How to Drink Feni

Co-authored by Bryan Sullivan

Last Updated: December 4, 2023 Approved

Feni is an alcoholic spirit that is produced only in Goa, India. It is exported to different parts of the world, including the US. The main types of Feni are made from either coconut sap or cashew apples, and each bottle has an approximately 43-45% alcohol content. There are many ways to enjoy this liquor, such as with ice, neat, with soft drink mixers, or in cocktails. You can also taste Feni at many bars and restaurants in Goa, or at a limited number of cocktail bars in Chicago.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Drinking Feni Plain

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Use a shot glass or highball to drink Feni neat. Choose a shot glass that is 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) in volume, or select a highball glass if you want to sip the liquor. Keep the glass at room temperature before you pour the Feni.
- A shot of Feni is sometimes used to treat colds in Goa.^{[1]
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Drink Feni neat to experience the strong, bitter flavor. Drinking Feni neat means that it is served without a mixer or ice. It isn’t chilled in any way, and is served at room temperature.^{[2]
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- Feni has a very strong flavor and a high alcohol content, so drinking it neat may take some getting used to.^{[3]
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Have Feni over ice to enjoy a chilled beverage. Scoop ice cubes into either a cocktail or highball glass. Pour Feni over the top of the ice cubes.^{[4]
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- You can also chill the glass before you pour the Feni to lower the temperature even more.
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Pair Feni with South Indian food. Feni is a popular drink to enjoy with South Indian cuisine, which involves many dishes that are based around lentils, rice, and stews. Common dishes to enjoy with Feni are dosa (a crêpe made from lentils and rice), saaru (a tomato, lentil, and tamarind soup), and huli (spicy vegetable and lentil stew).^{[5]
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- There are many recipes for South Indian cuisine online for you to experiment with at home. Many Indian restaurants also serve these delicious dishes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Feni Cocktails

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Use a highball or cocktail glass to drink Feni if it is mixed. Choose a highball glass that is 8–12 fl oz (240–350 mL) in volume. A highball glass is large enough to hold Feni combined with other beverages such as Limca, lemonade, or cola.
- A cocktail glass which has a long stem and triangular-shaped bowl is the perfect size to enjoy Feni cocktails. Cocktail glasses are typically 4–12 fl oz (120–350 mL) in volume. These glasses work best for Feni mixed with ice, lime juice, sugar, or chili.
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Drink Feni mixed with Limca for a traditional Goan cocktail. Mix together 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) of Feni and 6 fl oz (180 mL) of Limca in a highball glass. Add ice cubes and a lemon twist on the side of the glass.^{[6]
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- Limca is a carbonated lemon and lime flavored drink that is sold in India. If it isn’t available in your country, try a different brand of lemon and lime soft drink. This will give a similar taste.
- To make a lemon twist, slice the lemon in half crosswise. The make a second, parallel cut that is 0.25 in (0.64 cm) from the edge of the first cut, creating a thin slice. Cut the pulp away from the peel, and twist the peel into a curl.^{[7]
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Mix Feni with a soft drink for a simple, refreshing drink. Mix Feni with cola, lemonade, or other fruity flavors of soda. Try out different combinations to see what you prefer.^{[8]
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- Drinking Feni with a mixer is a good way to familiarise yourself with the strong taste.
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Use a green chili in your Feni cocktail to make a Firefly Fire. Use a cocktail shaker to combine 60 mL (2.0 fl oz) of cashew apple Feni with 5 mL (0.17 fl oz) of lime juice and ice. Pour the mixture over 1 green chili in a cocktail glass.^{[9]
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- After pouring the cocktail, sprinkle 1 tsp (4.17 g) of brown sugar over the top.
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Mix together coconut Feni, lime juice, and Brindao to make a Tambdé Rosa. Combine 60 mL (2.0 fl oz) of coconut Feni with 10 mL (0.34 fl oz) of Brindao, and 2 mL (0.068 fl oz) of lime juice. Pour the mixture over ice in a cocktail glass, and add a garnish of mint leaves.^{[10]
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- Brindao is the extract of Kokum, which is type of fruit found in Goa.
Shake 60 mL (2.0 fl oz) of cashew apple or coconut Feni with 10 mL (0.34 fl oz) of lime juice and 2 tsp (8.34 g) of white sugar in a cocktail shaker. Serve the cocktail chilled over ice.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Finding Feni

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Go to Goa for a traditional Feni experience. Many Goan bars serve homemade Feni that is made by local families. Nerul, Assagao, Siolim, and Panjim all have bars that serve Feni to locals and tourists alike.^{[12]
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- Many of these bars and restaurants will also serve Southern Indian cuisine, which pairs well with Feni.
- During April and May, Urak is also available at many bars in Goa. Urak is made from the first distillation of the cashew apples, while Feni is made from the second.^{[13]
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- Goa is the only place in the world that makes Feni.
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Head to a Chicago cocktail bar to try Feni if you live in the US. Feni is still a relatively rare drink to find outside of Goa. However, some cocktail bars in Chicago have started experimenting with this alcohol to introduce Feni to the US.^{[14]
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- Bartenders are exploring different flavor combinations with Feni. These include mixing Feni with rum, date syrup, rose syrup, and grapefruit juice.
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Purchase Feni online to try it in your own home. While Feni is difficult to come across outside of Goa, some US websites sell this liquor online. Use a search engine to find a Feni retailer near you.^{[15]
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- Limited liquor stores are also beginning to sell Feni in the US. These are located in Chicago, Texas, Georgia, and Illinois.^{[16]
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Tips

Feni has a very strong flavor and smell which does require an acquired taste. If you don’t like it the first time you taste it, try it again as it may grow on you.^{[17]
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