Trying different alcoholic drinks can be a hit-and-miss at times, but the process is always fun. When you talk about India, the country is a global contributor to rich foods and spices. The Indian food and beverage industry is known for its variety and taste and the Indian alcoholic drinks definitely live up to the flavorful expectations. Here are 8 Indian alcoholic drinks to try and who knows, you might find your new favorite!
8 Indian Alcoholic Drinks To Try
- Lugdi
- Feni
- Mahua
- Bangla
- Apo
- Chuak
- Urak
- Chulli
1. Lugdi
If you’re a Bollywood buff, we’re sure you remember Ranbir Kapoor’s character, Bunny, raving about Manali’s local drink lugdi. Give it a shot and you know the drink lives up to the hype! Lugdi is an Indian alcoholic drink that is produced in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This delicious drink is made out of fermented rice or barley. The preparation involves boiling the grains with a local herb named phab.
Lugdi can be classified as a crude rice beer with mild alcohol content. This drink is mostly prepared during the summer season and enjoyed during the cold. A glass of this drink will keep you warm while giving you a happy buzz. So, if you’re on a vacation in or around Himachal Pradesh, do try and check it out.
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2. Feni
If you had the pleasure of visiting Goa, we’re sure you’ve heard about feni. Feni got its name from the Sanskrit word phena, which means froth. The name was given because when the drink is served after shaking, you can see bubbles foaming a light froth. Interestingly, feni has been a part of Goa’s tradition for over 400 years. Produced exclusively in Goa, feni is made through a double distillation process.
The fun part is that even with its high ABV, it still doesn’t give you a hangover. Feni popularly comes in two variants of coconut and cashews. You can easily get either of the flavors depending on your preference. There are also a few local distilleries serving feni in new flavors that you can check out. It’s a safe drink that doesn’t harm your system, so if you enjoy the taste, feel free to have those extra one or two shots.
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3. Mahua
If you were under the impression that Indian drinks are either made of fruits or grains, hold your glasses. Mahua is a traditional drink from Odisha that is made using the mahua flower. It’s an indigenous flower that is popularly found around tribal areas of the Northeast region. Mahua drink is named after that flower and is the only spirit in the world that is produced from sweet flowers.
Dried mahua flowers are fermented together with sugar to produce mahua drink. Other than the dominating flowery notes, mahua also has smokey undertones. The selling of mahua liquor still has strict government policies and restrictions, but Madhya Pradesh has announced it as a heritage liquor in 2016 to support the farmers. Mahua drink is also believed to have medicinal properties, so try it when you’re around the Northeast region and see how you feel.
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4. Bangla
As is obvious by the name, bangla is a drink from West Bengal. Any alcoholic drink that is made from fermented grains in the region of West Bengal can be classified under bangla. What’s interesting about this alcoholic drink is that it’s produced from scratch with local ingredients and is widely popular in the region. Bangla is generally high in alcohol content and taste. You can easily find them at local breweries in West Bengal, so definitely try them out to enjoy the authentic taste of West Bengal.
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5. Apo
Apo is a popular local drink in the tribes of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The drink is made out of fermented rice and is generally prepared in the households of Arunachal Pradesh. The fermentation process usually takes 5 to 6 days and the outcome is a boozy drink with a sweet-sour taste.
Also popularly known as Apong, apo has strong cultural significance in Arunachal Pradesh. This Indian alcoholic drink has reached global popularity and is often counted among some of the best rice beers globally. If you get a chance to try out this flavorful alcoholic drink, you surely wouldn’t want to miss it!
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6. Chuak
If you enjoy fruity drinks, you’re likely to fall in love with the taste of chuak. Made out of jackfruit and pineapple, chuak is a popular drink in the state of Tripura. Similar to lugdi, chuak is also made by fermenting rice. It’s a traditional native beverage that is particularly enjoyed during social gatherings and special occasions. You’ll be surprised to know that this local drink is generally prepared by the elders of the community and served to their kids during weddings as a token of love and blessings.
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7. Urak
Popularly known as the “Jungle Juice”, urak is the first distilled version of feni. Urak is made from ripe cashew apples and is prepared by the locals of Goa. Popularly enjoyed as a summer drink, a sip of urak will expose you to delicious tropical flavors and leave you asking for more.
Just like feni, urak is said to be hangover-free and it’s always a nice feeling to enjoy a drink without worrying about the consequences. Urak is often kept like a family secret amidst Goans, which is why it’s not easily accessible. If you have Goan friends who can hook you up with this tropical beauty, definitely check it out to know why it’s such a big deal among locals.
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8. Chulli
Kinnaur is a stunning place to explore and its traditional alcoholic drink definitely matches up with the gorgeous surroundings. Chulli is made from a combination of apples and apricots, so if you enjoy these flavors, you should give it a try.
This drink can be best described as a perfect blend of delicious and healthy. Locals believe that this alcoholic drink also has healing properties; so if you plan to witness some soul healing while enjoying the buzz, this can be your booze.
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Summing Up
Indian alcoholic drinks have interesting variations and flavors which certainly will titillate your tastebuds. Keep an open mind while trying these Indian alcoholic drinks and we’re sure you’ll have a good time exploring the essence and layers of each of these interesting drinks.
FAQs
What’s The Most Popular Alcoholic Drink In India?
Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in India. After beer, wine and whiskey are the two most preferred alcoholic drinks in India.
Which Is Best Desi Daru?
The world of desi daru is limitless with plenty of options. You can try as much as you like and pick what works best for you. To give you a general idea, feni, mahua, lugdi, apong and toddy are some really popular desi daru options.
Which Alcohol Is Good For Health?
Wine, whiskey, brandy, and tequila are some of the drinks that actually have a few health benefits apart from giving a good buzz. The quantity in which you consume these drinks shall make all the difference.
Why Is Desi Daru Cheap?
Desi daru is generally distilled through traditional methods in the confines of homes. No expensive machinery or fermentation process is involved in the making of these local drinks. The end product is definitely delicious but not too refined, which is why it’s on the cheap side.
Which Alcohol Is The Most Expensive?
Isabella Islay Whisky is one of the most expensive alcohols, which is generally sold for an approximate price of US $6.2 million.
Which Is The Cheapest Alcohol In India?
If we’re strictly looking at the price, you’ll find plenty of cheaper options in the world of local Indian drinks. If we consider quality and affordability, Old Monk remains one of the most loved affordable alcohols in India.
Which Country Drinks The Most Alcohol?
Czechia, Latvia, Moldova, and Germany are some of the top countries with the highest alcohol consumption.
Which Liquor Is Good In Taste?
If you’re looking for delicious liquors, you should try cocktails because the flavors can be tweaked as per your taste preferences. Good-tasting liquors can be subjective, but generally, even wine and champagne are considered good-tasting liquors.
