DRINKING WATER AND BEVERAGES:
The Indian loves tea, locally called 'chai'. It forms an essential part of the social milieu and is served as a hospitality brew. Tea is available all over in roadside teashops or restaurants and even on railway platforms and bus stands. A very hygienic tea service available largely in railway stations is in disposable clay pots or in disposable plastic cups. Tea served by renders at railway stations or bus stands is generally too sweet. In order to get tea according to your liking, you may indicate your requirement in advance. Coffee though less freely available can be found in more exclusive joints. Now coffee vending machines of popular international brands are also gaining popularity and some places also have espresso machine.
There is an apparent over dose of international Cola and carbonated drinks like Coca Cola and Pepsi, which are available in abundance at every corner. These are supplemented by local brands like Thums UP and Limca. Masala Soda, a peculiar concoction of rock salt and lime with soda can be a pleasant surprise and is a good digestive. A variety of fresh and canned fruit juices and local drinks (particularly good for summer) like 'khus' and 'rose' are also available. A diluted and churned curd drink called 'lassi', which is lightly salted and sweetened and often topped with cream can be a good refreshment besides being a remedy to sun stroke.
A variety of alcoholic drinks like whiskey, gin, rum, brandy or vodka an available in good measure. Blended whiskeys with Scotch are also available but are generally more expensive. Wines and Champagne are confined to major towns. Bottled and canned Beer generally chilled is easily available. Bars are licensed by the government and will be found only in mid-range and expensive hotels. There are plenty of liquor shops but public drinking is banned.
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