Chapman drink is one of the popular cocktails I serve in birthday parties and other high-profile events in Nigeria; Bar men serve this in major Nigerian hotels and clubs. It is also the most popular drink for cocktail weddings in Nigeria.
I got a request from a lady friend sometimes last week to write this recipe; she wanted to prepare the Chapman drink for her kids.
So here we go! 😀
It became my favorite soft drink since I learned how to prepare it.
Chapman, Alcohol or Not?
You can decide to make it soft or hard, what I mean is that you can add a particular ingredient (Angostura bitters) to make chapman drink alcoholic for adults or avoid the ingredient so that both adults and children can enjoy it.
I can’t say much about the origin of chapman but I hear that it all started with a man at the Ikoyi club, a man named Shapman. Over time, the name changed. 😀
Angostura aromatic Bitter is the ingredients to look out for, at first I thought I wouldn’t find it in Nigeria but I did, I learned just one company market and distribute it in Nigeria and you can buy it in most major superstores.
I got mine from a major supermarket here in Port-harcout, they sold a small bottle at four thousand five hundred naira only. Ask for Angostura aromatic bitters used for cocktails.
I later learned that Amazon offers it at a way cheaper price.
Alomo bitters can also be used in place of the Angostura bitters, alomo bitters are very popular in Nigeria and sold at every corner of the street in Lagos. However, you can avoid the aromatic bitter or alomo bitter completely if you want to make chapman for the kids instead, squeeze in a lime… half lime would be OK. This would taint the true taste of the chapman that you buy from bars and restaurants but it is alright.
Here are the complete ingredients for making chapman, the popular Nigerian drink. These ingredients would serve four persons.
Ingredients for chapman Nigerian Drink
Serving: 4 persons.
A bottle of Fanta (35cl)
A bottle of Sprite (35cl)
Angostura aromatic bitter or alomo bitters 3 spoons
Grenadine syrup (1 cup)
5-10 spoons of orange juice (optional)
1 lemon or lime
cucumber
Ice cubes
I use the orange and cucumber for garnishing; you can use lime, oranges, cucumber, grapes, a combination of two or even just lemon is okay.
Preparations for Original Shapman Drink
It is better to prepare chapman in a jug the way David did in the video below and then distribute in glass cups thereafter.
I hope you know that ice cubes are the same thing as ice blocks; the difference is just the shapes. They supply most refrigerators with ice cube trays, so be sure to have them ready before you start the preparation.
It is also advisable to chill the Fanta and sprite before using them. You should remember that chapman must be served cold or Chapman will arrest you himself 😀 So the best approach would be to chill the major ingredients before the preparation.
How To Prepare Chapman Drink
Step 1
Get a simple wine glass or a giant mug, pour a cup full of grenadine syrup.
Step 2
Pour in the sprite and Fanta into the same jug. Add two spoons of the Angostura aromatic bitter or alomo bitter.
The angostura/alomo bitter kinda dilutes the sweetness from other ingredients a little.
This is just to avoid the intake of sugar in excess. We have discussed Healthy Nigerian foods this year.
Step 3
Add the fresh orange juice, and shake or stir with a spoon.
At this point you are almost done with making the Chapman Nigerian drink, distribute in glass cups and then throw in the garnishing fruits.
Step 4
Cut the cucumber/oranges into triangular shapes and throw them into the mixture. Cucumber, lemon or even banana can also be used for garnishing; even a combination of two or three fruits-slice is acceptable.
Step 5
Add the ice cubes and serve chilled with a straw and your favorite snack. So the Nigerian Chapman or shapman drink is made of a bottle of Fanta, sprite, Angostura aromatic bitters, grenadine syrup, fruit juice, ice cubes, and other garnishing Ingredients.
That is how to make Chapman drink, the most popular drink for cocktail parties in Nigeria.
Here is the video for chapman, as made by David, watch and enjoy. Don’t forget to drop me a comment below.
