18 Iconic Indian Drinks & Beverages You Must Try with Friends

India never fails to amaze thirsty souls. When it comes to Indian drinks and beverages, the country offers a wide variety of refreshing and healthy options, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, that invigorate the mind with every sip. Summer heat brings countless choices to stay cool, yet the satisfaction of enjoying these beverages is hard to put into words. If you are a hardcore tea lover, it’s the perfect time to try something cool and energizing.

We have curated the most popular Indian drinks and beverages to enjoy with your friends, whether you are on vacation or just relaxing after a tiring day. These traditional Indian summer drinks are worth tasting at least once in your lifetime—though we bet you’ll want to sip them again and again. It’s time to set aside scotch, beer, or whiskey and quench your thirst with these refreshing, stimulating drinks for a delightful change.

Lassi: Indian Drinks

The luscious drink of Punjab, Lassi, ranks as one of the oldest smoothies in the world. This yogurt-based drink is blended with sugar and a little water, and sometimes fruits too. Moreover, it comes in a variety of flavors. When served with Malai, Lassi becomes a perfect elixir to beat the scorching summer heat. Stop by any Punjabi dhaba and sip this refreshing drink to instantly uplift your mood.

Chaach/Buttermilk : Best Indian Drinks

A glass of Chaach a day can work wonders for your mind and body. Slightly different from lassi, chaach is a curd-based drink that you can sip on hot summer days. The drink is flavored with mint leaves, roasted cumin seeds, and spices. Adding a glass of buttermilk to your meal can aid your digestive system. Smother your taste buds with this energizing drink and kick-start your day with a bang.

Feni

Goa is popular for its nightlife, beaches, and booze. Fenny (or Feni) is the specialty of the region and is certainly not for those with a low tolerance for alcohol. Made from either coconut or cashew apple, Feni has a pungent aroma that takes a little time to get used to. Its alcohol content prevents it from being sold outside Goa, but its invigorating taste makes enjoying Feni with friends well worth it.

Thandai

Thandai, commonly enjoyed during Holi and Mahashivratri, is popularly known as Shiva’s elixir. The drink blends marijuana leaves, almonds, rose petals, pepper, vetiver seeds, cardamom, fennel seeds, saffron, milk, and sugar. This combination creates a flavorful and refreshing beverage.

Aam Panna

The ultimate thirst quencher, Aam Panna, made from raw mangoes, is the best choice among cool summer drinks to beat the heat. People in northern India popularly consume this energizing and tangy drink during the peak summer season. When toasted cumin seeds and an assortment of spices are added, Aam Panna delivers an unbeatable flavor. The drink is healthy and provides a good source of vitamin B1, B2, and C. Doctors often suggest that those with gastrointestinal problems sip it every day.

Aam Ras: Indian Drinks

Aam Ras is made from ripe mango pulp, milk, and sugar, and it is often considered one of the traditional drinks of India. The drink has a shake-like consistency and helps soothe an upset tummy. Gujarati and Marathi people heartily enjoy it to escape the piercing heat of the summer sun. In addition, Aam Ras offers many health benefits—whether you want glowing skin or a healthy heart, drinking this squishy potion lets you feel the difference.

Kanji

Made especially during Holi, Kanji is a fermented drink that blends water, black carrot, beetroot, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Indeed, this mind-rejuvenating beverage delivers a zingy and salty flavor. Black carrots offer health benefits, aid digestion, and contain anti-inflammatory properties that help fight diseases. Often enjoyed in winter, Kanji makes a perfect drink to share with friends and family.

Kokum Sherbet

A popular drink of Maharashtra, Kokum Sherbet also aids digestion and is commonly enjoyed by the people of the Konkani region. Rich in flavor, this energizing beverage combines coconut milk with Kokum fruit, which has a bittersweet taste and grows only in this area. Its eye-pleasing red color makes the drink look irresistible. It is undoubtedly the best choice to enjoy with friends and family while exploring southern India during the summer.

Mahua

Dubbed a traditional drink of Chhattisgarh, Mahua takes its name from the Mahua flowers. Locals ferment these flowers, known for their medicinal properties, to create a wine cherished by the tribal population of the region. You can also stop by any local eating joint to quench your thirst with this unique drink. The local and tribal communities consider Mahua flowers sacred, yet tasting the drink is definitely worth the experience. So, next time you plan to explore Chhattisgarh, make sure to enjoy Mahua along the way.

