A selection of our favourite drinks in Goa, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Some traditional. Some new.
Whether you’re in search of a refreshing drink to stave off dehydration or you’re heading out to party, Goa has a wonderful variety of drinks to tempt you. While imported alcoholic beverages are expensive, there are plenty of local options that are well worth trying.
Top 6 Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Goa
1. Lime soda sweet and salty
I discovered this during my first to Goa and became quiet addicted to them. While my colleagues preferred them sweet, I loved the sweet and salty version, a deliciously refreshing drink, perfect to combat dehydration. It’s easy to make with the juice of a lime, a little sugar, a little salt, topped up with soda water and served with plenty of ice.
2. Lassi
This yogurt-based drink is popular across India and can be sweet or salty or made with fruit. My personal favourite is a banana lassi.
3. Sugar cane juice
Squeezed sugar canes produce a thick yellow/green refreshing drink, available from roadside stalls.
4. Kokum Juice
Made from the kokum fruit, this red coloured juice, just like the lime sodas, can be served with salt and/or sugar.
5. Green Coconut Water
The end of a green coconut is sliced off so that a straw can be inserted with the coconut husk forming a natural cup – so refreshing.
6. Sol Kadi
Freshly prepared from Kokum or Amasol and coconut milk, Sol Kadi cools down and aids the digestive system after eating spicy food. Generally speaking, Goans mix Sol Kadi with rice to have alongside curry, but is also regularly drunk on its own.
Top 6 alcoholic drinks in Goa
1. Kingfisher Beer
A Goan curry is best accompanied by a local beer such as Kingfisher. This light lager is readily available throughout the state with the most common type being Kingfisher Premium.
2. Amrut
The first single malt Whisky to be made in India, Amrut is made from hand-picked Himalayan Barley. Translated to "nectar of life", it is noticeably rich in flavour and is layered spicy, yet florally sweet and toffee notes.
3. Feni
A local spirit with an acquired taste, feni is made from either cashew or coconut palm sap which is then fermented and distilled to around a 30% proof. It has a strong odour and distinctive aftertaste. Some bars serve feni-based cocktails such as Sol de Orange, a mix of feni, orange juice and lemonade.
Above: Making Feni, credit: Eugen Shevchenko | ShutterstockUraak
A seasonal drink, Urrak is the first distillate of cashew feni but if you are not a feni fan don’t let that put you off, it’s delicious.
4. Port wine
First brought to Goa unsurprisingly by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Goan Port Wine is strictly speaking not a Port at all as it does not follow the strict regulations set out for true Vinho do Porto (and it’s not made in Portugal!). Nevertheless, this sweet fortified wine is inexpensive and enjoyed by many.
Above: Zeebop's, one of Goa's many beach shacks - great places for sampling Goa's food and drink scene
5. DesmondJi Spirits and Liqueurs
Producing a range of sprits, liqueurs and cocktail blends, DesmondJi’s most popular drink is their 51% oak finished, Agave Gold. It’s recommended for Scotch and single-malt lovers, on the rocks or with soda, but it is also used in cocktails.
The ridiculously strong, DesmondJi 100% Agave is a smooth drink that should be sipped and savoured.
Both are of course made from the Agave plant, as is Tequila.
6. Sula Wine
The wine industry is still in its infancy in India and much of what the country has to offer is low quality, however, there are a few exceptions. Sula Wines being one. They produce a good range of reds, whites, rosé, sparkling and dessert wines. Their finest is said to be their Rasa Shiraz, a complex red, best served slightly chilled.
Above: Sula Zinfadel Rosé, credit: Elroy Serrao | Creative Commons
Please drink responsibly and be mindful of the locals and other guests.
