Umqombothi, from the Xhosa language, is a beer made from maize (corn), maize malt, sorghum malt, yeast and water. It is commonly found in South Africa. It is very rich in Vitamin B. The beer has a heavy and distinctly sour aroma. The beer does not have a very high alcohol content, usually less than 3%. In appearance, the beer is opaque and light tan in colour. It has a thick, creamy and gritty consistency (from the maize).

It is referred to in the song of the same name sung by Yvonne Chaka Chaka. The lyrics of the song call it a "magic African beer." The song is heard in the opening of Hotel Rwanda.

Umqombothi is considerably less expensive than traditional "clear" beer, that is, common, contemporary European style beers brewed from barley and flavoured with hops flowers.

Umqombothi is brewed in a traditional manner. The recipe is often passed down through the generations. The beer is traditionally prepared outside the home, that is, not using the stove inside the house. It is also then allowed to cool outside the house, not using the fridge inside the house.