Indian Festive Drinks You Must Try

Festivals in India are not just about lights, colors, and food – they are equally about what’s poured into the glass. Across regions, families prepare signature beverages that add a finishing touch to celebrations. Whether it’s the nutty thandai of Holi, the spiced kahwa of Kashmir, or the sweet lassi of Punjab, drinks often symbolize hospitality, tradition, and the season itself.

Festive drinks in India reflect the cultural diversity of the subcontinent – some are refreshing and chilled for summer, while others are warm and spiced for winter evenings. Many recipes use seasonal ingredients like mangoes, rose petals, saffron, or cooling herbs, ensuring every sip tells a story rooted in tradition.

This article takes you through a curated list of the most popular Indian festive drinks you must try, blending traditional authenticity with modern twists.

Section 1: The Classics of Indian Festive Beverages

1. Thandai – The Quintessential Holi Drink

Thandai, meaning “cooling,” is a milk-based beverage infused with almonds, fennel seeds, black pepper, cardamom, saffron, and rose petals. It’s traditionally served during Holi and Maha Shivratri. Some variations even include bhang (cannabis leaves) for a ritualistic touch.

• Why It’s Festive: Represents the joy and colors of Holi.
• Modern Twist: Use oat milk or almond milk for a vegan-friendly thandai.

2. Lassi – The Evergreen Punjabi Drink

No festive spread is complete without lassi, a creamy yogurt-based drink that can be sweet (with sugar, cardamom, and rose water) or salty (with roasted cumin and salt).

• Festive Occasion: Weddings, Lohri, Vaisakhi, and summer feasts.
• Regional Variations: Mango lassi in North India, saffron lassi in Rajasthan.

3. Jaljeera – The Tangy Summer Cooler

Made from tamarind, roasted cumin, black salt, mint, and lemon juice, jaljeera is both a digestive and a festive welcome drink.

• Why It’s Special: Served before festive meals to awaken the appetite.
• Best Season: Perfect for Holi or Diwali in warmer climates.

4. Sharbat – The Rose & Fruit Syrups of India

Sharbats are sweet, chilled syrups often made with rose, khus (vetiver), or fruits like lemon and orange. They are diluted with water or milk.

• Cultural Connection: A staple during Ramadan iftar meals and summer festivals.
• Popular Choice: Rooh Afza, a rose-based sharbat, is iconic in Indian households.

Section 2: Regional Festive Drinks Across India

5. Kashmiri Kahwa – Winter’s Golden Brew

A fragrant green tea infused with saffron, cardamom, and almonds, kahwa is the pride of Kashmiri hospitality.

• Festive Significance: Often served at Kashmiri weddings and winter festivals.
• Why Try It: It’s warming, soothing, and perfect for cold-weather celebrations.

6. Panakam – South Indian Summer Drink

Prepared with jaggery, dry ginger, pepper, lemon juice, and cardamom, panakam is offered during Rama Navami in South India.

• Unique Aspect: Balances sweetness and spiciness while keeping the body cool.
• Healthy Highlight: Rich in minerals and perfect for hydration.

7. Aam Panna – The Mango Marvel

A tangy, smoky drink made from raw mango pulp, roasted cumin, and black salt, aam panna is a summer essential.

• Festive Connection: Served during Ugadi (Telugu New Year) and other summer feasts.
• Why It Works: Prevents heat strokes in hot Indian summers.

8. Sol Kadhi – The Konkani Kokum Cooler

From Maharashtra and Goa, this drink combines kokum fruit with coconut milk, seasoned with cumin and coriander.

• Festive Use: Served alongside festive meals to aid digestion.
• Refreshing Note: Its pink hue and tangy taste make it visually and tastefully festive.

Section 3: Modern Festive Drinks Inspired by Tradition

Indian festive beverages have also evolved with fusion recipes:

9. Saffron Milkshake with Pistachio

A modern twist on the traditional kesar doodh, this drink blends milk, saffron, pistachios, and ice cream.

• Best For: Birthdays, weddings, or Diwali parties.

10. Coconut Rose Mocktail

Inspired by South Indian coconut water and North Indian rose sharbat, this drink is perfect for summer celebrations.

• Festive Edge: Light, hydrating, and great for guests avoiding heavy beverages.

11. Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk) with Mint

Though traditionally a digestive, masala chaas has found its place in festive spreads, especially during summer feasts.

• Refreshing Element: Yogurt-based, cooling, and customizable with herbs.

12. Cardamom Hot Chocolate with Indian Spices

A modern festival favorite where cocoa meets cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

• Best Season: Perfect for Diwali or Christmas in North India when winter sets in.

Section 4: Health and Lifestyle Benefits

Many Indian festive drinks go beyond refreshment – they have Ayurvedic roots:

• Thandai & Panakam: Cooling, digestive, and immunity-boosting.
• Kahwa & Chaas: Aid in metabolism and relaxation.
• Aam Panna & Jaljeera: Prevent dehydration and improve digestion.

These beverages represent a balance of taste and health, making them timeless.

Section 5: Festive Pairings & Occasions

• Holi: Thandai, Jaljeera, Lassi
• Diwali: Rose Sharbat, Saffron Milk, Cardamom Hot Chocolate
• Ramadan & Eid: Rooh Afza Sharbat, Falooda
• Weddings: Mango Lassi, Coconut Rose Mocktail
• South Indian Festivals: Panakam, Buttermilk

Pairing these drinks with festive snacks like samosas, pakoras, or sweets makes celebrations complete.

Section 6: DIY Recipes (Quick Guides)

Here are a few short recipes to get you started:

Thandai Quick Recipe

• Soak almonds, fennel, pepper, cardamom, saffron overnight.
• Grind into a paste, mix with milk and sugar.
• Serve chilled with rose petals.

Aam Panna Quick Recipe

• Roast raw mangoes until skin chars.
• Extract pulp, mix with roasted cumin, black salt, jaggery, and water.
• Chill and serve with mint garnish.

Panakam Quick Recipe

• Dissolve jaggery in water.
• Add ginger powder, pepper, lemon juice, and cardamom.
• Serve slightly chilled.

Conclusion: Raise a Festive Toast

Indian festive drinks are more than refreshments – they’re a cultural ritual, a seasonal necessity, and a symbol of hospitality. From grand weddings to intimate festive gatherings, these drinks bring joy, color, and comfort to every table.

Whether you’re exploring traditional recipes like thandai and kahwa or experimenting with modern fusions like coconut rose mocktails, there’s always a festive Indian beverage to make your celebrations memorable.

So the next time you’re planning a gathering, don’t just focus on the food – serve a glass of Indian tradition with pride.