Goa being a coastal area, it becomes very important to keep yourself hydrated at all times, the sticky weather draws attention to quench your thirst with alcoholic, non – alcoholic drinks that are full of flavors and give you the Goan feels, so don’t go back without trying these.
Goa has bounty of beaches that beat any other coastal areas, naturally surrounded by flora and fauna, blends with local exquisite and exotic tastes prepared from coconut palms, cashew, palm toddy, date palms and palmyra.
1. Feni
What is feni?: Feni is the staple drink of Goa, something you can’t escape. It is majorly made from cashews or coconut sap, which is then fermented and distilled. Feni has been part of Goa for almost 400 years. Unlike other alcoholic drinks, it doesn’t give you a hangover. But be careful though the alcoholic content in feni is 43 – 45% which makes the drink strong, distinctive odor and aftertaste, it is often served in variety, like mixed in mocktails, lemonades, juices etc. served everywhere from shacks to local bars to high – end hotels.
What is the flavor and taste?: Feni is known for its strong fruity flavor, and peculiar taste, if had neat. There are ways to make the drink mouth – watering, mixing the drink with cola, lemonade and juices. One can have cashew Feni in the scorching heat and relish it.
2. Urrak
What is it?: It is a drink which most tourists are unaware of. Urrak is known as a summer drink, which is made after the first distillation of the cashew fruit, while the feni is the second. Unlike feni, which one can pick up from a liquor store, urrak requires you to look for the local friends who brew it and store for themselves, but are generous with those who know its worth. It is less potent than feni with less than 30 % alcohol. As it is less alcoholic it can be served with lemonade, ice and soda but the locals have it with half glass of Limca, pinch of salt and gentle squeeze of lemon and some cut up green chilies to balance out the taste.
How does it taste and where can you find it?: It is sweet, sour, bitter, all in one. The tip of your tongue has to tell you all.
The finest urrak can be availed at Goa’s hinterlands – Valpoi, Pernem regions, where the locals traditionally practice the distillation methods.
3. Port wine
Port wine also known as Vinho do Porto. Did you know? Port wine was the first wine that was produced in India. There are several styles of port, including red, white, and rose. Port wine is mostly served as a dessert wine, and it is famous for the potent sweet flavor. Sip this while having a romantic candle light dinner on the beach whilst enjoying the sea view.
4. King’s Beer
What is it?: If you are looking for a smooth, light tasting beer. Well why wait? Here is Goa’s famous King’s Pilsner premium beer, it is a lager beer known for its smoky malt aroma, with an alcohol content of 4.85%.
Ranked as the sixth favorite beer in India.
5. Kokum Juice
What is it?: Is a refreshing beverage made from kokum berries in Goa, popularly during summers to escape the scorching heat. Kokum berries are rich in antioxidants, anti – bacterial, and anti – fungal properties. It is known to expel the heat released in the body, reduce acidity, and relieve sunstroke.
How does it taste?: Kokum is sweet in taste, but acidic in nature. Which is why it is best used in drinks and curries. Experimenting with ingredients every local restaurant stands out in its own way. Mixture of sugar, black salt and roasted cumin powder brings a balanced taste which will make you smack your lips.