Sikkimese love to drink! And it’s no surprise that the quaint little Himalayan state is home to some of the biggest names in the distillery world. We sat down with some locals to learn of “the best drinks to try in Sikkim,” both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Here’s a list of the ones you must get a taste of.
9 LOCAL DRINKS TO TRY BEFORE YOU LEAVE SIKKIM
Alcoholic
1. Tongba
The ultimate gruit beer of Sikkim called “jaand,’ otherwise known as tongba (although tongba is the name of the vessel it comes in), is a fermented millet-based alcoholic beverage. The way this drink is served may surprise you: it is served piping hot in a brass bowl or bamboo mug called “tongba” along with a perforated wooden straw. You can keep topping it with hot water as you drink till it loses its flavor and effect.
Tongba is available in most of the local restaurants
2. Saino red wine
The pride of Sikkim, Saino red wine has made its name across the nation for its sweet and exquisite taste. It is prepared from the pulp of red or black grapes and fermented with grape skin. Saino is one of the best budget wines in India.
Hit beer
Dansberg beer
A flavoured liqueur from Sikkim Distilleries Ltd, Cherry brandy is a perfect drink to keep you warm in the cold Himalayan weather. The brandy is smooth with a sweet fragrance and aftertaste of cherry.
6. Rhododendron wine
These are locally made wines that are very popular in West Sikkim. The wine is made from the petals of rhododendron flowers. The wine tastes light and flowery up front, with a kicky aftertaste.
Rhododendron wine
Also read Gangtok on a platter
Non-alcoholic
7. Butter tea
The Tibetan and Bhutanese population of the State is very fond of Butter tea. Butter tea is made from tea leaves, yak butter, water, and salt, although in recent years it is common to use butter made from cow's milk, given its wider availability.
Butter tea
8. Temi Tea
This organic tea comes from the Temi Tea Garden (south Sikkim). It is the only tea garden in Sikkim and is considered one of the best in the country. These are available in some shops in Gangtok MG Marg and on some online
Temi tea
9. Passion fruit squash
The in-house parent company Sikkim Supreme has a variety of fruit squashes among which our personal favourite is passion fruit squash. Passion fruit squash is a rare find so make sure to stack up on your way back.
Passion fruit squash
So there you have it, 9 drinks to cherish on your next trip to Sikkim. Make sure to try it all on your visit to Sikkim. But before that let us know in the comments which are you most excited to try.