Goa, India’s smallest state, is renowned for its rage as a tourist place, offering sun-kissed coastal holidays. It’s Portuguese-influenced architecture, along with mouthwatering seafood, that lures people back again and again. However, one of the most underrated charms of this place is its eclectic field of beverages. There is an array of options, from herbal local coolers and tropical fruit juices to fiery, indigenous liquors. We will look into some of the best must-try drinks that you should try on your next trip to Goa.
Popular Goan Drinks to Try
We will look into some of the best must-try Goan drinks.
Feni – The Spirit of Goa
It is not just an intake but integral to the Goan identity. This traditional spirit is obtained through distillation using cashew apples or coconut sap and has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status.
- The more common one is Cashew Feni, which is distilled using the ripe cashew apple, first introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
- Coconut Feni is a liquor that is produced through the fermentation and distillation of the toddy palm sap.
It’s best enjoyed:
- Neat for the brave-hearted
- Mixed with soda and lime
- In contemporary cocktails like a Feni Mojito or Feni Sunrise
Urak – The Summer Delight
It is often referred to as Feni’s “younger brother and is the first distillate of the cashew fermentation process and contains a lower alcohol content. This drink is seasonally available mainly from March to May, and has a smooth, fruity flavor.
Locals love their Urak mixed with:
- Limca or lemon soda
- A splash of lime juice
- Crushed ice and a pinch of salt
Solkadhi – The Perfect Meal Companion
This drink is a tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy drink made with:
- Kokum Garcinia Indica Extract
- Fresh coconut milk
- Garlic, cumin, coriander, and green chili
It is commonly eaten after feasts, primarily to aid digestion and also to cool the belly after a zesty Goan fish curry or a pork vindaloo.
It is a pink-colored, delicious drink that is not only vegetarian but also vegan-friendly. You can find this drink in almost all the traditional restaurants in Goa.
Kokum Juice – The Refreshing Local Cooler
Made from sun-dried kokum rinds, kokum juice is one of Goa’s most famous non-alcoholic coolers. Known for its:
- Sweet and sour flavor
- Deep ruby color
- Fitness uses: antioxidant-rich, digestive help, anti-inflammatory.
It is naturally gulped chilled, with salt, cumin, and a small amount of sugar. Kokum juice is a natural cure for the hot and humid weather in Goa and is usually served as a welcome drink in local homes and at resorts.
Toddy – The Village Brew
It is a weakly alcoholic drink produced in India (known locally as Sur) by fermenting the sap of palm trees. It is gathered in the early morning by toddy tappers, and in a few hours, it ferments naturally.
Characteristics:
- Light, frothy, and slightly sweet when fresh
- Turns sour and more potent with time
Toddy, though by no means a typical drink in touristy restaurants, is a sort of rustic drink, which is served in countryside bars; it is usually drunk with boiled peanuts, dried fish, and local sausages.
Port Wine – A Portuguese Legacy
This wine is imported from Portugal and has been a staple in Goan households for years. It is just one of the small group of wines largely produced in India for local consumption.
Goa’s Port Wine is:
- Fortified and sweet
- Served at room temperature or slightly chilled
- Popular during Christmas, weddings, and festivals
Look for local brands like Tonia, Vinho Fontainhas, and Big Banyan, and enjoy a glass with dessert or cheese platters.
King’s Beer – The Iconic Lager
Ask an experienced traveler to Goa about his favorite beach beverage, and he is most likely to say King Beer. First produced solely on the territory of Goa, this pale lager is an indispensable attribute of the easy-going atmosphere in the state.
Features:
- Mildly smoky malt flavor
- Low carbonation, making it super easy to drink
- Perfectly pairs with seafood snacks and beach sunsets.
Beach Cocktails with Goan Flair
Trendy bars and shacks in Goa offer a diverse array of tropical cocktails crafted with local fruits, herbs, and spirits. Some standout creations include:
Some standout creations include:
- Feni Mojito: Feni with mint, lime, and soda
- Kokum Margarita: A savory twist on the definitive
- Mango Chili Martini: Made with ripe Alphonso mango and a chili kick
- Passion Fruit Caipiroska: Refreshing and zesty
Maddel – The Herbal Village Drink
Rare and largely unknown to tourists, it is a traditional fermented herbal drink produced in select Goan villages. It is brewed using a mix of:
- Local herbs
- Roots and barks
- Sometimes, jaggery or sugarcane juice
Fresh Fruit Juices – Nature’s Best
Goa produces a surplus of fruits year-round, thanks to its tropical weather. Must-try seasonal choices:
- Alphonso Mango Juice (April to June)
- Pineapple Juice
- Passion Fruit Coolers
- Sugarcane Juice with lime and ginger
- Tender Coconut Water directly from the cover
Conclusion
Goan drinks, whether traditional or with modern twists, are rooted in the region’s history, culture, and environment. The drinks mentioned above are among the best options to try during your vacation in Goa.
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