathering, a London end-of-year party, or a small Christmas dinner, this guide will help you choose the best non-alcoholic drinks to serve at your Nigerian Christmas party — drinks that pair perfectly with spicy food, satisfy every age group, and bring the authentic Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt festive vibe straight to your UK home.

Let’s dive into the iconic favourites making a comeback in coolers across the UK this December.

1. The Heavyweight: Malt Drinks (Maltina & Supermalt)

The "Energy" of the Party.

In a Nigerian household, Malt isn't just a drink. It’s nourishment. It’s vitality. It’s what your grandma gave you when you looked "a bit thin."

If you serve a plate of Pounded Yam and Egusi soup, you cannot wash it down with juice. It’s too light. You need something with body. You need Malt.

Maltina: The "Happiness" Drink

Maltina holds a special place in our hearts. It is creamy, smooth, and deeply fortified with vitamins. It is the drink of celebration.

Why stock it: It’s incredibly nostalgic. One sip of an ice-cold Maltina takes many of us straight back to Christmas visits in Lagos. It’s perfect for guests who want something sweet but substantial.

Supermalt: The UK-Nigerian Staple

You cannot have a Nigerian gathering in London without Supermalt. It is slightly less sweet than Maltina, with a richer, darker malt flavour.

The Debate: Every family has a divide. Some are Team Maltina, some are Team Supermalt. To be a good host, you need to have both in the cooler. Don't let the arguments start before the food is even served!

Serving Tip: Malt must be served freezing cold. If it’s room temperature, it tastes like syrup. Burry these at the bottom of the ice cooler for maximum refreshment.

2. The "Champagne" of Soft Drinks: Fayrouz

The Sophisticated Choice.

Have you noticed how Fayrouz has quietly become the VIP of the party?

Years ago, Fayrouz was the new kid on the block. Now, it is indispensable. With its unique pineapple foam and golden colour, it looks and feels more premium than a standard fizzy drink.

Why it’s perfect for Christmas:

It’s Light: After eating heavy, oily foods (like Jollof or Fried Meat), you don't always want a heavy drink. Fayrouz is crisp, refreshing, and cuts through the grease perfectly.
The "Champagne" Look: Pour Fayrouz into a champagne flute. The golden colour and the head of foam look exactly like sparkling wine. It is the perfect option for non-drinkers who still want to raise a toast and feel fancy.
The Flavour: That distinct pineapple-pear taste is unlike anything else on the British high street. It tastes exotic. It tastes like a holiday.

3. The Mixers: Schweppes (Bitter Lemon & Chapman Base)

The Secret Ingredient.

You might look at Schweppes and think, "It's just a mixer." But in a Nigerian context, Schweppes is the backbone of our cocktail culture.

Specifically, Schweppes Bitter Lemon. For the older generation (the "Big Daddies"), a cold glass of Bitter Lemon is the height of enjoyment. It’s not too sweet, it has that sharp quinine bite, and it aids digestion.

But the real reason you need to stock up on Schweppes this Christmas? Chapman.

The Ultimate Nigerian Chapman Recipe (Non-Alcoholic)

You cannot host a Nigerian Christmas party without Chapman. It is our national cocktail. It is fruity, spicy, red, and utterly addictive.

While many restaurants use alcohol, the original, refreshing version is non-alcoholic and suitable for everyone.

What you need from Niyis:

Fanta Orange (The glass bottle version tastes best!)
Sprite or 7-Up
Grenadine Syrup (This gives it the deep red colour)
Angostura Bitters (This is the secret spicy ingredient)
Cucumber & Lemon slices
Ice (Lots of it!)

How to make it (The Party Pitcher):

In a massive jug, mix equal parts Fanta and Sprite. (e.g., 1 litre of each).
Add a generous splash of Grenadine Syrup until the drink turns a deep, sunset red.
Add 10-15 dashes of Angostura Bitters. Don't be shy! This gives it that aromatic, herbal smell.
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon in.
Throw in handfuls of sliced cucumber and lemon wheels.
Serve over plenty of ice in a dimpled mug.

Why buy Schweppes? Some people prefer using Schweppes Soda Water or Bitter Lemon in their Chapman to make it less sugary and more "adult." Having Schweppes on hand allows you to customize the mix.

4. The Crowd Pleasers: Fanta & Coke (Glass Bottles vs. Cans)

The Nostalgia Factor.

We need to talk about the bottle. There is a widely accepted theory in the Nigerian community that Fanta and Coca-Cola taste significantly better out of a glass icon bottle than they do out of a can or plastic bottle.

Maybe it’s the gas retention. Maybe it’s the cold glass on your lips. Maybe it’s just nostalgia. But if you want to impress your guests, try to source the glass bottles.

Fanta Orange: The Nigerian favourite. It pairs perfectly with spicy food. The sweetness balances the heat of the scotch bonnet in your stew.
Coke: The classic. Essential for mixing with brandy for those who are drinking, but perfectly sharp on its own.

5. Zobo (The Homemade Hero)

The Labour of Love.

While we are talking about manufactured drinks, we must mention the one you make yourself. We wrote a whole blog post on Festive Zobo, but don't forget to buy the leaves!

Serving a jug of homemade Zobo alongside the Maltina and Fayrouz shows you went the extra mile. It’s the "organic" option for the health-conscious auntie who is watching her sugar intake (just use pineapple to sweeten it!).

Why You Should Buy Drinks in Bulk (The Logistics)

Here is a piece of advice from one host to another: Do not buy your drinks from the supermarket on Christmas Eve.

The Weight: Drinks are heavy. Carrying 4 crates of Maltina and 6 packs of Fayrouz from the car to the house is a workout you don't need when you are stressed about cooking.
The Availability: You know the feeling. You go to the "World Foods" aisle in the big supermarket, and the shelf is empty. Someone else has cleared out all the Supermalt. Panic sets in.
The Price: Buying single cans is expensive. Buying by the crate or slab is always cheaper.

At Niyis, we specialize in bulk delivery. You order the crates, and we deliver them right to your doorstep. No back pain, no empty shelves, no stress.

The "Cooler Management" Strategy

Finally, a quick tip on how to serve these drinks.

If you have a large gathering, do not put all the drinks in the fridge. They won't fit, and your fridge door will be opened every 5 seconds, lowering the temperature and spoiling your food.

Use the Cooler (or Bathtub!) Method:

Buy big bags of ice (or freeze water in ice cream tubs days before).
Clean out your biggest cooler box (or a pristine plastic laundry basket).
Layer the drinks: Maltina and Supermalt at the bottom (they need to be coldest). Fayrouz and Schweppes in the middle. Fanta/Coke on top.
Pour the ice over them.
Sprinkle a handful of Salt on the ice.
- Science Tip: Salt lowers the freezing point of water, making the ice melt slower and the water get colder than freezing. Your drinks will be ice-block cold in 20 minutes.

Stock Your Bar Today

The worst thing that can happen at a Nigerian party is running out of drinks. It’s a taboo!

Make sure your cooler is overflowing. From the rich, creamy taste of Maltina to the sophisticated sparkle of Fayrouz, we have everything you need to keep your guests refreshed and happy.

Don't wait until the heavy lifting starts. Get your crates delivered now.

Shop the Full Drinks Collection Here

Cheers to a Christmas that flows with joy (and plenty of minerals)!