Bonding over beverages: the diversity and significance of traditional drinks in the cold desert region of Himachal Pradesh, India

Purpose Traditional beverages play a crucial role in the cultural practices and diets of local peoples, especially in harsh environments. These beverages are deeply immersed in tradition, serving as sources of refreshment, health benefits and cultural interaction. Therefore, this study aimed to document the assortment of traditional beverages, understand their cultural and health significance and assess gender-based knowledge variations. Design/methodology/approach For this, surveys were conducted in the cold desert region of Himachal Pradesh. It involved respondent recordings using semi-structured questionnaires, participant observations and proportional analyses. Findings A total of 18 beverages were recorded, of which 22% were alcoholic and 78% non-alcoholic. These were mainly prepared using leaves and seeds (28% each), followed by roots (11%). While all beverages were used for refreshment, 15 were used for health benefits and 4 were used for religious purposes. Among them, Arak and Chatang were highly consumed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, respectively. Based on frequency of use, 33% were consumed frequently, 29% rarely and 39% were consumed seasonally. Gender-based analysis revealed that women held significantly more knowledge about alcoholic beverages (p = 0.0339), due to their role in the preparation, while similar knowledge (p = 0.259) was observed for non-alcoholic beverages. Originality/value This is a pioneer study from the remote cold desert region of the Himalaya; the findings highlight the importance of traditional knowledge to ensure sustainability and social bonding. It also emphasizes the need to document and promote the cultural and health benefits of beverages. Such studies are essential for safeguarding them and their associated culture for future generations.