DRINKS
Alkohol free drinks
Tea and Coffee Tea is by no means the most popular drink in India. What's worse, steamed by Indians, it is probably one of the most nasty drinks in the world, because it is usually extremely sweet and cloudy. This drink is getting ready, pouring cold water and milk into the mug along with sugar and tea, and then this mixture is boiled until boiling and left for a few minutes. It is not difficult to guess, what the taste of tea brewed in this way is. Some tourists, however, do not mind at all, considering its low price. At railway stations, it is served in clay cups, which then just gets thrown away.
A slightly better variety of tea is the so-called. tray tea. The waiter serves tea on a tray, milk and sugar, which you can mix as you wish.
Tea is drunk mainly in the north. In the south, coffee is still the most popular drink, usually good, unlike the northern regions, where its taste will surely satisfy no one. Even in the most expensive restaurants, only instant coffee is prepared, a better one can be drunk in one of the Indian Coffee House.
Water
In larger cities, water is treated mainly by chlorination and usually does not pose a health hazard. However, it is no match – after all! – Polish standards and is sometimes the cause of minor ailments, such as. diarrhea.
The situation in smaller cities is much worse, therefore some precautions should be taken. The main rule is to refrain from consuming unboiled water, especially from an unknown source, e.g. sold by street traders. Even the most exclusive hotels serve filtered water, and not boiled. These filters only remove visible impurities, without destroying microbes. Particular care should be taken in monsoons, when it is very easy to get infected, drinking contaminated water.
It is in vain to look for water purifying preparations in Indian stores. The best in this respect is iodine solution and American tablets from Coghlans, which effectively remove all impurities. They are indispensable during long hikes, during which water is drawn from rivers and springs. Unfortunately, the water purified in this way does not taste very pleasant.
Mineral water
Mineral water, sold in plastic liter bottles, is available almost everywhere. The price varies between 12 a 30 INR, however, most often it does not exceed 18 INR. The waters of the Bisleri are the most certain, India King, Officer’s Choice, Honeydew i Aqua Safe.
Tell the truth, this mineral water is nothing else, like tap water treated for drinking. Recent studies have proven, that 65 % among the species on the market did not meet the relevant requirements, and in some bottles there was an ordinary tap. Therefore, it is always best to boil water before consuming it.
Alkohol free drinks
Water can be successfully replaced with non-alcoholic beverages, however, you have to take into account the sugar they contain. In addition to Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola, the sale also includes products of domestic companies, such as Campa Cola, Thums Up, Limca, Gold Spot oraz Double Seven. Their price usually does not exceed 7 INR for a quarter liter bottle. Unfortunately, they are all very cute.
Juices and other drinks
The exception among the extremely sweet Indian drinks is apple juice, sold at fruit stalls for only 4 INR. Juices in cartons are also very good 6 INR, although some may find it too sweet.
In the south, coconut milk is a popular drinker. Soda water is also recommended for non-alcoholic drinks, best produced by Bisleri, Spencer's and other famous companies. A large bottle costs just approx. 3,5 INR. It tastes great with lemon juice.
The drink widespread throughout India is falooda, made from milk, nuts and cream, with thin noodles. But nothing comes close to refreshing lassi, that is, frozen yogurt.
Alcohols
Alcoholic drinks in this country are quite expensive. For example, for a bottle of Indian beer you have to pay from 23 do 160 INR (in an exclusive hotel), on average, its price varies between 40 a 60 INR. In some states, m.in. in Sikkim, it is cheap, in others – extremely expensive. Among Indian beers there are such species as Golden Eagle, Rosy Pelican, Can-non Extra Strong, Bullet, Black Label, Knock Out, Turbo, Kingfisher, Guru and Pun-jab. Some of them are cool, especially after adequate cooling. Indian beer drunk in excess (just like Polish ones, English, Czech or Russian) causes an injured headache and a weakening of the body.
Indian alcoholic beverages are referred to herein as IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor – foreign alcohol made in India). Imitation Scotch whiskey and brandy, they hide under various names and present themselves of the most varied quality.
Among the liquors produced in India is toddy, a mild alcohol obtained from the flowers of the coconut palm, and fen i, derived from the fermentation of cashew nuts or coconuts. Both varieties have a completely different taste.
A popular alcohol is arak, An extremely strong drink made from rice. You have to remember, in order not to consume it in too much and buy only in original bottles, from state-owned distilleries. Under no circumstances should you drink alcoholic beverages from illegal factories, as they usually contain methyl alcohol, which is harmful to health. Every year in India you hear about new victims, who went blind or even died after being eaten.
Prohibition was introduced in the states of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Only luxury hotels serve alcoholic beverages, but even there you have to eat them in your own room, because there are no bars here.