Drinks in Israel: A Refreshing Guide for Curious Visitors

What is Israeli Drink Culture?

You can tell a lot about Israel just by what people drink. Seriously—drinks in Israel offer a window into the country’s soul. From spiced arak in a Druze village to craft beer in Tel Aviv’s Florentine, every sip speaks to Israel’s wild mix of history, migration, and modern life.

This melting pot of flavours mirrors the country’s diverse population—Jews from Ethiopia, Russia, Morocco, and everywhere in between, plus Arab communities and global influences from every direction. Shared drinks often bridge cultural gaps and bring people together, especially during holidays and social events.

The country’s non-alcoholic favourites—like limonana or Turkish coffee—aren’t just drinks, they’re part of the daily rhythm. And when it comes to alcohol, Israelis know how to keep it festive with home-poured arak or boutique wines from the Golan. And let’s not forget Israel’s thriving café culture, where social life often revolves around your next espresso or iced mint tea.

Even visitors catch on fast. Whether you're touring vineyards or chilling in a café, the drinks become part of your adventure. Want to understand culture in Israel? Start with what’s in the glass.

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What are the Most Popular Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Israel?

In a country where summer seems to last forever, it’s no surprise that non-alcoholic drinks in Israel are on another level. Whether you're fresh off the beach or just dodging that Tel Aviv heat, you’re never far from a refreshing fix.

Some classics you’ll spot everywhere:

1. Limonana (Mint Lemonade)

Sweet, tangy, and super refreshing—limonana is Israel’s unofficial summer anthem. It’s made with fresh lemon juice, mint leaves, sugar, and a mountain of crushed ice. You'll find it everywhere: cafés, falafel stands, beach kiosks, and even in bottled form.

Fun twist: Some places add a hint of basil or ginger. Try it with soda water if you like bubbles!

Tip: Order it frozen ("granita" style) if the Tel Aviv humidity is making you wilt.

2. Turkish Coffee (Café Botz)

This strong, unfiltered brew is a tradition passed down generations. Brewed in a finjan (small copper pot) and served black, Turkish coffee—or “café botz” (“mud coffee”)—isn’t for the faint of heart. The grounds settle at the bottom, and yes, someone will probably try to read your fortune from them.

It’s a staple in Israeli homes and cafés, especially in Arab communities and traditional Jewish families.

Tip: Don’t stir it. You’ll regret it.

3. Sachlav

Sachlav is like a warm hug in a cup. This thick, sweet drink is made from orchid root powder (or cornstarch, these days), milk, rose water, and topped with crushed nuts, cinnamon, and coconut. Israelis crave it when the weather dips—think of it as Middle Eastern hot chocolate.

You’ll find it in cafés during winter, at festivals, and even on the go in disposable cups.

Tip: If you’re in Jerusalem during Hanukkah, this is a must-try.

4. Fresh Fruit Juices

Juice bars are everywhere in Israel. Seriously, we had a new oleh who swore the fresh pomegranate juice cured his jet lag. Coincidence? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.

Popular flavors: pomegranate, orange, grapefruit, carrot, apple, and even beet. Most vendors will let you mix and match.

Tip: Ask for seasonal specials at juice stands. In summer, watermelon-mint is unbeatable. In winter? Try citrus blends. And yes, they're all Instagram-worthy.

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What Traditional Alcoholic Beverages are Popular in Israel?

When it comes to booze, Israeli drink culture is both ancient and up-and-coming. Think millennia-old wine traditions, Mediterranean liquor customs, and a thriving new wave of craft beer that’s winning fans worldwide.

Every celebration, from weddings to beach bonfires, includes a signature drink. We’ve even seen arak shots passed around at a bar mitzvah (don’t worry—it was the adults). Each community brings something different to the table—literally.

1. Israeli Wine

Winemaking in Israel isn’t just ancient—it’s epic. With vineyards in Galilee, the Golan Heights, and even the Negev Desert, Israel’s wine scene is surprisingly sophisticated. Many wines are kosher, but that doesn’t limit quality—some have even won international awards.

A lot of olim are shocked when they visit their first winery and realize how good it is. Plus, tastings = great dates.

Tip: Heading north? Pair a wine tour with our picks for romantic Israeli hotels.

2. Arak

This sharp, anise-flavored spirit is pure Middle Eastern magic. Arak is what you sip at a Shabbat dinner, a Druze festival, or just when your cousin says “L’chaim!” for no reason.

It's usually diluted with water and ice, turning milky white—a crowd favorite for beach days and family BBQs.

