Post date: Nov 23, 2013 10:29:27 PM
Beverages in Nicaragua.
Well, there is always water. I drink the tap water in Granada, and did so at Jubilee House Community (JHC) last winter, too. But JHC had their own well, and it is isolated from their neighbors and had been tested (when first drilled).
We also have bottled water. A five-gallon jug of filtered water costs C$46 (nearly US$2) delivered to the house, carried inside, and lifted up to the dispenser. Of course I could buy individual bottles (12 ounce or so) here, just as in the States, but they would cost at least US$0.50 each and waste plastic. There are many brands of bottled water available to those willing to pay.
Nicaragua has its own Coca-Cola bottler, so all varieties of sugared water are readily available. Pepsi is here, too, but diet seems to be imported, along with Canada Dry beverages. The imports cost about US$1. These are called ‘refrescos’.
There are many ‘ades’ called ‘frescas’ - fruit juice diluted with water - available and generally inexpensive and tasty. Since the tap water in Granda is safe to drink, the ‘frescas’ (literally ‘fresh’) are, too.
These fruit drinks are probably the origin of the ‘pulperías’ on every corner (and in between, too) that now sell bottled drinks, snacks, school supplies, and most any small consumable. They are the equivalent of the mini-mart in the States. The merchandise varies considerably with the neighborhood. As far as I can determine, they are all small family businesses.
There are two brands of Nicaraguan beer - Toña and Victoria, both from the same company. The price is just under one dollar in cans. Our favorite, Negra Modelo, is imported from Mexico, along with Corona and others.
Nicaragua is blessed (or cursed) with cheap rum. The very popular local brand (Flor de Caña) is made by the Pellas family.