Welcome to the ultimate guide to Thailand’s beverages! This comprehensive list covers every type of drink you can find in Thailand, from the rich and varied world of Thai spirits and wines to the innovative craft beer scene. We’ve also included an array of both classic and modern Thai cocktails, as well as a diverse selection of non-alcoholic options like herbal teas and refreshing juices. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply curious, this guide offers a deep dive into Thailand’s vibrant and diverse drinking culture.
1. Thai Spirits
1.1. Thai Liquor
1. Mekhong Whiskey
- Thai herbal whiskey
Mekhong Whiskey isn’t just a spirit; it’s a cultural icon in Thailand. This unique blend, often referred to as “The Spirit of Thailand,” combines traditional Thai flavors with a rum-like base. Infused with a medley of herbs and spices, it creates a distinctively smooth and aromatic experience. This whiskey is perfect for those looking to explore the essence of Thai spirits in a glass.
2. Blend 285 Whiskey
- Thai whiskey blend
Blend 285 is a popular whiskey blend in Thailand, known for its smooth and approachable flavor profile. This blend harmoniously combines different spirits, creating a product that’s both accessible to casual drinkers and appreciated by connoisseurs. Blend 285 captures the evolving tastes and trends of the Thai whiskey market.
3. SangSom Rum
- Popular Thai rum
SangSom, a celebrated Thai rum, has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Distilled from sugarcane, it’s aged in oak barrels, granting it a smooth, mellow flavor with a hint of sweetness. SangSom is often enjoyed in mixed drinks and is a staple in Thailand’s vibrant nightlife, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Thai alcoholic beverages.
4. Chalong Bay Rum
- Premium Thai rum
Chalong Bay Rum represents the modern face of Thai spirits. Distilled from local sugarcane, it’s a premium rum that stands out with its smooth, clean taste and a subtle hint of tropical flavors. Chalong Bay Rum is a testament to Thailand’s ability to produce world-class spirits that can compete on an international stage.
5. Regency Brandy
- Thai brandy
Regency Brandy is Thailand’s answer to classic brandies. This spirit offers a smooth, refined taste with a hint of oak and subtle fruity undertones. It reflects Thailand’s capability to craft spirits that resonate with international palates while maintaining a unique Thai character. Regency Brandy is ideal for those seeking a sophisticated drinking experience.
1.2. Thai Liqueurs
6. Ya Dong
- Herbal Thai liqueur
Ya Dong stands out in Thailand’s beverage scene as a herbal liqueur deeply ingrained in local traditions. It’s a potent blend of spirits and medicinal herbs, often homemade following family recipes passed down through generations. Ya Dong is not just a drink; it’s a cultural artifact, representing the rich herbal lore of Thailand.
7. Krachai Dam Liqueur
- Herbal Thai liqueur
Krachai Dam Liqueur is a unique Thai herbal liqueur, celebrated for its health benefits and distinctive flavor. Made from the Krachai Dam root, known for its medicinal properties, this liqueur offers a complex taste profile with earthy and spicy notes. It’s a perfect representation of Thailand’s innovative approach to incorporating local ingredients into spirits.
8. Kafae Boran Liqueur
- Traditional coffee liqueur
Kafae Boran Liqueur takes you on a nostalgic journey through Thailand’s coffee history. This traditional Thai coffee liqueur blends the rich, robust flavors of Thai coffee with a smooth alcoholic base, creating a delightful balance of bitterness and sweetness. It’s a modern twist on Thailand’s coffee culture, offering a unique sip that coffee and liqueur enthusiasts will cherish.
1.3. Other Thai Spirits
9. Lao Pan
- Regional Thai spirit
Lao Pan is a regional Thai spirit with significant local variation. Typically distilled from rice or molasses, its flavor and potency differ by region, reflecting unique local recipes. Often clear and potent, Lao Pan is enjoyed in rural communities, usually served neat, and is a window into Thailand’s diverse spirit traditions.
10. Lao Khao
- Clear rice spirit
Lao Khao, a staple in Thai rural areas, is a clear spirit distilled from fermented rice. Its production, often a local cottage industry, involves natural fermentation and simple distillation, resulting in a strong, sharp flavor. Lao Khao is integral to traditional Thai ceremonies and is typically consumed neat, reflecting its cultural significance.
