Indian Drinks Guide
From the ubiquitous masala chai to creamy lassi and intense filter coffee -- India has a drink for every moment of the day.
Iconic Indian Drinks
Masala Chai
India's most beloved drink. Black tea simmered with milk, sugar, and a blend of spices -- typically cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Every household and every roadside stall has its own recipe.
Cost: 10 -- 30 INR ($0.12 -- $0.35) from street vendors
Where: Literally everywhere -- chai wallahs on every corner, train stations, offices
Tip: "Cutting chai" in Mumbai is a half-glass serving -- perfect for a quick pick-me-up
Lassi
A thick, creamy yogurt-based drink that comes in sweet, salty, or fruity varieties. Sweet lassi is topped with a layer of cream ("malai"), while mango lassi is a tourist favorite. The salty version is surprisingly refreshing in hot weather.
Cost: 30 -- 80 INR ($0.35 -- $1.00)
Where: Lassi shops in Varanasi, Jaipur, Amritsar, and Punjab are legendary
Tip: Blue Lassi Shop in Varanasi is world-famous -- try the banana or saffron lassi
Filter Coffee
South India's answer to chai. Strong, dark roasted coffee is brewed through a traditional metal filter, then mixed with hot milk and sugar. Served in a distinctive stainless steel tumbler and dabarah (saucer), it is poured back and forth to froth.
Cost: 20 -- 50 INR ($0.25 -- $0.60)
Where: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala -- especially Bengaluru and Chennai
Tip: Indian Coffee House chains serve excellent affordable filter coffee
Nimbu Pani (Lime Water)
India's go-to summer refresher. Fresh lime juice mixed with water, sugar, salt, and sometimes roasted cumin powder. Available everywhere from street corners to five-star hotels. It is the perfect antidote to the Indian heat.
Cost: 15 -- 40 INR ($0.18 -- $0.50)
Where: Everywhere, especially in North India during summer
Tip: Ask for "nimbu soda" -- lime juice with soda water -- for a fizzy twist
Sugarcane Juice (Ganna Ras)
Freshly extracted right before your eyes through a hand-cranked or motorized press. The bright green juice is mixed with lime and ginger for extra flavor. Incredibly refreshing and naturally sweet -- a true Indian street experience.
Cost: 20 -- 40 INR ($0.25 -- $0.50)
Where: Street carts throughout India, especially in UP, Maharashtra, and Punjab
Tip: Ensure the cart looks clean and the juice is fresh-pressed. Avoid pre-made bottles.
Thandai
A rich, spiced milk drink traditionally associated with the Holi festival. Made with a paste of almonds, fennel seeds, watermelon seeds, rose petals, pepper, saffron, and cardamom blended into cold milk. Sometimes infused with bhang (cannabis) during Holi.
Cost: 40 -- 100 INR ($0.50 -- $1.20)
Where: North India, especially Varanasi, Lucknow, and Jaipur
Tip: Be aware that "special" or "bhang" thandai contains cannabis -- always confirm before ordering
More Drinks to Discover
Jaljeera
A tangy, spiced cumin water drink served ice cold. Made with cumin, mint, black salt, and tamarind. A popular appetizer and digestive. Often served before meals at restaurants.
Aam Panna
A refreshing summer drink made from raw (green) mangoes, sugar, and spices. Tangy and sweet, it is believed to protect against heatstroke. Popular during the pre-monsoon months (April -- June).
Coconut Water (Nariyal Pani)
Fresh from the coconut, chopped open with a machete right on the street. Best in coastal areas -- Goa, Kerala, Mumbai. Nature's sports drink and perfectly safe to consume. About 30 -- 50 INR.
Badam Milk
A rich almond milk drink flavored with saffron and cardamom. Served warm in winter and cold in summer. Often found at sweet shops (mithai ki dukaan). A comfort drink for many Indians.
Rooh Afza
A rose-flavored sweet syrup mixed with water or milk. Bright red and unmistakable, it has been a household staple since 1907. Refreshing in summer and used during Ramadan to break fasts.
Sol Kadhi
A pink, coconut milk-based drink from Goa and the Konkan coast. Made with kokum fruit, it has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Served as an after-meal digestive. Unique to western coastal India.
Alcohol & Beer in India
India has a growing but complicated alcohol scene. Laws vary dramatically by state -- from completely dry states (Gujarat, Bihar, Mizoram, Nagaland) to very liberal ones (Goa, where you can buy beer at beach shacks for $1). Understanding the local rules is important.
Beer & Wine
- Kingfisher -- India's most iconic beer. The "Premium" lager is found everywhere. A 650ml bottle costs 100 -- 200 INR ($1.20 -- $2.40).
- Bira 91 -- India's craft beer success story. Wheat ale, blonde, and IPA varieties. Popular in urban areas.
- Tuborg & Carlsberg -- International brands brewed locally. Affordable and widely available.
- Indian Wine -- Sula Vineyards (Nashik, Maharashtra) has put Indian wine on the map. Sula, Grover Zampa, and York are leading brands.
Spirits & Local Drinks
- Old Monk Rum -- India's legendary dark rum with a cult following. Smooth, affordable, and pairs perfectly with Coke.
- Feni (Goa) -- Distilled from cashew apples or coconut sap. Goa's signature spirit with a strong, distinctive taste.
- Toddy -- Fermented palm sap found in Kerala and coastal areas. Mildly alcoholic and slightly sweet.
- Indian Whisky -- Amrut (single malt from Bangalore) has won international awards. Paul John is another excellent Indian whisky.
Important Rules to Know
- Legal drinking age: 21 in most states (18 in Goa, Himachal Pradesh)
- Gujarat, Bihar, Mizoram, and Nagaland are dry states (alcohol is banned)
- Some states restrict alcohol sales on national holidays and election days
- Goa is the most liberal -- beach shacks, bars, and cheap alcohol
- Many restaurants are "dry" -- check for a bar license sign
- Alcohol is more expensive in states with high excise duties (Tamil Nadu, Kerala)
Where to Find the Best Drinks
Chai at a Railway Station
The classic Indian experience. Vendors call out "Chai! Chai!" and serve it in small cups. Some of the best chai you will ever taste.
Lassi in Varanasi
The Blue Lassi Shop near Manikarnika Ghat serves dozens of flavors in clay cups. A must-visit for any Varanasi trip.
Filter Coffee in Bengaluru
Visit any Darshini (standing restaurant) or Indian Coffee House for an authentic South Indian filter coffee experience.
Feni in Goa
Beach shacks and local bars serve Goa's signature cashew feni. Martin's Corner in Betalbatim is a local favorite.
Sugarcane Juice in Mumbai
Fresh cane juice carts line major streets. Look for busy ones with quick turnover for the freshest juice.
Craft Beer in Delhi/Pune
Cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai have thriving craft beer scenes. Check out microbreweries in Hauz Khas or Koramangala.