‘Aphrodisiac’ Saudi beverages embarrass patrons

Saudi Arabian families have reported shock and outrage after a restaurant began serving seemingly “aphrodisiac” beverages on its menu.

The controversy surrounds a restaurant in Taef in western Saudi Arabia which had placed drinks “exclusively for married couples” on the menu, Gulf News reported.

Complaints from outraged patrons were quick to appear in local daily Makkah, where parents told reporters that they were shocked that speciality drinks for married couples, insinuating an aphrodisiacal composition, had been promoted.

“When you are at the restaurant and your children ask you about these specific juices, what kind of answers could you provide?” Khalid al-Muhawesh, a parent, was quoted as asking. “It is a ridiculous and embarrassing situation that the authorities should not allow.”

Beverages reserved for married couples included Viagra, Super Viagra, Arabian Nights, and Lovers’ Panache.

Another outraged patron, Fahd al-Utaibi said that it was clear the “branding” was just a sly way to lure in customers. However, while it was “right to make money […] it has to be done in a polite and acceptable manner, not by insinuating sexual powers,” Utaibi added.

The restaurant insists that it always seeks to comply with regulators but that it will look into the complaints over the controversial beverage names.