13 Most Common South Indian Beverages

Indian filter coffee, a staple drink in South India, is made from a blend of freshly ground coffee beans and chicory. It’s brewed in a traditional metal filter consisting of 2 cylindrical compartments.

The upper compartment has small perforations at the bottom, where the coffee grounds are placed, and the lower compartment collects the brewed coffee decoction. The strong coffee decoction is mixed with hot, frothy milk and sweetened to taste.

Filter coffee often comes in a stainless steel tumbler cup and davara, a small, wide metal saucer/bowl. The coffee is traditionally served by pouring it back and forth between the tumbler and davara, which helps mix and cool the coffee, creating a frothy layer on top.

Sambaram, also known as neer mor, is a popular South Indian beverage made from spiced buttermilk. It’s prepared by diluting yogurt with water and adding spices such as green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, and coriander.

Sometimes, locals add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavor. The result is a cooling, savory drink that is particularly popular during the hot summer.

Sambaram is also valued for its digestive benefits and ability to cool the body.

Elaneer, meaning “young coconut” in Tamil, is the refreshing coconut water enjoyed throughout South India. Harvested from green, immature coconuts, elaneer is a natural source of electrolytes and minerals.

Its sweet, slightly nutty flavor makes it a popular choice to quench thirst on hot days. Vendors selling elaneer are a common sight on roadsides, so you can easily buy them on the street at a very affordable price.

In the heart of South India, particularly Kerala, thari kanji is a creamy beverage made with semolina, a type of wheat flour, simmered in milk or water. It’s typically sweetened with jaggery or sugar and flavored with cardamom.

Thari kanji’s texture falls between a porridge and a thin pudding, perfect for a light breakfast or a soothing nightcap. It’s also a staple during Ramadan’s Iftar meals, the evening meal to break the day’s fast.

Moreover, thari kanji is a traditional part of Ayurvedic practices, a holistic healing system from India. During the monsoon season, people often consume this comforting drink to balance their bodies and reduce illnesses.

Panakam, translates to “sweet drink” in Sanskrit, is a delightful beverage traditionally made with jaggery. So, it’s a flavorful alternative to sugary drinks.

The tang of lemon juice and spices like cardamom, ginger, and sometimes black pepper, bring a touch of warmth and depth.

This refreshing drink is particularly popular during the hot summer months and Hindu festivals.

Panakam is especially associated with the Rama Navami festival, which celebrates Lord Rama’s birth. It’s a common sight offered in temples and enjoyed by devotees.

Jigarthanda is a beloved cold beverage originating from Madurai in South India. This refreshing drink cools you down from the inside out, perfect for the scorching hot summers in this country.

The base of jigarthanda is a blend of chilled milk and almond gum, which gives it a smooth, jelly-like texture. It also includes nannari syrup, made from sarsaparilla root, offering a sweet and earthy flavor.

Jigarthanda is a street food staple, with vendors whipping it up in roadside stalls. The vibrant pink color and attractive aroma are a sure sign of summer in Madurai.

Nimbu pani, literally translating to “lemon water” in Hindi, is a refreshingly simple drink perfect for hot days. Made with fresh lime juice, black salt, sugar, ginger, and water, it offers a tangy and sweet taste that cools you down instantly.

Nimbu pani is sold by street vendors or made at home. Some variations might include mint leaves or cumin powder, which are known as shikanji.

Nannari sherbet is a refreshing drink made from the roots of the Indian Sarsaparilla plant (Hemidesmus indicus). Thanks to its cooling properties, it’s especially popular in South India during the summer.

To prepare nannari sherbet, locals boil the roots to extract their essence, which is then mixed with water, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice to create the sherbet. The result is a sweet and slightly tangy herbal drink.

Also, nannari roots are believed to have medicinal properties, including detoxifying the blood, aiding digestion, and providing relief from dehydration.

Nungu juice, aka ice apple juice, is a favorite beverage in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Made from the fruit of the palmyra palm, Indians peel and extract the soft, juicy flesh, then blend it with a little water to prepare the juice.

Plus, ice apple fruit is known for its translucent, jelly-like texture and mildly sweet flavor. The fruit is normally harvested during the hot months, making it a popular treat to combat the intense heat in this country.

Rose Milk is a beloved traditional drink in South India, known for its delightful combination of rose syrup and chilled milk.

The rose syrup, made from rose petals or essence, gives the drink a distinct floral aroma and a pleasing pink hue. Mixed with cold milk and often a bit of sugar, rose milk has a sweet flavor and soothing texture that everyone will love.

Widely available in homes, street stalls, and cafes across South India, rose milk remains a favorite for its easy preparation, appealing flavor, and ability to beat the heat effectively.

South India embraces the tanginess of tamarind juice, a beverage made from the pulp of the tamarind fruit. This tart and refreshing drink is a popular choice to beat the heat.

Tamarind juice can be enjoyed on its own for a burst of sour flavor, or sweetened with palm sugar or jaggery for a more balanced taste.

The juice is often served chilled over ice for a truly thirst-quenching drink.

Masala chai, or simply a spiced tea, is a well-loved South Indian and North Indian drink, making it a national drink.

Made by brewing black tea with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper, it is simmered with water and milk and then sweetened to taste.

This spiced blend creates a warm drink with a rich and aromatic flavor. In South India, masala chai is a daily ritual enjoyed in the morning and afternoon, often with light snacks. Street vendors and households take pride in their special blends and brewing methods.

Badam paal, literally meaning “almond milk” in Tamil, is a creamy and flavorful drink enjoyed throughout South India.

Crafted by soaking and grinding almonds with milk, sugar, and often cardamom, badam paal offers a delicious and healthy alternative to regular milk.

This protein-rich beverage is enjoyed hot or cold, making it a comforting drink in winter and a refreshing treat in summer. Some variations might include saffron.