Merisa, merissa or marissa ( Arabic: مريسة) is a traditional fermented beverage popular in South Sudan.
It is made by Sudanese women as a source of income. [1] Merisa is made by brewing dates, millet and sorghum. The brewing process has been described as complex by Western beer making standards with over a dozen steps. [2] Merisa has an 8-10 hour fermentation process and has an alcohol content of up to 6%. [3]
It is illegal to drink or sell Marissa in Northern Sudan under Muslim Sharia laws, under penalty of 40 lashes, fines and imprisonment. [4]
Baboons in Sudan are known to drink merisa when offered. [5]