Drinks & Beer
The drinks menu at Taste of Ethiopia covers three traditions: the fresh-pressed juices that are a hallmark of Ethiopian cafés; the tej (honey wine) that has been served at Ethiopian celebrations for centuries; and a small, well-curated selection of Michigan craft beer. Plus, of course, the coffee ceremony — but that has its own page.
Fresh-Pressed Juices
All juices and smoothies are pressed to order. Most are dairy-free unless noted.
| Juice | Notes |
|---|---|
| Avocado | Thick, creamy, mildly sweet. An Ethiopian café classic — yes, as a drink. |
| Mango | Ripe, fragrant, served chilled. |
| Spris | The signature layered juice — avocado, mango, and papaya in distinct vertical layers. Drink it with a long spoon. |
| Papaya | Bright, lightly floral. |
| Mixed Berry | Seasonal — usually strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry. |
| Ginger-Lemon | House cleanser; works exceptionally well after a berbere-heavy meal. |
Smoothies
Same fruits as the juices, blended with banana and a small amount of yogurt or coconut milk. Ask for dairy-free.
Tej (Honey Wine)
Ethiopian honey wine, fermented from honey, water, and the leaves of the gesho plant (which act as a hop substitute). Slightly sweet, slightly tart, slightly funky. Served in a traditional rounded vessel called a berele. Alcohol around 7–11% depending on the batch.
If you've never had tej, order a small berele and decide for yourself. It pairs surprisingly well with doro wat.
Beer
We rotate a small selection of Michigan craft beer. Typical pours:
- A Detroit-area pilsner or lager
- A Michigan IPA
- An amber or brown ale
- One Ethiopian import (St. George Lager) when in stock
Ask your server what's currently on tap.
Soft Drinks & Tea
Standard soft drinks, sparkling water, and a small tea menu including spiced black tea (shai) brewed with cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon — the everyday Ethiopian afternoon drink.
Coffee
Coffee at Taste of Ethiopia is a full chapter on its own. Roasted at your table, ground by hand, brewed in a clay jebena, served in three rounds. See the coffee ceremony