Nigeria's Best-Kept Secret Mocktail Now in the UK

I discovered Chapmans of London when founder Tolani Agoro reached out to me by email - and I’m so glad she did.

Honouring the traditions and taste buds of her homeland, Nigeria, Tolani has created a visual and tongue-tingling taste sensation with Chapmans. But where does the name come from, I hear you ask?

The Chapman drink is a beloved Nigerian mocktail, often enjoyed at social gatherings and celebrations. This fizzy, fruity, and slightly vibrant beverage is a staple in Nigeria, offering a fantastic non-alcoholic alternative. The origins of the Chapman drink date back to the mid-20th century. It is said to have been created by a bartender at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos, Nigeria, who crafted the drink for his favourite customer, a British expatriate named Chapman. The drink quickly gained popularity, becoming a go-to refreshment across the country.

Founder: Tolani Agoro

Given that the UK isn’t exactly fully on the ‘no alcohol train’ just yet, Tolani felt that there was a gap in the market to refresh the current alcohol-free options on our shelves, as well as share what she calls Nigeria’s best-kept secret with the masses.

Not only do the drinks - made from the fundamentals of blood orange, bitters, soda, and ice - taste amazing, but the packaging and general branding are as eye-catching as they are tasty. Chapmans of London undoubtedly prioritize the experience of drinking over the brand. It’s about how you feel, where and who you are drinking with, and the vibrancy of all your senses.

I even ended up taking my tin to Glastonbury Festival as a nice morning burst of flavour after a night of musical delights to sip on at The Park Stage. Suffice it to say, that with widespread moves towards a world of less alcohol consumption (starting with Gen Z), Chapmans of London stands as a bright beacon of culture among other alcohol-free brands. Brands that without doubt, have significantly less culture, colour and fun.

Follow the Chapmans of London adventure on their Instagram.

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Emily King is the founder of The C Word Magazine and a passionate advocate for art, travel, culture, cinema, fashion, sports, and feminism. Connect with her on Instagram @emlrking and explore her expertise in marketing, brand strategy, and paid media planning.