Learn about other Nigerian drinks
Chapman Recipe
Equipment
- Jugs
- Cups
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- 1 Bottle Sprite 35cl
- 1 Bottle Fanta 35cl
- 1 Cup Geraldine Syrup
- 50 mls Orange Juice
- 3 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Ice Cube
- Slice of oranges and cucumbers For Toppings
Instructions
- Chill your Fanta and spirit for about 60 minutes
- Pour a glass full of Geraldine syrup into a jug. Pour in the sprite and Fanta also.
- Add your 2 spoons of Angostura bitter (when you are making chapman drink for adults)
- add the fresh orange and lemon juice. Shake and serve.
- Drop the toppings after you pour into glass cups to get your chapman drink looking like what I have below.
Video
Notes
131 Comments
Please ma/sir can we use Campari drink in place of grenadine
Really nice and easy to make thanks Boss for sharing👏👏👏 🥰🥰 am doing for the family tomorrow Sunday 💃💃💃💃 Well-done sir
Wow nice one tnk for sharing dis recipe.
For the angostura bitters and the orange juice, tablespoons or teaspoons??
Like a teaspoon for angostura, and a tot for the orange juice. Orange juice is optional anyways.
Nice..how long can it be kept without ice prior to when I’m ready to drink
Thanks for this information. Am so doing this, this weekend for my family
How many mill is one cup of grenadine syrup
You are the best,kind and wonderful.You broke the Monopoly of Chapman preparation which some people have kept to themselves.Thank you.
Thanks sis, you are a life safer. I prepare my ogbono soup for my daughter school cultural day and it was delicious. Thanks for always having our back. An sure gonna try the Chapman and back to you
Happy new year! thanks for the lovely recipes. Checking some recipes to prepare since morning till now that i didn’t go for my lunch break wow i love the easy to digest guide. Thanks
Do you have a pdf form or a soft copy of the cookbook so one can pay and download from anywhere?
Thank you for this. In making Chapman for kids, can blackcurrant be added to it
Thanks a million for the recipe but I can’t see the video.
Thanx so much. Am gonna try prepare chapman for hubby nd i,com feb 14.lol.
Thanks Chidi. This is awesome.
I love this blog
THANKS SO MUCH
Thank you for the Chapman recipe, will try it out. please, keep up the good work. #mua
Hi Chidi, I love cooking and I’m a chef in U.K so I cook a lot of continental dishes but I’m planning to open a restaurant to showcase our rich Nigerian food but with English twist, can you help pls?
Thanks a lot for the Chapman recipe. I’ll definitely try it out.
Never knew such exit, first time but am already thrilled to be here. Nice work God bless you.
Hi Chi, you are a miracle. Got the Chapman recipe. Looks great. Going to Surprise my spouse this Easter holiday. But dear what is this grenadine syrup and where can l get it i.e is it in a supermarket or from those selling cake ingredients.
Regards.
Ngozi
THANKS CHY, PROUD 2 COME ACCROSS DIS BLOG
wow!never knew Chapman is so easy to make.I’ll look for the ingredients and make it. thanks chy
Chidi, thank you for this procedure on Chapman. I am so glad to have known this. In fact, this is the drink for my family this Easter holiday when everybody will be around to enjoy it. I am glad to have purchased and subscribed for your newsletters.
Remain blessed.
Nkem,
CHY THANKS ONCE AGAIN FOR THIS…PLEASE WHAT QUANTITY OF INGREDIENTS CAN I USE TO MAKE CHAPMAN FOR ABOUT A HUNDRED PEOPLE??? THANKS AGAIN
chy tanks 4 sharing dis knowledge wit u God bless u. pls wat is d size of d cup or measurement of d cup to use. tanks
do u garnish ur Chapman by dropping d sliced orange,cucumber into it or by hanging it by d cup?
