In the Sahara, you don't just "grab a coffee." You sit for tea. It is a slow, deliberate ritual that signifies welcome, trust, and pause.
The "Berber Whiskey"
Locals jokingly call it "Berber Whiskey," but it's pure, potent green tea (Gunpowder) with fresh mint and—yes—plenty of sugar. The sugar is essential energy in the harsh desert climate.
The Three Glasses
There is a famous proverb about the three glasses of tea served to guests:
"The first is gentle as life,
The second is strong as love,
The third is bitter as death."
It is impolite to refuse a glass of tea. Accept it with your right hand, sip it slowly, and enjoy the conversation.