Mocktails • Fermented Drinks • Smoothies • Indian-Inspired & Modern Choices

In recent years, India has seen a beautiful shift in how we enjoy beverages—whether at family gatherings, festive celebrations, weekend get-togethers, or simple evening unwinding at home. The world of non-alcoholic drinks has transformed drastically. What were once considered “soft drink alternatives” have now bloomed into a vibrant universe of craft beverages, healthy sips, and stylish mocktails that feel just as fun and celebratory as any drink with alcohol—sometimes even better!

Today’s generation, as well as the older traditional crowd, are increasingly embracing beverages that are refreshing, nourishing, and thoughtfully created. Drinks that offer not only great taste, but also a connection to our cultural roots, natural ingredients, and mindful living.

So in this blog, let us explore the colourful, flavorful, and wholesome world of non-alcoholic beverages—from mocktails and fermented drinks to smoothies, herbal drinks, and Indian innovations that bring joy without compromise.

Why Non-Alcoholic Craft Drinks Are Becoming Popular in India

There was a time when “non-alcoholic drink” simply meant packaged juice or soda. Today, with rising health awareness, interest in clean foods, and a general tilt towards mindful consumption, non-alcoholic beverages have evolved into:

Stylish
Nutritious
Gourmet-level fun
Culturally rooted
Perfect for all ages

Families prefer them during festivals, office-goers love them for mid-day refreshment, youngsters enjoy them for parties, and wellness lovers embrace them for their natural benefits.

Some reasons for this rising trend include:
• Health consciousness, especially among urban youth
• Increasing demand for low-sugar and functional beverages
• Rise of Indian craft brands with local flavours
• Greater interest in fermented and gut-friendly drinks
• Mocktail culture replacing hard drinks at gatherings
• Social comfort—no awkwardness if you skip alcohol

Even in weddings and traditional functions, mocktail counters have become a big hit because everyone—from children to elders—can enjoy them.

1. Mocktails: The Joy of Celebration Without the Hangover

Mocktails today are not just “cold drinks with fancy names.” They are becoming sophisticated, flavourful, and beautifully crafted drinks that stand proudly on their own.

What Makes a Good Mocktail?

Balanced flavours—sweetness, tanginess, spice
Natural ingredients—herbs, citrus, fruits
Simple, everyday Indian kitchen items—mint, ginger, jeera, lemon
Presentation—colour, layering, garnishing

Below are some delightful mocktail ideas with an Indian touch:

Mint & Ginger Nimbu Spritzer

This refreshing drink has all the charm of our childhood nimbu soda but with a stylish twist.
Ingredients include:

Fresh lemon juice
Grated ginger
Mint leaves
Honey or jaggery syrup
Sparkling water

It is cooling, stomach-friendly, and perfect for hot Indian afternoons.

Kokum Cooler with Black Salt

A staple in Konkan homes, kokum drinks aid digestion and keep body heat in control.
Add:

Kokum syrup
Roasted jeera
Black salt
Chilled water or soda
Fresh mint

The result is a deep, ruby-red drink with sweet, tangy and lightly spiced notes.

Aam Panna Refresher

Summers in India are incomplete without the iconic aam panna. As a mocktail, it becomes even more exciting:

Boiled raw mango pulp
Jaggery
Black salt
Roasted cumin
Crushed ice

One sip and you feel that nostalgic summer vacation joy.

Rose & Sabja Delight

A floral, soothing drink ideal for evenings and festive occasions.

Rose syrup
Basil (sabja) seeds
Cold milk or coconut milk
Crushed ice

Every sip feels like a touch of Indian tradition mixed with modern cafe-style presentation.

Jamun Mojito

A creative twist on mojito using seasonal Indian jamun.

Jamun pulp
Lemon
Mint
Soda
A pinch of chaat masala

It gives a beautiful purple-pink colour and a unique tangy-salty flavour.

2. Fermented Drinks: India’s Natural Probiotics

Long before kombucha became fashionable in global wellness circles, India had its own timeless fermented drinks. These beverages are:

Full of probiotics
Good for digestion
Cooling and refreshing
Natural immunity boosters

Let us explore some popular ones:

Buttermilk (Chaas)

If India had to choose one national beverage for summers, it would be buttermilk. Every state gives it a different twist:

Gujarat: Masala chaas
Punjab: Namkeen lassi
South India: Neer mor with curry leaves
Rajasthan: Spiced chaach

Benefits include:

Aids digestion
Rehydrates
Reduces acidity
Light and cooling

Chaas is simple, humble, and incredibly healthy.

Kanji (North India’s fermented black carrot drink)

Popular in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, kanji is made by fermenting:

Black carrots
Mustard seeds
Salt
Water
with sunlight doing the magic.

It has a beautifully tangy taste and a deep purple hue—considered excellent for gut health.

Kombucha (Modern but now Indianised)

Though kombucha came from East Asia, Indian brands have given it local flavours:

Hibiscus
Jamun
Ginger-lemon
Tulsi
Mango chilli

Kombucha is:

Effervescent
Low-sugar
Naturally fermented

Perfect for those who like fizzy drinks but want a healthier option.