Chidi ,good morning. this is amazing.your site rocks. I was about going to attend a Chapman training class this morning,but my hubby was of the opinion I check online instead of going through the stress of having to go so far just to learn Chapman.i got in here ,and you really wowed me with your superlicious recipes. I’m definitely going to try it out today. thanks so much Chidi
Thank you for sharing the idea of preparing chapman ,i appreciate but please where can one buy grenadine syrup
Is the Grenadine syrup compulsory, thanks for showing me how to make chapman.
I must sincerely appreciate you chy Almighty God will continue to bless u more.
pls I want to guide in making ice cream and yoghurt
Hmm u got it right chy…as a trained bar attendant I prepare Chapman with different garnishing… chy u are doing a great job..for all your Chapman ingredients…from Angostra bitter, grenadine, tasty time…Even all sorts of wines contact me for that on whatsapp 08138649412 or call 07081893591.. I know angostra bitter is a little bit scarce and expensive…deliver any where in Nigeria at any quantity….from Daniel Chikwue…surulere Lagos.
Thank u so much for this,even though l have been making chapman but l know the correct measurement for glass cup.sincere appreciation.
Lovely thanks 4 the tips u rock, may God bless d work of ur hand
wooo! i can’t wait ooo. thanks a lot ma for sharing with me. may God continue to enrich u with wisdom. long live Chidi Anegbu…
Chidi,
U are a life saver. Since I discovered your site, my cooking has gotten another dimension. Though, I am into catering but preparing the same meal in different kinds of way has never been easy.
Keep up the good works. Kudos
THANK YOU KINDLY CHY.
PLEASE MY QUESTION GOES LIKE THIS, IS IT NATURAL ORANGE JUICE (NATURAL ORANGE) THAT I WILL USE FOR THE CHAPMAN OR ARTIFICIAL ORANGE JUICE.
SECONDLY, MUST I USED ANGOSTURA BITTER?
THIRDLY, IS THIS THE ONLY INGREDIENT FOR CHAPMAN,REALLY?
KINDLY GET BACK TO ME .
SINCERELY,
IFY.
I”m impressed with this tips. pls can u help me I want to prepare for 150pple. what are the quantities to use. pls expect ur reply on my email
God bless u
Gudevening ma.. I must say that I luv site. I have been hearing about chapman but I have never had a taste. I will not hesitate to make a cup this weekend. Thanks so much for ur recipe.GOD bless u ma.
Kudos ma, please can we use only Fanta and pineapple for chap?
Joy
Chi
U too much oooo I must confess, this chapman am going to give it a trial this weekend.
God bless u ijn.
Chidi. This is gud, i can’t wait to get it done. Tanx alot.
Hi Chi,kindly let me know when the new and improved Edition of your cookery book is out,I would like to have a copy in my library.
Chi…. u are d best in d world… I hate kitchen but of late.. kitchen is now ma best friend and my mum is wondering like steven wonder,, what happened to dis gurl.. in short note she’s happy I now love d kitchen.. thanks so much.. I look forward in learning more.
Chidi to be honest I wasnt going to make this drink because I was afraid I might flunk it n mess my wonderful mind set about Chapman but after reading almost all the comments I am determined to get it right! So please how do I get the grenadine syrup? Is it a drug, a sweetener,a sugar substitute, or a drink? etc. Cos am also a shopperholick and I haven’t come across any drink with that name (grenadine).
Chidi, you have made it so simple. God bless you
Mrs chy pls after using d angostura bitters n d syrup how do I preserve it?
Wow chapman! Chapman! Dis is exciting always heard abt it never tasted it b4 buh 4rm comments n d ingredients am falling in love gona try it dis weekend mrs chy rock proudly nigerian
Thanks for this recipe,I love chapman drink.
just want to know if in place of Alomo or any other bitters one can use Campari to kill the sweetness ..