Chaang

The traditional beverage of Sikkim, Chaang (originally a Nepalese/Tibetan drink served in wooden mugs), makes you feel as if you are at a Wild West pub, sipping from big wooden mugs. Locals prepare Chaang by fermenting rice in bamboo barrels, creating a beer-like drink that tastes just as good as beer. To combat the harsh winter temperatures and stay warm, people in Sikkim drink Chaang heartily. Nowadays, travelers can also enjoy this drink when visiting Leh-Ladakh.

Rooh-Afza/Gulab Sharbat

When it comes to non-alcoholic yet soul-satisfying drinks in India, Rooh-Afza stands out. This concentrated squash, made from rose petals and over 70 herbal ingredients, boosts vitality and keeps you energetic throughout the day. As summer temperatures soar, this exhilarating beverage soothes your mind and provides much-needed relaxation.

Nun Chai

You must have sipped a hot, steaming cup of sweet tea in India, which comes in many varieties, but have you ever tried a salty tea? Nun Chai, a pink-colored brew from Kashmir, refreshes the palate and helps locals combat the extreme cold. The distinct taste of this gulabi tea is worth savoring at least once in your life while holidaying with friends.

Kahwa

Kahwa, the traditional tea of Kashmir, helps fight indigestion, headaches, inflammation, and several other ailments. People prepare the tea by boiling tea leaves with saffron, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom pods, and dry fruits. This yellowish drink boosts immunity and metabolism, and you can enjoy it at any time. Kahwa is not exactly a thirst quencher but a soul-satisfying beverage to savor while chit-chatting with friends.

Lugdi

A popular alcoholic drink of Manali, locals relish Lugdi to fight the merciless winters in the Himalayas. Made from fermented barley or millets, jaggery, and apples, this potent drink is best enjoyed with friends during a trip to Kullu-Manali. Lugdi has a smoky white color and offers a unique alternative to the usual beer or rum. Therefore, if you want to challenge your taste buds, plan a visit to Manali in winter to savor this invigorating drink.

Masala Soda/Banta

When in Delhi, drink like the locals. Masala soda, also known as Banta, is a legendary mix of soda, lemon, mint leaves, powdered spices, and sugar. You can spot this carbonated lemon soft drink in a codd-neck bottle at every nook and cranny of the city. Loved by people of all ages, the beverage is a great way to revitalize your mind no matter the season.

Panakam: Indian Drinks

Like North India, South India also offers its share of soothing drinks. Panakam, a household favorite, combines the goodness of jaggery, cardamom, pepper, and ginger. This energizing Indian beverage helps fight heatstroke and digestion problems. One sip of this lip-tantalizing drink will leave you craving more.

Jal Jeera: Indian Drinks

Tangy and flavorful, lemonade sprinkled with crushed or roasted cumin, pepper, and black salt—Jal Jeera—stands out as one of India’s most popular summer drinks. This magical beverage cools the body and refreshes the mind. Additionally, people often enjoy it as a great appetizer after a heavy meal. During the peak season, Jal Jeera helps fight dehydration. You can easily buy Jal Jeera powder from any departmental store nearby. Simply mix the powder in water and enjoy the drink with your buddies.

Bel Sherbet: Indian Drinks

Bel (wood apple) fights viral and bacterial infections and cures many common diseases. This typical Indian drink is enjoyed mostly during the summer season and monsoon. Found throughout northern India, people prepare Bel Sherbet by soaking the fruit pulp in water and then adding lemon juice and jaggery. This potent juice relieves everything from heatstroke to constipation, as well as ulcers and respiratory issues. Bel is undoubtedly one of the best summer drinks to enjoy with friends when the scorching heat becomes unbearable.

While exploring the rich flavors of Indian drinks, you might also want to discover the taste of India through its famous dishes. Our guide to famous dishes from 29 states of India highlights traditional recipes, regional specialties, and must-try Indian food that perfectly complements these beverages. Together, these experiences give a complete glimpse into India’s culinary culture.