The islands of French Polynesia are home to a variety of traditional spirits, integral to the culture, customs and festivities. Among the drinks, let’s first note eau-de-vie, a strong liquor obtained from a mixture of plants, fruits, flowers and tubers. Another well-known name: okolehao, a liqueur made from the root of an indigenous vine. As these products are all of artisanal quality, some are available at short notice and may vary in quality and quantity depending on the offer of sellers and producers.
Overview of spirits from French Polynesia
There are many typical spirits to discover in French Polynesia. Tupu is a very sweet drink obtained by distilling seaweed. Tama’a is a very powerful liqueur made from banana and vanilla. Its subtle aroma of coconut and toast makes it perfect for breakfasts. Tilori is a liqueur obtained from a variety of thorns with an aromatic smell. Hitia ‘Ere is an alcohol obtained from the distillation of coconut shells. Finally, a liqueur made from fruit, profiteroles, rum and ginger is available under the name of “Rhum arrangé”.
Tahitian vanilla liqueur is one of the most popular drinks among Polynesians. It is known for its medicinal virtues and its unique, delicious and intoxicating flavor. It is obtained from the best varieties of Tahitian vanilla, which are then mixed with rum and other ingredients to obtain a soft and flavorful liqueur. The biggest producers of Tahitian vanilla liqueur are Bounty Rhum and Maison TEAORI, which offer a variety of varieties to discover ranging from the sweetest to the strongest.
If you want to discover the typical alcohols of French Polynesia, the Manuia Box is an excellent starting point. Including arranged rums and traditional brandies, this box offers an insight into Polynesian spirits and their unique flavors. You can also discover the arranged rums composed of a complex mixture of spices and local ingredients. Polynesian spirits are to be discovered and enjoyed, and the Manuia Box is an excellent way to taste them.
tahitian brandy
Tahitian brandy is also one of the traditional spiritual drinks of Polynesians, known for their quality and unique flavor. Usually obtained from plants, fruits, flowers, aromatic tubers, it is famous for its effects of well-being on the body and the spirit. To fully appreciate its medicinal properties, locals usually accompany it with a meal based on fresh produce or fresh seafood. The Teororea house is renowned for its different varieties of brandies, the most famous of which are Papeeta, Mamane and Tilori.
French Polynesian beer
French Polynesian beer also occupies a prominent place among the variety of alcohols available in French Polynesia. This type of beer is obtained from local ingredients and is characterized by its light color, abundant foam and mild flavor. Released in the early 2000s, Hinano de Tahiti beer was then the only one and therefore the best known. Since then, different brands have appeared such as Hinano PA’I Golden Ale, Hinano PA’I Tahiti Twist and Hinano PA’I Tahiti Sunrise.
Fruit and rum drinks in French Polynesia
Finally, for those looking for a softer drink, the Polynesians offer their variety of products based on fruit or alcohol. Ti Nu Suef is a sweet blend of rum and lemon juice. Poerani is a mixture of rum and traditional Tahitian fruit juice obtained through a unique ancestral art. For more festive moments, local producers also offer Mahana, a light and fragrant blend made from rum and Polynesian fruit juice.
The typical alcohols in French Polynesia constitute a very varied set of spiritual and sweet drinks, to be discovered absolutely. Each product is a perfect representation of the traditional culture of French Polynesia and local products. The tasting of these products will undoubtedly be a moment rich in colors, flavors and emotions for each traveler. Discovering and savoring these alcohols is also an opportunity to support local producers and take part in the archives of local versatile crops.
In French Polynesia, you can discover typical alcoholic drinks that are produced from local products. French drinks allows you to discover several alcohols such as perry, rum, mahi mahi, fruit wine, coconut wine and punch. These drinks are produced from local products such as perry, taro and passion fruit. They are light and refreshing and are a great alternative to more popular alcoholic beverages.