Cheap Drinks in India: What You Can Buy for Under ₹50

When you’re traveling in India, cheap drinks in India, affordable beverages that don’t compromise on flavor or safety. Also known as budget-friendly local drinks, they’re a big part of the everyday experience—from bustling city streets to quiet village corners. You don’t need to spend big to enjoy something refreshing. A glass of masala chai costs as little as ₹10. A bottle of local beer? Around ₹40. Even a fresh sugarcane juice with a squeeze of lime runs under ₹30. These aren’t tourist traps—they’re what locals drink every day.

What makes Indian street drinks, beverages sold by vendors on sidewalks, at train stations, or near temples. Also known as roadside refreshments, they’re often made fresh in front of you so safe? Most vendors use boiled water, clean glasses, and fresh ingredients. A well-known trick? Watch if they rinse glasses in boiling water before serving. That’s a good sign. And if you see a long line of locals waiting, you’re in the right spot. You’ll find local beverages India, region-specific drinks like buttermilk in Tamil Nadu, nimbu paani in Delhi, or fennel-infused sherbet in Rajasthan. Also known as traditional Indian drinks, they’re often cheaper than bottled water in other countries. In Kerala, you can get a tender coconut for ₹20. In Punjab, a glass of lassi with a pinch of salt costs ₹15. In Goa, a cold Kingfisher beer hits the spot for ₹45.

And if you’re wondering about alcohol, yes—you can find cheap options without going to a bar. In cities like Pune or Lucknow, local liquor shops sell pegs of country liquor for under ₹50. In rural areas, you’ll see small plastic bags of arrack or toddy sold by the roadside. It’s not fancy, but it’s real. Just ask the vendor what’s freshly made. Avoid anything that looks cloudy or smells off. Stick to sealed bottles or drinks poured right in front of you.

What you won’t find here are overpriced hotel bars or imported sodas. This is about what works for travelers who want to save money without missing out. You’ll taste the spice of ginger in a morning drink, the tang of tamarind in afternoon sherbet, and the crispness of a cold beer after a long day. These drinks aren’t just cheap—they’re part of the culture. And they’re the reason you’ll remember India not just for its temples and beaches, but for the simple, refreshing moments in between.

Below, you’ll find real traveler stories, price comparisons, and tips on where to find the best deals on drinks across India—whether you’re in a metro or a mountain village. No fluff. Just what works, what’s safe, and what costs less than your morning coffee back home.