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India's monsoon season has its moments, especially if you live in a region surrounded by lush green trees, cascading rivers, roaring oceans, and sky-touching mountains. The moment raindrops kiss the ground, earthy petrichor and refreshing shifts in air and temperature tend to make you seek comfort. Suddenly, you crave something warm, beyond your blanket and hoodie. Alcoholic drinks have the tendency to heat up your body by widening your blood vessels. Although the effect runs on a stopwatch, the desire to indulge in booze and snacks is irresistible.
There are no commercially mass-produced "monsoon-flavoured" spirits, but several traditional and local alcoholic drinks throughout India promise comfort and the feeling of a happy high - when you are in control of your senses but also feel light and carefree. Not just that, but the weather also leads to a rise in the consumption of these beverages. If you have not tried the local produce yet, this is the season when you should indulge.
Mahua, Central and Eastern India
Traversing through the tribal belts of Central and Eastern India, you come across the Mahua flower that produces a rich, earthy spirit. Take a sip and you instantly feel your body warming up. The distillation of this regional gem overlaps with the monsoon period; hence, it is a popular monsoon drink among the people of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and others. If you are looking to unwind at home, pair this liquor with deep-fried snacks or Indo-Chinese delights.
Also Read: Best Whiskies In The World To Explore
Feni, Goa
Whenever a relative or friend is visiting Goa, people request them to get Feni as a souvenir. It is one of India’s oldest spirits prepared using cashews. Monsoon season in the state also heralds the time to bring this beverage home or drink it while watching the sunset on one of the beaches. Although Feni is consumed throughout the year, the cashew type, which offers a distinctive pungent and fruity smell, tastes a little different during the rains. Locals commonly think it is a warming drink, making it a suitable pick for the muggy weather.
Rice Beers, Northeast India
Have you tried rice beers? In Northeast India's verdant countryside, traditional rice beers are prepared by the locals. Some of the popular options include Apong (Assam), Zutho (Nagaland), and Judima (Assam, made from glutinous rice), and these are a part of tribal culture and commonly linked to monsoon festivals. Compared to whiskies, tequilas, and gins, these brews are lightly alcoholic, frequently cloudy drinks are cool and earthy.
Lugdi And Chhang, Himachal Pradesh
The hill areas of North India, particularly Himachal Pradesh, have their local alcoholic beverages that are known to provide warmth to the body. Lugdi (rice beer) (also mentioned in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani) and Chhang (barley/millet beer) are unfiltered and slightly alcoholic. Lugdi is usually served warm and thick, and it is especially valued in places such as Manali and Lahaul in the colder months, providing a reassuring warmth. Do you remember the scene where Naina asked Bunny for a sip because she was cold?
Toddy, Kerala
Lastly, in Kerala, though accessible year-round, Toddy's (fermented coconut palm sap) light sweetness and tanginess seem especially refreshing yet old-fashioned on the sultry monsoon days, freshly available from nearby shacks. And for a hit of royalty heritage, Rajasthan's Kesar Kasturi, a sophisticated saffron and herb-spiced liqueur, provides a warm, comforting sip perfect for special monsoon nights.
