These Indian Liquors Will Give the Best Scotch a Run For its Money!

A travel experience is incomplete without sampling authentic cuisines. So why must liquor be left behind? Move over beer and whisky, these local drinks are here to challenge your palate!

Feni in Goa

The blue waters, palm trees and hammocks of Goa are best enjoyed with a glass of feni in your hand. North Goans love their cashew feni, whereas coconut feni is more popular down South. This supremely potent drink is obtained after the second distillation of urrack, a spirit made of cashew fruits. Feni has a strong, sweet aroma, and leaves behind a lingering aftertaste, which is why the locals recommend this drink to be had with lemonade. Did you know? Feni is an organic drink from Goa that is great for your respiratory health!

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Read More: Top 10 Things to Do In Goa

Toddy in Kerala

Spicy fish fry and a glass of coconut toddy enjoyed with a beautiful view of the backwaters will inspire serious vacation goals. Sap from coconut trees is collected, and fermented into what is commonly known as palm wine (or toddy). Coconut toddy is lovingly called coconut vodka by the tourists in Kerala. The drink has a short shelf-life and tastes a lot like vinegar. A strong toddy will leave you buzzed enough to stumble back home, so drink responsibly.

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Read More: Kerala: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Mahua in Madhya Pradesh

The flowers of the Mahua tree are fermented to produce an alcoholic drink called Mahua, an intoxicating tribal liquor produced in the Khajuraho region of Madhya Pradesh. Who knew there was another interesting angle to a visit this culturally rich state? Spend a day exploring caves and heritage sites, end the night with a helping (or two) of this fragrant country liquor.

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Royal Mawalin in Rajasthan

If you thought Rajasthan was only about forts, deserts and food, you’re absolutely mistaken! Royal Mawalin, a bitter concoction made of spices, dates and herbs was a recipe that was once a favourite with the royals. Today, all you need is a bottle of soda to enjoy a taste of royalty.

Read More: Rajasthan: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Channg in Ladakh

Breath-taking sceneries, treks, hikes up to lakes, bike rides and fresh mountain air can be best enjoyed in Ladakh, but here’s something that will make your vacation even better. Say hello to Channg, a drink brewed from rice, barley or millet, after a process of cleaning, boiling, cooling and fermenting the grains. Pepper and sugar seasonings make this an unusual pleasure for the palate, and an absolute must-have to complete your gastronomic experience in Ladakh.

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Handia in Bihar

The best way to beat the heat in Bihar is to sip on some soothing country liquor that goes by the name of Handia.  Known as the poor man’s beer, the drink is primarily made of a special kind of brown rice, which is cooked in water, cooled, sun-dried and left for fermentation in a pot for a few days. Guess what, Handia is used by locals to prevent sunstroke and even treat jaundice! Time to pack your bags and see what the fuss is about, eh?

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Apong in North East India

Picture this: you’re on a road trip along the winding roads of the mighty Himalayas. A small highway joint on the outskirts of a city looks tempting, and as soon as you settle in, they serve you an elixir the likes of which you have never tasted before. It’s sweet, spicy and extremely potent. You, my friend, have just tasted Apong, a millet brew quite popular in North East India.  Congratulations are in order, for this drink is quite a find!

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Read More: 5 Reasons Why North East India is the Best Honeymoon Destination

Let’s say ‘cheers’ to some happy holiday memories!