11. Hong Thong
- Versatile blended spirit
Hong Thong, a popular blended Thai spirit, is crafted from a mix of grains and herbs, creating a smooth and mildly sweet profile. Its versatility makes it suitable for sipping or cocktail mixing. Predominantly enjoyed in urban areas, Hong Thong is a testament to the adaptability and richness of Thailand’s spirit industry.
2. Thai Cocktails & Mixed Drinks
2.1. Cold Thai Alcoholic Beverages
12. Thai Sabai
- Herb-infused cocktail
Thai Sabai is a refreshing cocktail that embodies Thailand’s aromatic essence. It typically combines Thai rum or vodka with sweet basil, lime juice, and syrup. This drink is a celebration of Thai flavors, offering a vibrant and uplifting experience, perfect for tropical evenings.
13. Siam Sunray
- Spicy Thai cocktail
Dubbed as ‘Thailand in a glass’, the Siam Sunray is a spicy, invigorating cocktail. It includes vodka, coconut liqueur, lemongrass, ginger, chili, and lime, mirroring the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. This cocktail is a favorite for its unique blend of spice and zest.
14. Mai Thai
- Thai twist on Mai Tai
The Mai Thai is Thailand’s interpretation of the classic Mai Tai. It typically blends local Thai spirits with tropical flavors like pineapple and lime, often adding a hint of Thai herbs. This drink is a fusion of traditional Thai ingredients and the well-loved Polynesian cocktail.
15. Bangkok Margarita
- Thai-style Margarita
The Bangkok Margarita adds a Thai twist to the classic Margarita, usually incorporating Thai chili and basil. This cocktail offers a delightful balance of tart, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a cocktail with a kick.
16. Thai Mojito
- Mojito with Thai flavors
The Thai Mojito remixes the classic Mojito with distinct Thai ingredients, like Thai basil or lemongrass. This version retains the refreshing qualities of the original while introducing a unique herbal twist, perfect for sipping on a hot day.
17. Full Moon
- Tropical Thai cocktail
The Full Moon is a cocktail that captures the lively spirit of Thailand’s famous Full Moon parties. It typically blends Thai whiskey or rum with tropical juices, creating a sweet, vibrant drink ideal for celebrating under the moonlit sky.
18. Tuk Tuk Slam
- Engergizing Thai drink
The Tuk Tuk Slam is as lively as its namesake. This cocktail often includes a mix of Thai spirits and energizing ingredients like Thai Red Bull, making it a popular choice among party-goers looking for a night of fun and excitement.
19. Pattaya Punch
- Fruity Thai punch
Pattaya Punch is a fruity, refreshing cocktail, inspired by the beach vibes of Pattaya. This drink typically combines tropical fruits with Thai rum, creating a sweet and vibrant beverage that encapsulates the essence of Thailand’s beach culture.
20. Phuket Pina Colada
- Thai-style Pina Colada
The Phuket Pina Colada is a tropical concoction that puts a Thai spin on the classic Pina Colada. It often includes ingredients like Thai pineapple and coconut, creating a creamy, sweet, and refreshing drink, perfect for enjoying by the seaside.
21. Hua Hin Breeze
- Light, tropical cocktail
The Hua Hin Breeze is a light and tropical cocktail, evoking the serene atmosphere of Hua Hin beaches. This drink often blends vodka or Thai rum with refreshing elements like mint and cucumber, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing day by the ocean.
2.2. Hot Thai Alcoholic Beverages
22. Hot Toddy Thai Style
- Warm Thai whiskey drink
The Hot Toddy Thai Style is a comforting, warm beverage, perfect for cooler evenings. This version of the classic Hot Toddy often incorporates Thai whiskey, honey, and a blend of Thai spices like lemongrass and ginger, offering a soothing and aromatic experience.
23. Thai Hot Buttered Rum
- Spiced buttered rum
Thai Hot Buttered Rum is a rich, warming drink that combines rum with butter, sugar, and Thai spices. It’s a tropical take on the traditional hot buttered rum, delivering a velvety, spiced, and indulgent flavor that’s ideal for sipping on a chilly night.
