In Egypt away from the major hotels it is unusual in the smaller family Cafes to have alcohol served. A very welcome alternative is this brewed soft drink originating in Germany, the home of Pilsner, of all places. Birell is brewed in Egypt and comes in bottles and cans and we found it all the way up the Nile to Abu Simbel.
Editors note: We have been taken to task by Other Mate Lenka. "Originating in Germany, the home of Pilsner?! Come on, boys, Pilsner's home is in Pilsen, which is an hour away from Prague, in the Czech lands! Pilsner comes from Bohemia, the country which is (thanks to my Dad as well) at the very top of the European beer consumption statistics with 160 litres per head per annum . The 2nd comes Ireland with 118 litres @ head! Cheers."