Must-try non-alcoholic (& alcoholic) drinks in Goa!

Are you looking for non-alcoholic drinks in Goa during the summer? The local markets are flooded with all kinds of delectable fruits and vegetables that make the heat a lot more bearable. However, what really hits the spot are the local summer beverages that no Goan can do without. They are power-packed with the nutrients you need while being the tastiest source of hydration. Here are some famous drinks of Goa that you should not miss out on when you are in Goa during the summers.

Famous Drinks of Goa You Shouldn’t Miss

Niro

Niro, the famous drink of Goa is basically the cashew apple juice before its distillation. It is a wonderfully refreshing non-alcoholic summer drink and has some really strong sweet, acidic undertones. It is rich in calcium, minerals, Vitamin C, and Iron and makes for a welcoming cooler.

Again, like urrak, it needs to be consumed fresh to truly enjoy its taste. You can find it at Mr Baker in Panjim, a bakery as old as time that is also a part of our Latin Quarter Trail.

Sol Kadhi

Sol kadi is a cold concoction made by lightly garnishing kokum juice with spices. This non-alcoholic drink in Goa is served in a small mud container at the end of a ravishing meal and works as a fantastic palate cleanser and digestive. Another variant of the kadi is made by adding coconut milk to the same concoction. The latter is also used as an accompaniment to fish curry and is eaten with rice to balance the exquisite Uddamethi’s spiciness.

Kokum Soda

The kokum is a renowned coastal fruit found in abundance along the Konkan and Malabar coasts. The juicy, mauve fruit resembles a plum, however, it has tangier undertones. The best way to consume this fruit is in its raw form and is a common ingredient in Goan curries. However, it is also dried and stored for the rest of the year and in this form is used to make kokum sherbet, soda, and other fun beverages.

Kokum juice has a very definitive strong, acidic taste with hints of a natural sweetness that can make you swoon. It works best as an accompaniment to a platter of fried fish or a light meal of cutlet pao.

Hibiscus Tea

A popular favourite during our Tribal Food Trail, the Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamins and a wonderful antioxidant. It can easily substitute your evening cup of milk tea and is known to bring your body temperature down. Its cooling and hydrating properties help quench your thirst during the hot months of summer. Throw in some ice if you prefer it cold over hot and let the brew work its magic.

Kasai

Kasai is a tea made from powdered dry spices, a recipe that came to Goa from Mangalore. It is made of dhaniya (coriander seeds), jeera (cumin seeds), saunf (fennel seeds) and other herbs and can be had with or without milk. It is best enjoyed during summers as it is known to reduce body temperature and offer a cooling feeling. Currently, it is available in a handful of local Goan cafes, of which Bharat Cafe in Margao is well-known.

Urrak/Feni

For Goans, summer is all about making urrak and then drinking it. Urrak is one drink to try in Goa. The cashew apples that are used to make this alcohol ripen around March-April and that is when local distillers get to work. The fruits are stomped, and their juice is fermented and then distilled to procure urrak. A second or third distillation produces its stronger counterpart – Feni, a famous alcoholic drink in Goa. Urrak is an exclusive summer drink because of its short shelf-life. It needs to be consumed within a week of its distillation to really enjoy its flavours. It tastes best when mixed with lime, Limca and chilli, but the drink is open to experimentation with other mixers too. Bear in mind that urrak is not easily available and you need to find a distillery or a local bar to help you get your hands on some.

Orchata

Orchata is a sweet plant-based drink made of nuts, seeds and grains. Its history traces way back to Egypt, where the tiger nut was cultivated. It is believed that the nut found its way to North Africa and that is where the first orchata was made. In Goa, the drink is enjoyed by the more affluent Lusophone families and it is likely that it found its way here with the Europeans. The Goan version is made using almonds, coconut milk, sugar and rose essence. You can know more about the beverage and where you can get it here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to choose from when tasting Goa’s famous drinks. These drinks, which include the well-known Niro and the invigorating Sol Kadhi, as well as the tart Kokum Soda and cool Hibiscus Tea, perfectly capture Goa’s rich culinary history and tropical spirit.
Try the refreshing spices of Kasai or the seasonal delight of Urrak/Feni, the famous alcoholic drink in Goa, which tastes best when paired with lime and a bit of spice, for a flavor of tradition. Additionally, Orchata’s combination of nuts and rose essence adds a lovely sweetness that contrasts well with the flavors of the shore.
These cocktails give you a taste of Goa’s rich culture and cuisine, whether you’re a local or just visiting, making every encounter special and unforgettable. Take a dip into Goa’s unique drink culture and experience the spirit of this idyllic beach town with each cool drink!