1. Pomegranate Juice Well-concentrated pomegranate juice is possibly the reason I still have good skin. That’s a glass loaded with collagen—turns out, I was drinking a beauty potion disguised as juice all along! I heard about its skincare benefits quite later. But honestly, the real reason I started drinking it was to tackle the terrible stomach pain I used to have because of mild ulcers. This juice eradicated that pain like a pro. These days, after moving to the hostel, I can’t drink it every day, but I’m working on finding a way to bring it back into my routine. My skin and stomach are at stake, after all!
2. Lassi Since I am an Indian, I have a soft spot for lassi—especially the kesar one. It’s the ultimate comfort drink, particularly on days when you feel like beating the crap out of someone but your soft soul just can’t. Instead, you sip or gulp down a glass of this soul-soothing drink. Lassi to the rescue!
3. Pathini A delicious local palm-based drink from the southern part of Tamil Nadu, Pathini is non-fermented and oh-so-refreshing. When we visit our hometown, especially in summer, we often see vendors selling it on the roadside. Dad stops the car, buys it, and they pour it into a palm leaf for us to sip. It’s not just a drink; it’s a flavorful kick of nostalgia. It feels like nature decided to bottle up its summer vibes and serve them chilled.
4. Paruthi Paal (Cotton Seed Milk) Another traditional Tamil Nadu drink, this one’s pretty sophisticated. It carries the mild color of jaggery and a texture resembling coconut. It’s absolutely delicious and healthy—a summer specialty. While we don’t often make it at home, I indulge in it more frequently during visits to my hometown. It tastes so smooth and satisfying. It’s heritage in a glass, truly.
5. Peach Iced Tea My relationship with peach iced tea goes way back to when I tried it for the first time with an ex-friend at Glen Bakehouse. We’re no longer friends, but my relationship with peach iced tea remains steady. Every time I’m at a café, I order it. Why? Because caffeine isn’t doing me any favors in life, threatening me with either PCOD or thyroid. Peach iced tea, on the other hand, is like air-conditioning for my food pipe—a pure joy. That said, if I didn’t have to worry about caffeine, I’d definitely always go for a latte. I love lattes!
6. Chukku Kaapi (Dry Ginger Coffee) Dry ginger coffee is another favorite, especially in winter. It’s the safest option for me—a drink that doubles as medicine. That “Is it a drink, or is it a remedy?” vibe gets me every time. Plus, it’s pure magic when my mom makes it.

So, there you have it—my liquid love letters to these drinks. Each one is a story, a mood, and sometimes, the hero of my day. If you see me with one of these in hand, just know, it’s more than a drink—it’s a little slice of who I am.

I like to expand my top favourite list further. If you have any suggestions feel free to share me in the comments. Non Alcoholic thought. If it is your region/country’s traditional juice… Bonus points.