Toddy / Neera (Alcohol-free version)

In some southern states, the fresh sap of palm trees (before fermentation) is called neera, a naturally sweet and energising drink.
It contains:

Natural sugars
Minerals
Cooling properties

Neera stalls in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and coastal Karnataka have become popular again thanks to health trends.

Homemade Ginger Ale or Fermented Ginger Beer (Non-Alcoholic)

Indian homes often ferment ginger for pickles, but you can also make natural homemade ginger beer:

Ginger
Lemon
Sugar
Water
Natural fermentation

This drink is spicy, bubbly, and perfect for mocktail bases.

3. Smoothies: Thick, Nourishing & Perfect for Breakfast

Smoothies are a favourite among the Indian health-conscious crowd. They are:

Filling
Nutritious
Great for busy mornings
Easy to customise
Perfect for children and adults

Here are some Indian-inspired smoothie options:

Banana Almond Smoothie

A warm, comforting flavour combination known to every Indian household.
Blend:

Banana
Soaked almonds
A little honey
Milk (or almond milk)
Cardamom

Perfect for energy and stamina.

Mango Lassi Smoothie

Indian lassi meets modern smoothie culture.
Use:

Ripe mango
Curd
Cardamom
A dash of saffron

This becomes a festive delight in a glass.

Spinach & Green Apple Detox Smoothie

Great for mornings or post-workout:

Baby spinach
Green apple
Gur/honey
Chia seeds
Lemon

Packed with iron, vitamin C, and fibre.

Ragi Banana Smoothie

Inspired by South Indian nutrition traditions:

Sprouted ragi powder
Banana
Peanut butter
Milk or coconut milk

A wholesome, earthy drink that keeps you full for hours.

Cocoa-Date Smoothie

For chocolate lovers who want a healthier option:

Cocoa powder
Soft dates
Milk
A pinch of cinnamon

Tastes like dessert but fuels your day.

4. Traditional Indian Healthy Drinks That Fit Today’s Craft Culture

India has always been blessed with healing ingredients like herbs, roots, spices and fruits. Today, many of these are being rediscovered and reinvented as modern craft drinks.

Here are some timeless beverages with a modern appeal:

Tulsi Ginger Herbal Tea (Iced or Warm)

Tulsi has been our grandmother’s favourite remedy for immunity.
With ginger and lemon, it becomes:

Detoxifying
Anti-inflammatory
Refreshing

Can be made hot or cold.

Kashmiri Kahwa (Chilled version for summers)

Traditionally served warm, kahwa with:

Saffron
Almonds
Cinnamon

can be chilled for a luxurious iced-tea style drink.

Panakam (South Indian jaggery drink)

A temple favourite during Ram Navami.
It includes:

Jaggery
Dry ginger
Tulsi
Cardamom
Lemon

Feels festive and cooling.

Sattu Sharbat (Bihar’s protein-packed drink)

A traditional drink gaining national fame.
Made with:

Roasted gram flour
Water
Lemon
Black salt
Green chilli (optional)

It works as an energy booster and natural protein drink.

Wood-apple (Bael) Juice

Known for digestive benefits and cooling properties.
Simply mix:

Bael pulp
Jaggery
Cold water

A wonderful drink for peak summer heat.

5. Ready-to-Drink Indian Craft Brands to Explore

India now has impressive homegrown beverage brands offering:

Cold brew coffee
Sugar-free sodas
Sparkling herb drinks
Fruit-based coolers
Functional drinks with vitamins

Some popular categories:

Cold-pressed juices
Sparkling spice drinks
Ayurvedic-inspired beverages
Kombucha brands
Coconut water and tender coconut blends

These drinks use real ingredients, minimal additives, and creative Indian flavours.

6. Tips to Enjoy Craft & Healthy Drinks at Home

You can easily recreate high-quality beverages at home using simple ingredients.

Tips:

Use jaggery or honey instead of refined sugar
Add spices like cardamom, clove, cinnamon, star anise
Crush herbs gently instead of over-blending
Use seasonal fruits
Try tender coconut water as a base
Invest in a simple muddler and citrus squeezer
Always serve in chilled glasses for a premium touch

Creating a fun drink at home does not require expensive syrups or machines. Sometimes, the most refreshing beverages come from the simplest Indian traditions.

Final Thoughts: Non-Alcoholic Drinks Can Be Just as Fun

Whether you prefer:

Mocktails full of colour and flavour
Fermented drinks for gut health
Smoothies for nourishment
Traditional herbal drinks
Or modern craft beverages

There is a world of natural, healthy and joyful options waiting to be explored.

The best part?
They suit everyone—children, elders, health lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and people who simply want to enjoy a drink without alcohol.

So next time you gather with friends or family, skip the usual fizzy drinks and try something refreshing, wholesome and rooted in Indian tradition. Your body, mind and taste buds will thank you.

Food & Drinks

Craft Beverages & Healthy Alternatives: Non-Alcoholic Drinks That Don’t Skip the Fun