Staying hydrated is essential in a country that’s as dry and hot as Egypt. Here’s a guide to the must-sip drinks you’ll find during your travels.
Sahlab
Made with orchid starch (different to the kind your uncle uses on his shirts), this thick and sweet drink is served hot and is found throughout Egypt. Perfect for sipping on cool nights along the Nile.
Karkade
While the standard black tea served in Egypt is fine, it’s generally made from imported leaves anyway – so it might not be much different to the kind you can drink at home. Karkade (hibiscus tea), on the other hand, is subtle and floral. Usually served cold, it's a refreshing (and pretty) drink on a hot day.
Asab (sugarcane juice)
This wildly popular juice is sold EVERYWHERE in Egypt, from roadside stalls to fancy juice shops, and drunk by people of all walks of life. Sticks of sugar cane are crushed to extract the green juice, which is sweet at first with a slightly sour aftertaste that some travellers love and others hate. If you enjoy the flavour, it’s a great boost after hot days spent wandering ruins.
Water
It's important to stay hydrated while travelling in Egypt, but drinking tap water isn’t recommended. Remember to avoid drinks with ice and to peel fruit before eating it, too. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water from your hotel or pack water purification tablets.
Alcohol in Egypt
The sale and consumption of alcohol in Egypt is complicated. As Egypt is a majority Muslim country, many locals abstain from alcohol completely. However, it is possible to find liquor stores and bars in some upmarket neighbourhoods, and many hotels and resorts serve alcohol. Home brewing is also relatively popular, but if you want to avoid getting sick (or worse) we recommend avoiding any alcohol not prepared in a professional environment. Many travellers find it easier to abstain completely during their time in the country.
Click to read what to eat in Egypt
Our tours in Egypt
12 Days
From
3020
From Cairo, Alexandria and Aswan to the Valley of the Kings at Luxor, see the pharaohs,...
8 Days
From
1550
Visit Egypt and adventure along the River Nile through the land of the pharaohs, from...
9 Days
From
2978
From the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Karnak and the bustling Khan al-Khalili...
19 Days
From
6192
This 19-day tour explores the best of Egypt and Jordan in Comfort, from Cairo to...
8 Days
From
2805
Travel Egypt on this adventure that visits Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. See pyramids, visit...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
15 Days
From
3755
Take an adventure holiday through Egypt and Jordan. Visit Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza,...
16 Days
From
7227
Discover Egypt and Jordan on a 16-day Premium adventure from Cairo to Amman, including...
15 Days
From
6660
Travel down the Nile from Cairo to Aswan, exploring Luxor, Alexandria and more along...
22 Days
From
10040
Discover the contrasts of modern and ancient Egypt and Jordan on this in-depth Premium...
22 Days
From
12281
Uncover the culture and history of the Middle East on a 22-day Premium journey through...
22 Days
From
3835
Jordan and Egypt on a 22-day adventure including Petra, Cairo, Wadi Rum, Aswan, Luxor,...
15 Days
From
1845
Explore Egypt in 15 days with an Intrepid tour to Cairo, the Nile, Aswan, Luxor and...
26 Days
From
11145
Embark on an immersive, 26-day journey through the diverse Middle East, from the icons...
9 Days
From
1080
Take an immersive nine-day tour through Egypt. Kick off in Cairo, home to the Pyramids...
9 Days
From
2025
Follow in the footsteps of prophets on an adventure tour through Jordan and Egypt....
15 Days
From
2795
This is trip for the big names – Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones, Tutankhamen. Jordan...
22 Days
From
7130
Experience the best of the Middle East across Jordan, Egypt, Israel & Palestine....
19 Days
From
4745
Travel from Cairo to Tel Aviv, stopping at Aswan, Luxor, Cairo, Wadi Rum, Petra, Amman...
8 Days
From
1845
Decode the secrets of the Great Sphinx and more during this family adventure through...
8 Days
From
1996
Step back in time on an 8-day family Egyptian adventure through Cairo, Aswan and Luxor....
28 Days
From
13820
Deep dive into the Middle East on a 28-day Premium journey through Egypt, Jordan,...
15 Days
From
4775
Decode the secrets of the Great Sphinx and more during this family adventure through...
