The story
Chapman, Nigeria's best-loved mixed drink, comes from Lagos, though its exact origin is told in more than one way. The popular legend says a regular at the Ikoyi Club named Chapman asked the bartender for something special, and the fizzy red blend of orange and lemon-lime sodas, grenadine, Angostura bitters and cucumber was named after him. Others credit the late Sam Alamutu, a Lagos hotelier and bartender, who is said to have made it for his wife, who did not drink alcohol. Usually served in a dimpled beer mug over ice, it is now a fixture at parties and restaurants across West Africa.
Rival claims
Popular story: created at the Ikoyi Club for a member named Chapman; others credit hotelier Sam Alamutu, who first served it at the Ikoyi Hotel. Both are in Lagos.
Also known as shapman, Nigerian Chapman.
On the Meridish menu
Chapman was the aperitif course on menu No. 11 on October 11, 2026. Its clue in the game, which hints at the place without naming it:
A fizzy punch of orange and lemon-lime sodas, grenadine, bitters and cucumber. Legend says a club bartender named it after a regular; a famous hotelier also gets the credit.
In Meridish, every dish is pinned to the town or city most widely credited with creating it. A guess within 25 km scores all 100 points. How scoring works.
Sources
Food history is often disputed. Think we've pinned it in the wrong place? Tell us at hello@meridish.com, ideally with a source.