24. Krabi Coffee Cocktail
- Coffee-based Thai cocktail
The Krabi Coffee Cocktail blends the robust flavors of Thai coffee with alcohol, typically rum or Thai whiskey. It’s a stimulating and warming drink, often enjoyed as an after-dinner treat, marrying the world of Thai coffee culture with spirited indulgence.
3. Thai Brewed & Fermented Alcoholic Beverages
3.1. Thai Wine
Thai wine, often referred to as “New Latitude” wine, is rapidly gaining recognition for its unique character. In regions like Hua Hin and Khao Yai, innovative wineries like Monsoon Valley, PB Valley, and GranMonte are pioneering this burgeoning industry. They cultivate both international grape varieties and local fruits, producing diverse styles from refreshing whites and robust reds to tropical fruit wines. These wines embody the adaptability and richness of Thailand’s terroir, challenging traditional winemaking norms and offering a unique taste profile that’s distinctively Thai.
25. Monsoon Valley Wines
- Award-winning Thai wines
Monsoon Valley Wines are among Thailand’s most celebrated, offering a range of varieties from classic to tropical. These wines, produced in the lush vineyards of Hua Hin, showcase the potential of Thai terroir in creating internationally recognized wines with unique Thai character.
26. PB Valley Wines
- Pioneering Thai winery
PB Valley Wines, from one of Thailand’s oldest wineries, are known for their quality and innovation. Located in the Khao Yai region, these wines capture the essence of Thai viticulture, offering a diverse range of flavors from crisp whites to robust reds.
27. GranMonte Wines
- Family-owned Thai vineyard
GranMonte Wines are produced in a family-owned vineyard in Khao Yai. These wines are notable for their quality and distinctive flavors, resulting from a combination of skilled winemaking and the unique Thai climate, offering a taste of Thailand’s passion for winemaking.
28. Siam Winery Tropical Wines
- Innovative Thai tropical wines
Siam Winery Tropical Wines stand out for their innovation in using local tropical fruits. These wines offer a unique twist on traditional winemaking, showcasing the versatility and richness of Thailand’s natural produce, perfect for those seeking a novel wine experience.
3.2. Thai Beer
Thai beer culture is marked by a blend of traditional brewing and modern innovation, creating a dynamic beer scene. Dominated by iconic brands like Singha, Chang, and Leo, Thai beer offers a range of flavors from classic lagers to rich ales. The emergence of craft beer has introduced new dimensions to the market, with breweries like Amarit Pale Ale and Phuket Beer showcasing creativity and local ingredients. Thai craft beers, in particular, are gaining popularity for their unique blends and experimentation, reflecting Thailand’s growing passion for artisanal and diverse beer experiences.
29. Singha
- Iconic Thai lager
Singha, a household name in Thailand, is a classic Thai lager known for its crisp, refreshing taste. Brewed since the 1930s, it has become synonymous with Thai beer, offering a balance of mild hops and a slightly sweet flavor, embodying the traditional Thai beer experience.
30. Chang
- Popular Thai beer
Chang Beer is another staple in Thailand, famed for its smooth and well-balanced profile. It offers a refreshing taste with a subtle fruitiness, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Chang is a symbol of Thailand’s love for beer and social gatherings.
31. Leo
- Smooth Thai lager
Leo is a smooth, easy-drinking lager that has quickly become a popular choice in Thailand. Known for its accessible taste and moderate alcohol content, Leo is ideal for those seeking a lighter beer option that still delivers on flavor.
32. Archa
- Affordable Thai beer
Archa Beer stands out for its affordability and straightforward taste. This lager is less intense compared to its Thai counterparts, offering a mild, smooth drinking experience. It’s a go-to beer for casual, everyday enjoyment.
33. U Beer
- Contemporary Thai lager
U Beer is a newer addition to Thailand’s beer landscape, offering a modern twist on the traditional lager. It’s known for its crisp and refreshing taste, appealing to a younger crowd and reflecting the evolving preferences of Thai beer drinkers.
34. Thai Craft Beer
- Diverse Thai artisan brews
Thai Craft Beers symbolize Thailand’s rich, evolving beer culture, featuring an array of artisanal breweries like Chalawan Pale Ale and Chatri IPA. These beers are celebrated for their innovative use of local ingredients and styles, ranging from tropical pale ales to bold IPAs. Each craft beer offers a unique taste experience, reflecting the creativity and passion of Thai brewers in crafting distinctive, high-quality brews that resonate with both locals and international beer enthusiasts.
