ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Boukha

Okay kiddo, do you know what boukha is? It's a type of drink that some people like to have. It's made by taking a certain fruit called figs and then turning them into alcohol.

You know how when we eat fruit, it's usually sweet and juicy? Well, in this case, we let the figs sit around for a while until they get a little wrinkly and not as fresh looking. Then, we put them in a barrel with some water and yeast which makes them start to ferment.

Fermenting is when little microorganisms start to eat the sugar in the figs, and they turn it into alcohol. It takes a while for this process to happen, sometimes a few weeks or even months! When it's done, we take out the figs and strain the liquid.

Now, this liquid is super strong and can make us feel a little silly and dizzy if we drink too much of it! So, we dilute it with water and sometimes add some sugar or spices to make it taste better.

Boukha is a traditional drink from Tunisia and is usually enjoyed on special occasions like weddings or holidays. It's not something you'll find at the grocery store, but if you ever get the chance to try it, make sure you only have a little bit at a time!