7 Authentic Thai Drinks You Must Try in Thailand!

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Whether youโ€™re used to the tropical heat or not, one thingโ€™s for sure: youโ€™re going to need some refreshment on your journey through the Land of Smiles! And what better way to cool down than with some of Thailand’s most beloved drinks? Here are 7 popular Thai drinks you absolutely have to try while you’re here!

A collage of popular Thai drinks, including roselle juice, mango shake, bubble tea, and Thai lime iced tea.

A quick note: This list is all about non-alcoholic Thai drinks because both my hubby and I donโ€™t drink alcohol. So, if you’re looking for refreshing, booze-free options, you’re in the right place!

Thai tea (cha yen)

Two tall glasses of Thai tea, cha yen, with milk on wooden coasters, surrounded by tropical fruit and flowers.

Thai tea definitely deserves the top spot on this listโ€”ask any Thai local or tourist, and theyโ€™ll tell you this one is a must-try. It’s creamy, sweet, and has a gorgeous, bright orange color thatโ€™s hard to resist.

Cha yen is usually prepared with a mix of crushed ice, sweetened condensed milk, and a splash of evaporated milk, and you get to choose exactly how sweet you want it. Itโ€™s always perfect for beating the heat in Thailand!

Roselle juice

Pouring vibrant red roselle juice into a glass over ice, surrounded by dried roselle buds and Thai dรฉcor.

Roselle drink is one of my favorites on a hot summer day! Made from bright red roselle flowers, it has a perfect balance of cranberry-like tartness and sweetness that’s incredibly refreshing when served ice-cold. You can sometimes find it at noodle shops, but itโ€™s so easy to make at home too.

The best part? Itโ€™s not just deliciousโ€”itโ€™s also loaded with health benefits, so you can enjoy every sip guilt-free!

Cha manao (Thai lime iced tea)

Bright red Thai iced lime tea with crushed ice and lime wedge, served in a tall glass with colorful floral and fabric decor.

Try Thai lime iced tea for an experience youโ€™ll crave again! With a tangy kick from fresh lime and just the right hint of sweetness, this thirst-quencher will give you a nice burst of energy.

Youโ€™ll find cha manao at most local Thai markets, right alongside the classic Thai tea. So, when you spot a vendor with a jug of Thai tea, make sure to ask for a cup of thisโ€”itโ€™s totally worth it!

Nom yen (Thai pink milk drink)

Iced nom yen with milk and sala syrup in a tall glass, garnished with flowers and served on a wooden tray.

Nom yen is the favorite refreshing drink of Thai kids and a guilty pleasure for many grown-ups who grew up sipping on this bright pink delight! Made with sala syrup (a popular syrup in Thailand) itโ€™s rich, sweet, and creamy with hints of strawberry.

I love mine mixed with both evaporated and condensed milk for an extra-creamy flavor thatโ€™s just impossible to resist. Itโ€™s the perfect way to cool down while feeling a bit nostalgic for those carefree childhood days!

Bubble tea

Mango bubble tea served in a tall glass with chewy black tapioca pearls and a wide orange straw.

Bubble tea is a local favorite in Thailand, with so many fun flavors to explore! From the classic milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls to unique options like coffee or fruity blends, there’s always something new to try.

If you love fruits like me, make sure to try mango bubble teaโ€”it’s sweet, refreshing, and full of bouncy pearls that make every sip a joy.

Butterfly pea milk tea

Two tall glasses of butterfly pea milk tea.

Butterfly pea milk tea, or blue milk tea, is a drink that’s as tasty as it is eye-catching! It gets its blue color from the butterfly pea flower, which adds a unique, subtle floral taste. The milk makes it wonderfully creamy, and with a squeeze of lime, it magically shifts to a lovely purple hue.

Fruit shakes

Overhead view of Thai mango shake with chopped mango and mint on top, surrounded by fresh mango and frangipani flowers.

A fruit shake is one of my absolute go-to drinks from street vendors in Bangkok and beyond. Made fresh to order, these shakes come in many varieties with ripe fruits like pineapple, watermelon, and passionfruit.

My personal favorite is a mango shakeโ€”sweet, thick, and filled with the flavor of ripe mangoesโ€”itโ€™s the perfect way to cool down and treat yourself after exploring the food markets!

Conclusion

Whether you like sweet, tangy, or something healthy, there’s always something unique to order. What’s your favorite popular Thai drink to have while visiting Thailand? Don’t forget to leave a comment below! Follow me on social media for more delicious content: FacebookInstagram, and Pinterest.

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