Examples of Thai craft beers:
- Phuket Beer: A locally brewed craft beer capturing the tropical essence of Phuket with unique flavors.
- Amarit Pale Ale: An artisanal ale known for its rich, hoppy character, embodying the Thai craft beer innovation.
- Chalawan Pale Ale: A tropical pale ale with hints of citrus and floral notes, named after a legendary Thai crocodile.
- Chatri IPA: A bold and hoppy India Pale Ale, offering a complex flavor profile inspired by Thai ingredients.
- Happy New Beer: A creative craft beer with ever-changing flavors, showcasing the playful side of Thai brewing.
- Mahanakhon White Ale: A refreshing and lightly spiced wheat beer, perfect for Thailand’s warm climate.
- Stone Head Thai Craft Beer: Known for its diverse range of beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, using local ingredients.
3.3. Other Thai Brewed and Fermented Alcoholic Drinks
35. Khao Mak
- Traditional fermented rice beverage
Khao Mak, sometimes referred to as Thai Rice Wine, is a traditional alcoholic beverage deeply embedded in Thai culture. It’s made by fermenting steamed glutinous rice with a unique starter culture that includes yeast and herbs, creating a complex, multi-layered fermentation process. The result is a drink that varies in flavor – from sweet and fruity to tangy and slightly sour, with a texture that’s often thicker than conventional wines. Its color can range from pale to deep amber. Khao Mak is primarily produced and enjoyed in rural areas, reflecting local customs and tastes. It’s typically served at room temperature or slightly chilled and is often part of traditional celebrations and gatherings, consumed in a communal setting.
36. Sato
- Sake-like Thai rice wine
Sato is a traditional Thai rice wine that closely resembles Japanese sake. It’s brewed from glutinous rice, water, and a specific type of mold (Aspergillus oryzae) used in fermentation, similar to the koji mold in sake production. The brewing process is meticulous, involving steaming the rice, fermenting it with the mold, and then aging. Sato has a relatively low alcohol content, offering a gentle, subtly sweet flavor with a clean, smooth finish. The texture is less viscous than Khao Mak, and it usually has a clear to slightly cloudy appearance. Sato is most popular in the northeastern region of Thailand, particularly in Isan, where it accompanies local cuisine. It is typically served chilled and is a favored drink during local festivals and social gatherings.
4. Thai Non-Alcoholic Drinks
4.1. Cold Thai Non-Alcoholic Beverages
37. Thai Iced Tea
- Sweet orange-colored tea
Thai Iced Tea is a visually striking and flavorful beverage, known for its bright orange color and sweet, creamy taste. Made with strong black tea, sugar, and condensed milk, it’s a refreshing and indulgent treat, embodying the fusion of Thai and Western influences.
38. Thai Iced Coffee
- Strong iced coffee
Thai Iced Coffee combines robustly brewed coffee with a generous amount of condensed milk, creating a sweet, creamy, and strong drink. It’s a staple in Thai cafes, perfect for coffee lovers seeking a cool and energizing beverage.
39. Nam Aroi
- Sweetened botanical drinks
The term Nam Aroi encompasses a variety of refreshing, sweetened Thai botanical drinks, infused with traditional herbs, flowers and fruits, providing an alternative to sugary soft drinks. Each offers unique flavors and benefits, from the tartness of Roselle Juice to the soothing Chrysanthemum Tea, and the exotic hues of Butterfly Pea Flower Tea.
Popular examples of Nam Aroi:
- Nam Krajeab (Roselle Juice): Tart beverage made from roselle flowers, known for its vibrant red color and high vitamin C content.
- Nam Gek Huay (Chrysanthemum Tea): Sweet, floral tea made from chrysanthemum flowers, enjoyed for its soothing properties and gentle flavor.
- Nam Matoom (Bael Fruit Beverage): A refreshing drink made from dried bael fruit, offering a mildly sweet flavor and digestive benefits.
- Nam Bai Toey (Pandan Leaf Juice): Fragrant, sweet beverage made from pandan leaves, known for its unique aroma and grassy flavor.