Yes you can use campari and rum or campari and vodka.
its nice I will try it.
whao dis is lovely.pls can u teach me small chops. I will appreciate it if u reply soon. thanks chy
Its great learning how to make dis drinks especially d Chapman, thank u chy
Thanks Chidi,pls can I use small handleless cups to serve champman at a party?
God bless you chy for the good work you are doing. please just wanna know if the angoustura bitters is an alcoholic flavour. please if it is can it not be used or will it defile the real Chapman taste? Thanks and God bless.
Was planning for my daughter’s birthday n came across dis site. U have just saved me lots of money n eased d extra stress. U rock. Kip it up
Aunty Chidi Gud morning ma, i love ur teaches so much thanks keep it up ma n GOD bless u. Please how can i get ur book here in Onitsha please i need it Thanks. My number 08067266238
God bless u so much. Apart 4rm d angoustura bitters or alomo can som1 use a non alcoholic bitters lyk d asheitu adams bitters or swidish bitters?
Thanks for this info. U’ll never know know how much good you’ve done for me.
God bless u real good.
Hi Chidi – Oga!
I was English Expat with my young wife and two children working in Nigeria for a major company in 1964 through all the Major General Ironsi and Yakubu Gowon Biafran War years. I saw the Kainji Dam and the New Lagos Bridge being built and made many Nigerian friends all of whom we found to be gentle, fun loving people; and I have lots of lovely real photos (no mobiles in those days) to remind us of the happy times. I learned to fly a small plane at Kiri-Kiri where the small field was adjacent to the prison down the Agege “motor road”.
We all used to live in Ikeja on the Chief Okupe Estate and drank many Chapmans The beer was Heineken and Star but I always found the Chapmans a favourite when playing squash or swimming / sunbathing.
THANKS A LOT FOR REMINDING ME OF THE RECIPE CHY. I am unable to drink alcohol now so have reverted to dear old Chapmans with all its pleasant reminders. My grown up family also still enjoy it very much too.
I wonder if you could find time to reply and perhaps bring me a little up to date?
This is interesting
Grew up playing squash at the ikoyi club every Sunday in the early 70’s while dad played golf. I was a young chap of 12 and I fondly remember this drink as we sat in the veranda and watched the sunset over the golf course. Thanks to you I’ve resurrected the recipe I only wish I could resurrect those special moments my brother and I spent sitting with dad drenched in sweat sipping our chapmans and loving everything Nigerian. The country its people it’s customs and its quisine and of course it’s chapman drink.
Pls, from ur pictures, I observed that the pill of the orange is not removed, won’t it affect the taste of the Chapman. Secondly can one use pineapple instead of oranges.
Chapman my favorite drink!! Love I so much
A very good and refreshing drink
we used to have it while in Nigeria in 1973 to 1982
avery nice souvenir from kano and Kaduna
Thank you
thanks a lot.
I see a o lot of Nigerian Chapman. is there another kind. could you talk about it.?
Nice one Chidi!
Is angostura aromatic bitter optional.
Hello chy,thanks for the Chapman recipe, u know, l’ve always wanted to learn how to make it but most people i ask won’t open as u are.Thanks again for sharing with us. God bless.
please ma how can i add alcohol 2d chapman
Chidi thanks alot for the priveldge u hv given me to learn champman. My good lord will give u a double grace to all your endervous, keep up ur good work GOD BLESS U DEAR. Pls can u also teach us other types of cocktail drinks that is common like champman and d finger foods (i.e small chops). Hope to hear from u. THANKS.
Alomo shudnt be an alternative, angostura bitter hs a special reason why d world hs it on d chapman recipe. Its beta to jst do lime if u cant find angostura.
Add only 8-10 dashes of angostura.
Also its cucumber fr garnish. Its part of d traditional chapman taste. For beta result u can let ur cucumber soak in d chapman fr a wile.
Orange juice is included not optional
Thank you very much Chidi, God will continue to increase you in knowledge and understanding.
You are the best. All the best.
