Kokum Juice

Kokum Juice, a refreshing Goan summer drink, comes in various forms: concentrate, squash, and ready-to-serve sharbat. Flavored with spices like cumin, black salt, and cardamom, it offers a distinct sweet-sour taste. Kokum, a natural coolant, is rich in antioxidants.

Homemade and store-bought versions are widely available in Goa, with packaged options sold online. Kokum juice is a beloved local drink, often served at restaurants and beach shacks, making it a must-try for tourists seeking a taste of Goan culture.

Limbu Soda

Nimbu soda, also known as Limbu soda, is a refreshing Indian-style lime soda drink made with fresh lime juice, sugar, black salt, and club soda. It is a popular summer beverage in India, often served at restaurants and street stalls.

To make nimbu soda, lime juice is mixed with sugar and black salt until dissolved, then club soda is added. The drink can be customized by adding more sugar or salt to taste. Some variations include adding spices like chaat masala or using lemon or lime syrup instead of sugar.

Nimbu soda is best enjoyed chilled, with ice cubes to keep it fizzy. It is a perfect thirst-quencher on hot summer days, with its sweet-sour-salty flavor profile. Packaged versions of nimbu soda, called “Nimbu Masala Soda,” are also available.

Coconut Water

During the scorching Goan summers, roadside vendors selling fresh Nariyal Pani (tender coconut water) are a common sight. These vendors, often carrying large baskets filled with young coconuts, set up shop along the roads and beaches, offering a refreshing respite from the heat.

Nariyal pani is a natural thirst-quencher, rich in electrolytes and known for its hydrating properties. The vendors use sharp knives to expertly cut open the coconuts, revealing the clear, cool liquid inside. They serve the drink directly in the coconut shell, providing a unique and eco-friendly experience for locals and tourists alike.

Sugar Cane Juice

During Goan summers, roadside vendors selling fresh sugarcane juice, known as “Usacho Ras,” are a common sight. These vendors, with their small stalls and manual crushers, offer a refreshing respite from the heat. Sugarcane juice is a natural thirst-quencher, rich in nutrients. The vendors expertly extract the juice and serve it chilled, providing a refreshing experience.

These vendors have become an integral part of Goa’s summer landscape, offering a taste of the state’s vibrant culture and hospitality.

Kaju Niro

Goan Kaju Niro is a unique and traditional beverage made from the sap of the cashew tree. It is made from the last sap that remains after the cashew apples have been fully crushed and their juice has been removedfor making Urrak & Feni . The remaining sap is then pressed by placing a heavy weight on top, and the drops that are collected are the Niro itself.

Kaju Niro is known for its numerous health benefits, being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also used in various Goan dishes and desserts, such as the traditional sweet “Kaju Barfi.” Enjoyed by people of all ages, Kaju Niro is a non-alcoholic, health-promoting drink that is a popular choice during the hot summer months in Goa.

Sol Kadhi

Sol Kadhi, a refreshing and tangy drink, is a must-try for visitors to Goa. This vibrant pink beverage, made from kokum and coconut milk, is a staple in Goan cuisine, known for its cooling and digestive properties. During the hot summer months, Sol Kadhi is often served alongside lunch in Goa, as it helps to aid digestion and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, spiced dishes.

Visitors can find Sol Kadhi at local restaurants and beach shacks, making it an easy and delicious way to experience the flavors of Goa. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a traditional Goan thali, Sol Kadhi is a unique and memorable part of the Goan culinary experience.

Kaju Feni

Kaju Feni, a unique and potent spirit, is a must-try for visitors to Goa. This traditional liquor, distilled from cashew apples, has a rich history dating back centuries. Kaju Feni is known for its distinctive flavor profile, with notes of caramel, spice, and a slight bitterness that lingers on the palate.

It is often enjoyed neat or mixed into cocktails, adding a touch of local flair to any drink. Visitors can explore Goa’s feni culture by visiting distilleries, participating in tastings, and even learning about the traditional distillation process. Kaju Feni is more than just a drink; it is a testament to Goa’s vibrant history and culture.

Urrak

Kaju Urrak, a traditional Goan spirit, is often enjoyed with Limca soda, salt, lemon, and a slit green chili. This refreshing combination enhances the natural sweetness of Urrak and provides a fizzy, thirst-quenching element. The salt balances the sweetness and brings out the subtle bitterness, while the lemon adds a citrus note. The slit green chili offers a spicy kick, complementing the sweetness.

Kaju Urrak is made from the first distillation of cashew apples, a product that comes before the production of Kaju Feni. This quintessential Goan summer drink is served at local tavernas, restaurants, and bars, providing a refreshing respite from the heat. Visitors can indulge in this local favorite and savor the unique flavors of Goan culture.