Thailand, a land of rich culture, spicy cuisine, and vibrant street food, is also home to an incredible variety of drinks and beverages that are as iconic as its dishes. From aromatic herbal infusions to iced teas, exotic fruit juices, and sweet street-side creations, Thai drinks represent a flavorful and refreshing way to experience the country’s culinary soul.
Whether you’re walking through the streets of Bangkok or sipping a drink in a Thai restaurant abroad, you’re likely to encounter some of the famous Thai drinks that have made their way onto the world stage. In this blog, we explore the most popular Thai beverages, what makes them special, and why they are considered among the best Thai drinks both domestically and internationally.
🥤 Why Thai Beverages Are So Loved Worldwide
Thailand’s tropical climate, fertile lands, and deep cultural heritage have led to a drink culture that is:
- Flavor-packed (sweet, spicy, sour, and aromatic)
- Naturally healthy (made from herbs, fruits, and flowers)
- Colorful and Instagram-worthy
- Perfect for tropical refreshment
Many Thai drinks combine health benefits with flavor and visual appeal — ideal for modern wellness-conscious consumers around the world.
🧋 1. Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen) – The Global Icon
When people think of a famous Thai drink, Thai iced tea (Cha Yen) is often the first to come to mind.
Made from strongly brewed black tea infused with spices, sweetened condensed milk, and poured over ice, this orange-hued drink is rich, sweet, and incredibly refreshing. It’s often served in tall glasses at Thai restaurants or in plastic bags on the streets of Thailand.
Why it’s popular:
- Unique taste and creamy texture
- Perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness
- Signature orange color and layered presentation
- Served cold – ideal for hot weather
Thai iced tea has become a menu staple in Thai restaurants worldwide, from the U.S. to Europe, and is now found in bottled or powdered form for home preparation.
🍵 2. Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang)
Oliang is the Thai version of iced coffee — a robust, dark brew made from a mixture of coffee, roasted rice, sesame seeds, and sometimes corn. It’s traditionally brewed in a cloth filter and sweetened with sugar or condensed milk.
Why it’s one of the best Thai drinks:
- Bold and smoky flavor
- Low cost and widely available on the street
- Ideal for coffee lovers looking for something different
Today, Oliang is evolving into cold brew and bottled versions, targeting global coffee trends while keeping its traditional charm.
🌿 3. Roselle Drink (Nam Krajeab)
Made from the deep red roselle flower, this herbal tea is naturally tart, similar to cranberry juice, and loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants.
Why it’s popular:
- Naturally sour and refreshing
- Health benefits: supports digestion, lowers blood pressure
- Served hot or cold
Roselle drink is often found in health food stores, organic markets, and is increasingly popular in wellness beverages globally.
🏵 4. Butterfly Pea Drink (Nam Anchan)
The butterfly pea flower is famous for its stunning deep blue color that changes to purple when lemon is added — making it a viral favorite on social media.
Served as a cold tea, lemonade, or in mocktails, it’s known for its antioxidant and memory-enhancing properties.
Why it’s a famous Thai beverage:
- Natural color-changing effect (blue to purple)
- Herbal and calming benefits
- Used in trendy drinks and desserts worldwide
It’s become a key ingredient in modern mixology and healthy drinks.
🍊 5. Thai Orange Juice (Nam Som Sod)
Unlike your typical orange juice, Thai orange juice is often made from sweet mandarin oranges, giving it a brighter orange color and bolder flavor. It’s usually sold in plastic bottles with no preservatives, found in street markets and fresh juice stalls.
Why it stands out:
- Sweet, pulpy, and naturally vibrant
- No sugar or water added
- Popular among tourists and locals alike
In recent years, cold-pressed juice businesses have elevated Thai orange juice as a premium health drink for export.
🥥 6. Fresh Coconut Water (Nam Maprao)
Thailand is a major coconut-producing country, and fresh young coconut water is available everywhere — from supermarkets to roadside stalls.
Health-conscious consumers love its:
- Natural electrolytes (perfect for hydration)
- Subtle sweetness
- Refreshing properties
Now available in canned and bottled formats, Thai coconut water is one of the best Thai drinks for global health and wellness markets.
🍹 7. Tamarind Juice (Nam Makham)
Made from the sweet-sour pulp of tamarind fruit, this drink is both refreshing and therapeutic. It’s often lightly sweetened and served over ice.
Why it’s growing in popularity:
- Aids digestion and detox
- Unique tangy flavor
- Commonly served during hot seasons and festive occasions
Tamarind drinks are increasingly used in mocktails, health tonics, and functional beverages abroad.
🧊 8. Lemongrass Drink (Nam Takrai)
A common herbal drink in Thai households and restaurants, lemongrass tea can be served hot or cold. It’s known for its citrusy aroma and detoxifying effects.
Benefits & appeal:
- Anti-inflammatory and digestive properties
- Popular in spas and wellness resorts
- Now packaged as tea bags or RTD drinks for export
🥭 9. Thai Fruit Smoothies and Juices
Thailand’s tropical climate produces a variety of delicious fruits used in refreshing smoothies:
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Papaya
- Dragon fruit
- Banana
These fruits are blended with ice or milk and sweetened with honey or syrup — offering a healthy and flavorful energy boost.
Why they’re considered the best Thai drinks for tourists and expats:
- 100% natural ingredients
- Easily customizable
- Perfect for tropical climates
🧪 10. Functional Thai Drinks
In recent years, Thailand has seen a boom in functional beverage innovation — combining traditional herbs with modern health needs.
Examples:
- Herbal collagen drinks
- Turmeric and ginger shots
- Detox beverages with aloe vera and bael fruit
- Energy drinks with Thai ginseng (kra chai dam)
These are widely exported to Asia, the Middle East, and increasingly to the West, tapping into the global health & wellness trend.
🌏 Opportunities for Thai Beverages
Thai drinks are becoming highly sought after in:
- The U.S. and Europe (authentic Asian beverages, herbal drinks, vegan-friendly)
- China and ASEAN (functional, cooling, and wellness beverages)
- The Middle East (halal-certified Thai drinks, tropical juices)
- Japan and South Korea (RTD teas, floral drinks, and aesthetic beverages)
With the rise of e-commerce and food tourism, many Thai drinks are now available online via Amazon, Shopee, Tmall, and other international platforms.
🚀 Final Thoughts: Thai Drinks Go Global
From street-side iced tea to wellness-enhancing herbal tonics, Thai drinks offer a unique blend of tradition, taste, and tropical charm. As global consumers look for healthier, more exotic, and culturally rich beverages, famous and popular Thai drinks are well positioned to become staples on shelves around the world.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, exporter, or food enthusiast, tapping into the world of Thai beverages is a refreshing business opportunity waiting to be poured.
Want to start your Thai beverage brand or export business?
Progress Thai Trading Co., Ltd.
Email: progressthaitrading@gmail.com
Mobile & Apps: +66-86-6919465