These drinks are a tasty trip through India’s history—sip by sip!

India’s packed with rich culture, diverse foods, and some seriously cool drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for something warm and cosy or cool and refreshing, there’s a drink for you. You’ll find spices like cilantro, mint, and chilli in many of them. They’re super hydrating and great for quenching your thirst. Don’t be shy—try these quirky drinks out! You might just discover a new favourite.

Masala Chai 

In India, masala chai is the real deal. Imagine black tea combined with a zesty mix of ginger, black peppercorns, cardamom, and cinnamon—it’s like a flavour fiesta in your cup! Brewed with both milk and hot water, it’s extra creamy and soothing. If you haven’t tried authentic masala chai yet, you’re in for a treat. It’s not just delicious; it might just give your taste buds a wonderful surprise!

Jal Jeera 

Jal Jeera might not win any beauty contests, but don’t let that fool you—it's surprisingly delicious. This drink starts with water and gets its kick from cumin, tamarind, salt, and mint. The result is a refreshing flavour that’s far from sweet. It’s perfect for summer, helping you stay cool and hydrated. The salt is key too, as it replenishes the sodium you lose in sweat. Some versions use jaljeera powder, which can include ingredients like black pepper, fruit powder, ginger, and chili. No matter the variation, you get a revitalising drink that’s mostly water with a unique twist.

Thandai 

This drink is like the life of the festival party—rich, creamy, and a bit like a dessert in a glass. It’s packed with exciting spices and ingredients like saffron, cardamom, fennel seeds, almonds, and rose petals. The recipe can vary quite a bit, so you might find versions that lean more on the milk and dried fruit side. Even though they’re spiced up, it’s often the sweet, fruity notes that steal the show. If you haven’t tried it yet, get ready for a drink that’s a total festival hit!

Aam Panna 

Here’s another great option for a refreshing drink. This one’s made with the same powder as jal jeera but adds unripe mangoes for a fruity twist. You might also find mint, cilantro, and chiles mixed in. Don’t expect a sweet drink—this one’s tart thanks to the green mangoes and spices. But that tartness just makes it even more refreshing. You can easily spot aam panna by its light green colour, and it’s a tasty way to get a nice boost of vitamin C.

Falooda 

Falooda is a playful and elaborate drink that's a feast for the senses. It combines milk, ice cream, jelly cubes, and vermicelli, with vibrant colours and flavours. You'll encounter everything from pink and yellow to black variations, and in Mumbai, layered versions with bright hues on top and bottom and a creamy centre are common. The jelly cubes and vermicelli give it a distinctive texture that might be surprising at first, but it's absolutely worth trying.

Solkadhi 

Solkadhi might not look thrilling, but it’s a creamy, delicious, and surprisingly healthy drink. Made with coconut milk and kokum, a fruit with a vibrant red or purple skin, it gets its purple hue from the kokum. It’s a great choice if you love coconut milk, and it’s also cooling and aids digestion. 

India’s drinks are like a taste of our rich culture and history. Using natural ingredients and old-school recipes, these beverages show off everything from ancient Ayurvedic wisdom to just how creative we get with what’s around us. So, next time you sip on one of these traditional drinks, remember you're getting a little taste of Indian heritage!