Local Beverages of India: Drinks That Will Quench Your Journey

Indian beverages have so much to offer to a thirsty soul! I do not want to blabber much, but hey! The truth can never be ignored. The aromatic drinks with the tongue slurping flavour and the authentic Indian touch to it works out magic; especially in the times of summers in India. These local beverages are the main part of the Indian food, which is renowned across the globe for the inclusion of copious amount of spices and herbs; offering a zesty flavor unlike anywhere. What more would you like to pair your superb spiced Indian cuisine with? Well, it definitely has to be one of these refreshing and luscious drinks of India! In order to get the real taste of India, drive to highway dhabas in India late night of course and you might quench your thirst with some local liquors.

Each state of India has its own famous drinks which are not only good in taste but healthy. There is a drink for every season, be it summer, winter, monsoon or spring.

Here is a list of the top local beverages across India

Fenny, Goa

A favorite local drink in Goa, Fenny is available in two flavors- “Coconut Fenny” and “Cashew Fenny”. It is an exhilarating drink made from either juice of cashew fruit or coconut. It is famous all across the globe for its refreshing taste and distinct smell. It can be relished neat or you can mix it with lemon juice or cola.

Kyat, Meghalaya

Rendering verve to any celebration, Kyat is one such drink of Meghalaya without which no occasion is complete. Every bar of this place serves this refreshing and tasty drink which is made from fermented rice. Tourists flocking to this place also like to taste this drink called “Kyat”.

Chaang, Sikkim

To really enjoy some true sikkimise beverage, go for Chhang which is served in wooden mugs during the winter time. It is a truly outstanding beer, made to complement the food, tradition and heritage of Sikkim.

Thaara, Harayana

It is a brewed alcoholic drink made from sugarcane and is often consumed by poor people in many parts of India like Kanpur, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Nasik.

Mahua, Chattisgarh

A beautiful flower used in making distilled liquors, Mahua is the main drink of the people of Madhya Pradesh. The flower has a unique smell and renders livelihood to hundreds of thousands of people. One must not miss out on this tasty drink while holidaying in the charming state of Madhya Pradesh.

Lassi, Punjab

A famous, healthy and luscious drink of Punjab, Lassi comes in several varieties like mango lassi, chocolate lassi, salted lassi, sweet lassi etc. It is a delight to the taste buds and one must give it a shot when in any city of Punjab. It is generally served with Chole Batura and parathas, two most delicious Indian Brunches that you will often come across whenever you stop by any Punjabi dhaba.

Chaach, Rajasthan

One of the smoothest, yummiest and best drinks to relish, Chaach is an astounding natural thirst satisfying drink. It is made from curd and is good for a healthy digestive system. It is a Rajasthani drink and is usually taken during summers.

Thandai, Rajasthan

A renowned Rajasthani chilled beverage served during the summers to beat the scorching heat, Thandai is a creamy mixture of milk, dry fruits, spices and rose petals. One must relish this refreshing drink during the festival of Holi and Shivratri.

Gulab Sarbat, Rajasthan

A superb concoction of lemon juice, cardamom seeds, rose petals and sugar, Gulab sarbat is a traditional beverage of Rajasthan and is relished in the summer season, especially when  the temperature level soars. It helps cool your mind and body.

Toddy, Madhya Pradesh

One drink that one must try when in Madhya Pradesh is Toddy. It is an alcoholic drink made from various palm plants. It is white colored beverage with a unique taste and contains around 5 % alcohol. Fresh coconut toddy has medicinal properties which is good for health.

Kokum Sarbet, Maharashtra

A summer coolant, Kokum Sarbet is a very famous drink in Maharashtra. It is also known as garcinia indica and helps improve the digestive system. It is used in many dishes to add sour flavor.

Sol Kad, Goa

Made with coconut milk and served as an appetizer, Sol Kad is a pink colored drink offering cooling effect after a tiring day. It has a different taste and one should try this drink in Konkan region of Goa.

Handia, West Bengal

Native to West Bengal, Handia is a famous drink amongst the tribals of this state. It is prepared by fragmenting rice with a mixture of around 25 herbs. This drink has also become a source of income for jobless folks of the region. Give it a shot to beat the heat!!

Chauk, Tripura

Consumed on main events of any Tripura rite as a ritual, Chauk is a beer made from rice and relished by both the locals and the tourists who throng the state from all over the world. You can relish it the same way you relish traditional Indian liquors.

Bejois, Kerala

The best selling drink of Kerala, Bejois is a celebrated brand owned by Jagdale industries. The industry is planning to add many other flavors like apple, orange and pineapple beverages to its existing array of grape, mango and guava drinks. Having it would be the best experience of lifetime.

Sonti, Jharkhand

An alcoholic drink, made from rice, Sonti is called Nihonshu in Japanese and rice wine in English. It is a great drink that can act as a counter against thirst and high temperature. It is found in many parts of Orissa and Karnataka.

Falooda, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab

A sweet beverage made by adding many ingredients like milk, rose syrup,jelly pieces, ice cream and vermicelli, Falooda is a great drink considering the many health benefits it brings to the table . Besides this, the basil seeds added in it acts as a source of nutrition. So relish this drink after having some spicy food!!

Sattu

Tendering energy and easy to digest, Sattu is famous in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. It refreshes one’s mind and body. Sattu is a yummy beverage which is best to consume in the scorching summer days.

Mandia Pej, Odisha

Keep your body cool with a refreshing drink called Mandia Pej which is a popular tribal drink of Odisha. It is made at homes and can be consumed by people of all ages.

Angoori, Himachal Pradesh

Also known as Kinnauri in Kinnaur district, Angoori is one of the famous beverages consumed during fairs and other events held by the people of this region. In the making of angoori, green and red grapes are used.

Kahwa, Kashmir

Mouthwatering yet different, Kahwa is a traditional chai consumed in Kashmir valley. It renders relief from headache and is taken mostly when the weather is cold.  Regular kahwa is generally light brown in color, so try adjusting the ingredients in the correct way. If the color of the kahwa is dark, try squeezing a lemon in it.

Nun Chai, Kashmir

Nun Chai, a salty chai of Kashmir, is very tasty and pink in color. It is consumed a lot by the people of Kashmir. It is a green tea which is boiled for some time and then a cup of milk and pinch of salt is added to it.