Iran might be an Islamic Republic, bit non-Muslims can drink here and there are also some awesome nonalcoholic Iranian drinks that are well worth a try. Here’s the Iranian drinks guide!
Can you drink in Iran?
Drinking is banned for the Muslim community of Iran, but allowed for Christians, such as Armenians. There are Armenian clubs in most cities where one may get a drink, or two, of which I have been a few times!
You cannot though be drunk in public, nor buy booze and drink on the street. You can though have a nonalcoholic beer in Iran, bit more on that later….
To read about drinking in Iran click here.
Top 9 Iranian Drinks you need to try
As always with our national drink guides these are not in order, but the nine best Iranian drinks in various categories!
Best Beer in Iran!
Iranians don’t sell beer, but they do sell “malt beverages”. The most popular brand is Istak. The bottles look like beer, they taste like beer, but without the hangover, nor the buzz though.
Iranian Smirnoff Ice
Also made by Istak I became obsessed with this, tastes like a Smirnoff Ice, or even a Tanguay Ice – super refreshing, but much like its alcoholic cousin is malt rather than vodka based. Very refreshing and almost like you are drinking alcohol.
Iranian Drinks – Doogh (Persian Yogurt Drink)
An extremely popular drink throughout the region, with variations throughout the Balkans, as well as Turkey where it is considered the national drink. Essentially it is yogurt, with water added and often salted. I fell in love with Dhalle in Albania which is very similar. This is the perfect breakfast drink when you are in Iran.
To read about drinking dhalle click here.
Iranian drinks – Gol-e Mohamadi
Beautifully served, hot and extremely refreshing. Damask roses are one of the most frequently used herbs in Iranian drinks and indeed cuisine. This is basically Rose tea and tastes lightly sweet and is saved hot in numerous restaurants and cafes across Iran.
Iranian Wine and Vodka!
Iranian one and vodka???? OK, so not exactly Iranian, but Armenian. You can legally visit the Armenian clubs in Iran where you can drink locally, as in Iranian made vodka and wine. A great way to spend a night out in Tehran, although we suggest drinking in moderation to respect the Muslim community.
You can read about the Armenian club here
Iranian drinks – Beh Limoo
As the name suggest this is lemon, specifically lemon tea. A herbal tea it is sour, with you being able to add sugar should you fancy. Said to be extremely good for treating everything from gaut to high blood pressure.
Iranian Syrup drinks – Sharbat-e Sekanjabin & Sharbat-e Nana
Iranians make a list of sweet syrups which are used for cooking, desserts and indeed drinking.Mint Syrup) an dSekanjabin Syrup. Both drinks are made hot before being cooled with mint leaves, cucumber and ice being added. A truly refreshing Iranian drink that you will encounter when traveling through Persia.
Sharbat-e Bidmeshk AKA Bidmeshk Syrup
Another syrup based drink, but this gets its own entry. Made from the pussy willow plant and extremely popular as a refreshing drink. Made hot, before being cooled, with lime, or lemon often being added. Sugar is added to sweeten it, with it being said to be good for migraine and even ward off heart disease. We can’t comment on that, but it sure does cool you down on a hot Iranian day.
Iranian Drinks – Shiraz Wine?
OK so Shiraz wine is not generally produced in Iran now, but if you enjoy a glass of Shiraz then it is based on the wine originally made in this part of Iran. Back on the day Shiraz was the won capital of Persia, and although not currently so, we owe a debt to the history of Iranian drinks for this wine.
Iranian Drinks – Bonus round – Iranian Hooch
Although there is an alcohol ban for non-muslims, it is known that Iranians often produce alcohol at home. This is produced by a number of ways, but most famously as made from dates, or other fruits, with a sweet almost rakia type flavor. D not ask about this in Iran, you will either ben invited to dink it, or you won’t….
There are so many wonderful things about Iran, from the hospitality of the people to the cuisine, Iranian drinks are but one of those wonderful things about marveling through Persia.