Alcohol-free Thai drinks guide

Thailand's beverage culture is much broader than its bar scene suggests. Alongside the famous Thai beer brands, the country has a rich tradition of non-alcoholic drinks — herbal teas, fruit smoothies, fresh coconut water, butterfly-pea blue tea, and cold-pressed sugarcane juice. For muslim travelers and anyone avoiding alcohol, almost every restaurant menu has at least 5-10 alcohol-free options that are genuinely interesting (not just sodas).

Thai black tea + lime + sugar over crushed ice. Sweeter and more lemony than Western iced tea. Available at almost any cafe or street stall in Thailand. ฿30-60.

The famous orange iced tea. Made from Thai-style black tea blended with spices, then condensed milk for the signature color and creaminess. Available everywhere. ฿40-80.

Fresh-squeezed lime, sugar syrup, salt, water, ice. Bright and refreshing. ฿30-50. Variant: Nam Som (orange juice — pure, not from concentrate).

Bright blue tea from butterfly pea flowers. Mild flavor; add lime and it turns purple. Photogenic and pure. ฿40-80 at cafes.

Fresh coconut (sold whole with a straw) — ฿50-80. Cold-pressed sugarcane juice — green-colored, slightly herbal, ฿20-40 from street vendors. Both completely halal and ubiquitous.

Southern muslim Thai coffee tradition is strong — strong espresso-style coffee served with condensed milk. Yala is famous for it. Most coffee shops in Bangkok's muslim areas serve this style. ฿40-80.