Cool Thai drinks to quench your thirst this summer
Are you searching for a thirst-quenching solution to the sweltering summer heat? Look no further! Cool Thai drinks are your perfect companion. These ice-cold beverages boast a fantastic mix of flavors, bright colors, and a hint of Thai culture, ready to delight your taste buds. Cool Thai drinks offer a diverse array, from velvety milk teas to fascinating grass jelly delights. Thailand boasts unique flavors and textures to quench any thirst. So, if you’re into sweet, savory, or a combination, there’s a Thai drink just for you. As the heat rises, let’s discover refreshing cool Thai drinks to enjoy a delightful taste journey.
Cool Thai Drinks you must try this Summer
Thai Iced Milk Tea (Cha Yen)
A classic favorite among cool Thai drinks, Thai Iced Milk Tea (Cha Yen) is a delightful blend of strong black tea, sugar, and condensed milk, creating a creamy and indulgent beverage. This rich, velvety concoction is served over ice, making it the perfect way to cool down and experience a taste of Thailand’s vibrant culture during hot summer days. Several vendors put a contemporary twist on this traditional drink by incorporating tapioca pearls and various toppings. For those who prefer a less sweet option, you can even request an unsweetened version (Mai Waan). The distinct orange hue and smooth, sweet flavor of Cha Yen have become a staple and a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the world of cool Thai drinks.
Lime Juice (Nam Manao)
When exploring cool Thai drinks, Lime Juice (Nam Manao) shines as a tangy, revitalizing choice. This zesty mix of fresh lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt refreshes and awakens your senses on hot days. Served cold, Nam Manao is a favorite for those craving a citrusy, energizing option in the world of cool Thai drinks. Street vendors in Thailand typically add sugar to Nam Manao, while Thai restaurants often provide sugar syrup on the side. The delightful blend of sweet and tangy lime juice pairs wonderfully with the bold, spicy flavors found in Thai cuisine.
Thai Pink Milk Tea (Nom Yen)
Venturing into the world of cool Thai drinks, Thai Pink Milk Tea (Nom Yen) is a delightful and eye-catching option. This fruity iced milk treat, sweetened with sala syrup, boasts a bright color and taste similar to strawberry milk. Served chilled and often over ice, Nom Yen’s refreshing sweetness and visually appealing hue make it a popular choice for those seeking a unique and delightful experience among the many cool Thai drinks available. Kids adore it, and street vendors across Thailand serve it alongside juices, sodas, and energy drinks, highlighting the wide array of cool Thai drinks to explore.
Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang)
Diving into the world of cool Thai drinks, Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang) is a must-try for caffeine enthusiasts. Oliang is a prevalent choice among cool Thai drinks due to its easy availability and budget-friendly price. This coffee creation can be enhanced with various ingredients like roasted rice and caramel, giving it a unique flavor similar to an Americano, though not quite the same. Locals often enjoy Oliang with sugar and ice. Adding milk transforms it into Cafe Boran, and some even kick it up a notch with Sang Som.
Grass Jelly Drink
This intriguing beverage features grass jelly, a gelatinous dessert made from the leaves of the Mesona chinensis plant. Typically served cold over ice, this cool Thai drink is both cooling and satisfying on hot days. Grass jelly adds a delightful texture to the drink, which can be mixed with various sweet syrups or combined with other beverages like fruit juices or milk teas. Occasionally, you may discover fruit or even chocolate flavors added to the mix. However, many Thai people enjoy the authentic taste and texture of the jelly itself. This versatility makes it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike, who enjoy experimenting with different flavor combinations.
Sugarcane Juice (Nam Oy)
Exploring the variety of cool Thai drinks, Sugarcane Juice (Nam Oy) is a delightful and refreshing option that showcases the natural sweetness of sugarcane. Freshly squeezed from the sugarcane stalks, this beverage offers a simple yet satisfying taste that captures the essence of Thai tropical flavors. Vendors effortlessly extract fresh juice from sugarcane sticks with a strong processing machine, serving it to customers in convenient disposable plastic cups.
Roselle Juice (Nam Krajeab)
Roselle Juice, locally known as Nam Krajeab, is a popular and refreshing beverage in Thailand. It is one of the cool Thai drinks that can be found in local markets, street food stalls, and restaurants across the country. Nam Krajeab is a special Thai drink with a mix of fruity, tart, and sweet flavors. It tastes a bit like cranberries or pomegranate juice. People often add mint, lime, or some roselle calyces to make it look more attractive. Nam Krajeab is not just tasty and refreshing, it’s also full of health benefits. Roselle has many antioxidants, vitamin C, and minerals that help our bodies in different ways.
Coconut Water (Nam Maprao)
Nam Maprao, or coconut water, is a popular and delightful beverage in Thailand, making it one of the must-try cool Thai drinks for anyone visiting the country. It is derived from the clear liquid found inside young green coconuts, which are abundant in Thailand’s tropical climate. Nam Maprao is also low in calories, making it a guilt-free alternative to sugary drinks. It is known to support digestion, boost metabolism, and even improve skin health due to its high content of antioxidants, potassium, and cytokinins. It is an excellent source of electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins, which help in rehydrating the body and maintaining proper fluid balance. This makes Nam Maprao a popular choice for those looking to replenish after exercise or a long day in the sun.
Bael Juice (Nam Matoom)
Nam Matoom, or bael juice, is a tasty and refreshing drink in Thailand. It’s one of the cool Thai drinks you should try when visiting. Bael fruit has a hard shell and sweet pulp inside. To make this drink, people mix the pulp with water and strain it. They add sugar or honey for extra sweetness. Nam Matoom has a mix of sweet, tart, and earthy flavors. It’s perfect for hot days. Bael juice is also healthy. It has vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These can help with digestion, boost your immune system, and make you feel better overall. So, don’t forget to try Nam Matoom when you’re in Thailand and enjoy a unique, healthy, and refreshing drink!
Thai Boba Tea
Thai boba tea is a delicious and trendy beverage, making it one of the cool Thai drinks you must try when visiting the country. This tasty drink combines Thai tea, a strong black tea typically brewed with spices like star anise, with sweetened condensed milk and chewy tapioca pearls, also known as boba. Thai boba tea has a unique flavor, with its blend of aromatic spices, creamy sweetness, and the fun texture of boba pearls. It is usually served chilled over ice, making it a perfect refreshing drink to cool down on a hot day in Thailand.
Pomegranate Juice (Nam Thabthim)
Nam Thabthim, made from fresh pomegranate juice, is a delicious and nutritious option among cool Thai drinks. It is packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a healthy and flavorful choice for those seeking a natural beverage. This Thai treat is loved for its sweet-sour, tangy taste and can be found at vendors who freshly squeeze pomegranate juice while you wait for your order. This freshly-made option ensures the best flavor and quality.
Though you can find prepackaged Nam Thabthim in slim plastic bottles, the most authentic and enjoyable experience comes from vendors who prepare it right in front of you. So, when in Thailand, don’t miss the chance to try this delightful and healthy drink as part of your cool Thai drinks adventure.
Red Soda (Nam Daeng)
Red soda is a cool Thai drink you’ll find at many street vendors. It’s simple and refreshing. Thais love Hale’s Blue Boy brand, which uses red syrup from sala fruit. What’s interesting is that people often give this drink as an offering at shrines. The red color stands for luck and blood, so it’s like giving life force to the gods. So, as you explore cool Thai drinks, be sure to try this popular and fascinating red soda.
Don’t forget to also check out tasty Thai desserts on your food adventure!