- Nam Dok Anchan (Butterfly Pea Flower Tea): Herbal tea with a stunning natural blue color that turns purple with lime, offering mild and earthy flavors.
- Nam Manglak (Basil Seed Drink): A drink made with swollen basil seeds, sweetened and flavored, known for its unique texture and refreshing taste.
- Nam Makham (Tamarind Juice): A sweet and tangy beverage made from tamarind, popular for its balance of flavors and digestive health benefits.
- Nam Takrai (Lemongrass Tea): A refreshing herbal infusion with citrusy, lemon-like aroma.
40. Sala
- Sweet syrupy palm fruit drink
Sala Syrup Drink is a sweet, aromatic beverage made from the sala or palm fruit. It’s known for its bright red color and unique flavor, often enjoyed as a refreshing sweet drink.
41. Thai Pink Milk (Nom Yen)
- Creamy, colorful sweet milk
Nom Yen, or Thai Pink Milk, is a delightful blend of milk and sweet red syrup, typically flavored with sala or artificial strawberry. This charming pink drink is not only visually appealing but also offers a creamy, sweet taste. Popular in Thai cafes and among the younger crowd, it’s a refreshing choice, beloved for its unique flavor and playful appearance.
42. Manao Soda
- Lime soda drink
Manao Soda is a simple yet refreshing Thai beverage made with soda water, lime, and sugar. It’s a fizzy, tangy drink, perfect for quenching thirst in the tropical climate.
43. Thai Energy Drinks
- Thai-style energy boosters
Thai Energy Drinks like M-150 and Krating Daeng are more syrupy and less carbonated than Western counterparts. They’re famed for providing a quick energy boost and are a staple in the local beverage market.
44. Coconut Water
- Natural tropical drink
Coconut Water is a ubiquitous and hydrating drink in Thailand, straight from the coconut. It’s packed with electrolytes and minerals, making it a natural and refreshing choice for hydration.
4.2. Hot Thai Non-Alcoholic Beverages
45. Thai Milk Tea (Cha Ron)
- Spiced black tea with milk
Cha Ron, the hot version of Thai Milk Tea, is a richly flavored blend of strong black tea and spices like star anise and cardamom, sweetened with condensed milk. This creamy and comforting tea is a soothing choice, offering a warming and invigorating experience, ideal for cooler weather or as a relaxing hot beverage in Thailand.
46. Thai Cocoa (Koko Ron)
- Spiced hot cocoa
Koko Ron, or Thai Cocoa, is a luxurious, warming drink made by blending cocoa powder with milk and sugar, often enhanced with unique Thai spices. It boasts a rich, velvety texture, making it a delightful indulgence during Thailand’s cooler months. This cocoa variation offers a delicious twist on the classic hot chocolate, incorporating a hint of local flavors.
47. Thai Herbal Tea (Cha Pha-Thai)
- Thai hot tea with botanicals
In Thailand, hot teas made from botanicals like herbs, spices, flowers, and fruits are generally referred to as “Cha Pha-Thai”. These teas are renowned for their health benefits and diverse flavors, ranging from sweet and floral to spicy and robust, reflecting the rich diversity of Thailand’s natural flora and traditional wellness practices.
Examples of Thai botanical teas:
- Cha Takrai (Lemongrass Tea): A citrusy herbal infusion known for its refreshing aroma and soothing properties.
- Cha Khing (Ginger Tea): A bold, spicy tea valued for its digestive and immune-boosting benefits.
- Cha Jiaogulan (Jiaogulan Tea): Referred to as the “Immortality Herb,” this tea is celebrated for its antioxidant properties.
- Cha Dok Anchan (Butterfly Pea Flower Tea): A visually stunning blue tea known for its mild flavor and health benefits.
- Cha Matoom (Bael Fruit Tea): Made from bael fruit, offering a woody, mildly sweet flavor, often used for digestive health.
- Cha Kha (Galangal Tea): A spicy infusion made from galangal root, known for digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Cha Ngok Huay (Safflower Tea): A floral tea with a slightly herbaceous flavor, consumed for improving blood circulation.
- Cha Kamin (Turmeric Tea): An earthy, spiced tea revered for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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Explore and enjoy the rich tapestry of flavors that Thailand’s beverages offer, a true reflection of the country’s culinary diversity and cultural heritage!