If you enjoy a nice co*cktail from time to time, you may wonder if you can enjoy alcohol in Morocco during your vacation. Read on for everything you need to know about drinking in Morocco.
Alcohol in Morocco – What You Need to Know
Alcohol is forbidden in Islam, and Morocco is a Muslim country. So, it is only natural to wonder if your entire Moroccan vacation will have to be alcohol-free. Are you the type who thinks it simply isn’t a vacation if you can’t relax with a co*cktail or enjoy some wine with dinner? You will be happy to know that you can enjoy alcohol in Morocco.
It is important to note, however, that alcohol is not easily available everywhere – or at any time of the day or night. If you would like to imbibe while vacationing in Morocco, the following information will help.
Domestically-Produced Alcohol in Morocco
Beer and wine are produced domestically. They also tend to be the most popular drinks in Morocco. Various types of wine are available, including Moroccan grey wine. This wonderful wine is only made in Morocco and if you love wine, you really should try it. You can even visit some of the local vineyards during your vacation!
Beers available in Morocco include Casablanca, Stork, and Flag Speciale. Casablanca is widely regarded as the best.
If you prefer hard spirits like Vodka and Whiskey, you will likely find them to be quite expensive. However, there is a local spirit called Mahia which is made from figs. Mahia means “water of life”. It is an 80-proof clear liqueur which can be compared to grappa. Traditionally made by the Jewish settlers of Morocco, it is now most-often produced in homes like moonshine. This means that it is not easy to find. But if you ask the host of your riad or hotel, there is a good chance that someone will point you in the right direction.
Where to Get Alcohol in Morocco
Alcohol is pretty available in large cities and popular tourist destinations. But it can be rather expensive, depending on where you buy it.
The easiest place to find alcohol is in bars, hotels, and resorts catering to foreigners. If you want to take some back to your room with you, it never hurts to ask if they will sell you a bottle or two to take home when you are paying your tab. They may say no, but if they say yes, be sure to leave them a nice tip.
Riads, since most are privately owned, may or may not have alcohol available to guests. If this is an important issue to you, be sure to ask before making reservations.
Alcohol can also be purchased in supermarkets and liquor stores in the big cities, although you may need to ask around to find the right place. Shops selling alcohol are only open until 8 PM.
Rules to Know About Alcohol in Morocco
The biggest rule about alcohol in Morocco to keep in mind is that public drinking is against the law. Bars in Morocco have no windows within view of the public for this reason. You are not allowed to walk down the street with a beer or drink on any sort of public transport, even if you are completely alone at the time. And if your hotel balcony faces a public street, you cannot sit there and have a beer, even though you may feel you are in your private room.
Alcohol During Ramadan
Alcohol is still technically allowed during Ramadan, but only a few restaurants and stores sell it. It can only be purchased with a foreign passport that has a non-Muslim name on it. And your name may be listed in a book along with the amount of alcohol you are purchasing.
Although it is a Muslim country, Moroccans are pretty openminded about tourists who drink. Keep the few rules in mind and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you aren’t sure where to go. You can even bring up to 1 liter of booze into the country with you (but no more than that). And if you plan to take a tour of Morocco, be sure to ask your guides about alcohol before booking your trip.
We’d love to help you have the Moroccan vacation of your dreams. Be sure to contact us anytime to discuss a custom tour package just right for you!
