Ingredients
Drink
- 150 mlFanta orange
- 150 mlSprite or lemonade
- 60 mlblackcurrant cordial, Ribena
- a dash of Angostura bitters
- juice of half a lime
To serve
- sliced cucumber
- sliced lemon and orange
- plenty of ice
- a tall glass
Sometimes
- a splash of grenadine
- a shot of gin or vodka, for an alcoholic version
Directions
- Slice it thinly and let it sit in the drink rather than perching it on the rim. A dash of Angostura gives the aromatic bitterness that keeps the drink from being simply a sweet fizzy mixture.
- Use a dash or two rather than a generous pour, since it is potent. Now the two soft drinks in it. Use them cold, straight from the fridge.
- Adjust the blackcurrant to get the colour and sweetness you want. Fresh lime juice sharpens it and stops it cloying.
- Fill the glass with ice rather than adding a few cubes. Put the cucumber and citrus slices in the glass first, then fill it with ice.
- Pour the blackcurrant cordial in, then the Fanta and Sprite. Add the bitters and the lime last. Stir once gently with a long spoon.
- Stir as little as possible, since the fizz is much of the appeal and agitation drives it off. Serve it immediately, while it is cold and still fizzing.
- Let it sit for half an hour so the cucumber infuses, then serve over ice. Do not add the ice to the dispenser, which waters the whole batch down before it is drunk.
Technique
- It was created at a Lagos club in the 1970s.
- The cucumber is part of the drink, not a garnish.
- It is usually non-alcoholic, though Angostura bitters do contain alcohol.
Substitutions
- Any blackcurrant cordial in place of Ribena.
- Lemonade in place of Sprite.
Variations
- With a splash of grenadine, for a deeper colour.
- Made with gin or vodka, as an alcoholic version.
- Made without bitters, for a fully alcohol-free drink.
History
Created at a Lagos club in the 1970s and now the default party drink at Nigerian weddings, usually served without alcohol.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chapman?
Chapman is a cocktail from Nigeria: ruby mix of Fanta, Sprite, blackcurrant and bitters over cucumber. Created at a Lagos club in the 1970s and now the default party drink at Nigerian weddings, usually served without alcohol.
How long does Chapman take to make?
Chapman takes 5 min of preparation and none of cooking. The recipe makes 1 tall glass. It is rated easy to make.
What can I substitute in Chapman?
Yes, within limits. Any blackcurrant cordial in place of Ribena. Lemonade in place of Sprite.
What is the most important thing to get right in Chapman?
Slice it thinly and let it sit in the drink rather than perching it on the rim. A dash of Angostura gives the aromatic bitterness that keeps the drink from being simply a sweet fizzy mixture.