I didn’t see the Geraldine syrup.any substitute
Use Ribena
I just made mine. Waooooo loving myself. My kids just hailed me. Hhehe
I love to try new drinks. I will offer it to my guests for Easter brunch. Happy Easter to Nigerian Kitchen. K
You are doing a great job here.. I love this page, thank you so very much. May God continue to bless you ma
in case whereby one need to serve lot of people wit cocktail asin Chapman can one add zobo as part of d recipe for Chapman to increase the quantity? thank you
Pls chy can u email me on how to prepare Chapman 4 150pple I’ll really appreciate, tanks.
Wow,loving dis chapman receipe.I’ll definitely gv it a try.Thanks Chidi
Wow,this is lovely, thanks for the Chapman recipes and procedure, God bless you.
I must confess,this site is the best thing that happened to me recently..i was gonna host 60 people to a house party and this cocktail guy charged me 1500 per chapman..i was about to pay when I went online and found this site..im so not needing his services again…P.S..i just mixed my first chapman and nothing beats it right now
so amazing I just discover this site now. chy are u in port harcourt?
Lovely drink, I love it like ki lo deeee
Thanks to u Chidi, you have saved many from monopoly of Chapman Drink
you rock
Lovely Chidi,you are doing a wonderful job for the whole univers.When is your next discount on all your books,always yovrs at all time
I’ll be hosting very important guests by next week. I wanted something different this time…just thought a glass of chapman will do! Thanks for helping me out with the recipies. Gratitude!
Please where can I buy the grenadine syrup thanks.
I really love the recipes here.. And wow!! Am so shocked cos I didn’t know that to make Chapman was at the snap of a finger… So cheap ND yet the same thing we get in the bars and the zobo tutorials as well just makes Nigerian juice seems so much fun.. But I would really like to get a copy of your book if possible but if not.. I want your page to be readily available for my use.. Plss do reply.. Tnx chi
Please can you do just to preparation of smoothies and cocktail pinacolanda as you have done to Chapman. Thanks
Merci.J’aime Chapman
I’ve always been a good cook,buh occasionally I love to experiment,as a result I hate to get same taste all the other time( it’s boring to get same taste each time u cook a particular food…u get?). My quest to acheive different tastes led me to the discovery of this site.Having said that,this site has helped me a great deal. Ryt nw when I cook everyone wants to get a taste of it. My husband loves the fact that he can ask me to make jollof rice as much as five times n I’ll end up wiv 5 diff tastes of jollof rice.infact whenever he eats food prepared by any1 other than me,he compares it to my cooking n always says “I Rily give my cooking special attention unlike people that cook anyhow just to fulfill all righteousness in the name of cooking”.lol. Your fried rice recipe helped me a lot,I tried it for the ist time n wow u”ll think ve been a chef all my life.though I added something to it(I made a lill bit of scrambled egg separately and then added n stirred into the rice).thanks for the good work,don’t stop it,just keep it up!!!!pls I need a recipe for chapman drink and vegetable soup.
I’m a good cook, as in my food tastes nice but I can’t make certain foods which I wnt to learn. Eating has become a chore because its particular type of food… I want varieties! Thanks for the chapman cocktail drink and for all the wonderful recipes
Hello Chidi, I have been looking up some of the shops in my neighborhood here is Port Harcourt for Angostura aromatic bitters. The things is that I want to make Chapman for me and my hubby and I want to get the exact recipe that he loves so much. Please can you direct me to the store where you bought yours?
Go to next time super market
Chapman!!! OMG, I love this drink so much. I also spend 700 for a glass of Chapman at grandville bar/restaurant. thank God I can now make it for myself. thank you very much Chidi for all your recipes. You rock!
Where can I get dis book
With the rising popularity of Nigerian cuisine, many people are curious about the health benefits of traditional Nigerian dishes. Are these dishes truly as nutritious as they are often portrayed, or are there hidden unhealthy ingredients that we should be aware of?