Drinks people Pretend to Like — But Do They Really Enjoy Them?

Not every drink Nigerians order is necessarily a favourite. Sometimes, people choose certain drinks because they look classy, trendy, or simply because everyone else is drinking them. From fancy cocktails to bitter health drinks, there are some beverages that people may claim to love while secretly wondering why they are so popular.

First on the list is tonic water. While some people genuinely enjoy its bitter taste, others struggle to finish a bottle without adding something else to it. Yet, because tonic water is often associated with cocktails and sophisticated drinks, it continues to appear on many tables and menus.

Then there are green smoothies and vegetable-based drinks. They are often promoted as healthy and refreshing, but the taste can be a completely different experience. Some Nigerians may happily post a picture of their colourful smoothie online while quietly wishing it tasted more like a regular fruit drink.

Another drink that divides opinion is black coffee. Coffee culture has grown among young professionals, entrepreneurs and remote workers, but not everyone enjoys the strong, bitter taste of coffee without sugar or milk. For some people, the appeal may be more about the lifestyle and energy boost than the actual taste.

Finally, there are very expensive cocktails and trendy drinks that people order because of the presentation. With fancy glasses, colourful garnishes and impressive names, they can look great on social media. But once the pictures are taken, some people may realise they would have preferred a much simpler drink. At the end of the day, taste is personal—and sometimes the drink we pretend to love is simply the one that looks good in our hands.