Funny story: A tourist once mistook it for coconut milk. Spoiler alert: it was not.

Tip: Many locals mix it with grapefruit juice. Trust us.

3. Israeli Beer

Move over Goldstar—Israel’s craft beer scene is alive and buzzing. Breweries like Shapiro, Malka, and Alexander are crafting beers with bold flavors and even local herbs.

Beer tastings in Tel Aviv are a whole vibe. A new oleh we helped through the aliyah process said Israeli beer nights helped him meet half his new friends.

Tip: Visiting in spring? Look for a local beer fest or pub crawl—they're everywhere.

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Where Can You Find the Best Drinks in Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv doesn’t sleep—and neither does its drink scene. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, coffee addict, or just here for the fruit juice, Tel Aviv has something for every taste and time of day.

From Neve Tzedek’s stylish cafés to speakeasies hidden behind bookshelves, drinks in Tel Aviv are both an art and a lifestyle. We had an oleh who accidentally walked into a laundry-themed bar. Yep—real washers, real cocktails.

Tip: Prices can vary wildly. A juice at the shuk? 15 shekels. A rooftop cocktail in a 5-star hotel? Let’s just say… plan ahead.

Looking for the perfect spot to sip and stay? Our picks for the best Tel Aviv hotels include rooftops, lounges, and cafés you'll never want to leave.

Tel Aviv Cocktail Bars

If Tel Aviv had a national sport, it might be mixology. Rooftop bars like those at The Kempinski or speakeasies like Bellboy serve cocktails with za’atar foam and pomegranate reductions.

One visitor we know thought she’d ordered a simple gin and tonic. It arrived in a gold pineapple with a flaming cinnamon stick. Welcome to Tel Aviv.

Tip: Try cocktails featuring local ingredients like dates, herbs, or even labneh. No, really—it’s a thing.

Tel Aviv Café Culture

Cafés in Tel Aviv? Iconic. You can find third-wave espresso spots, old-school street cafés, and everything in between. They’re places to work, flirt, people-watch, and refuel.

Try breakfast with an iced café hafuch (Israeli-style latte) in Florentin or hit up Rothschild Boulevard for shady terraces and strong espresso.

Tip: Looking for something local and cozy? Check out Florentin House Tel Aviv—a guest favorite for travelers who love staying near great cafés and bars.

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How Does Coffee Culture Shape Israeli Society?

In Israel, coffee is a lifestyle, not just a morning fix. It’s how business deals start, how friendships grow, and how people survive long family dinners. Whether it’s a quick espresso at a gas station or a leisurely latte at a beachside café, coffee culture is everywhere.

Israelis don’t rush their coffee. We had a new oleh ask if cafés had “to-go cups.” The barista looked horrified.

Tip: Want to meet locals or just people-watch? Grab a seat outdoors at any Tel Aviv café and sip slow.

The café isn’t just a caffeine stop—it’s the unofficial office, classroom, and therapist’s couch. Curious where the best ones are? Our guide to Tel Aviv cafés is packed with local favorites.

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What Are the Benefits of Traditional Israeli Drinks?

Beyond the taste, many traditional drinks in Israel come with serious health perks. Israelis have been using herbs, juices, and spices as natural remedies for centuries—long before "wellness shots" became trendy.

Locals swear by fresh pomegranate juice for antioxidants, mint tea for digestion, and even arak (in moderation) for stomach aches. We once met an oleh who ditched energy drinks for Turkish coffee and swore he was “35% more productive.”

Tip: You'll find many of these drinks in cafés, juice stands, and even open-air markets. Ask for seasonal options—they're packed with local superfoods.

Want to explore Israeli wellness beyond the drinks? Check out our guide to healthcare in Israel to see how locals stay healthy year-round.

Health Properties of Common Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients:

• Mint and sage: great for digestion and soothing nerves
• Chamomile: common in teas, ideal for sleep and relaxation
• Pomegranate: loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C
• Carrot and beet juice: natural detoxifiers
• Za’atar and turmeric: anti-inflammatory powerhouses often found in infused drinks

Tip: Many street vendors will let you customize your juice or tea blend. Don’t be shy—experiment!

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How Has Israeli Mixology Evolved in Recent Years?

Israeli mixology has taken off—and not just in Tel Aviv. Bartenders across the country are blending local flavors with global techniques to create cocktails that are totally unique (and occasionally a little wild).

Think: pomegranate syrup, za’atar infusions, date honey, and even tahini-based drinks (we’re serious). Mixologists here aren’t afraid to get creative—and it’s working. Israeli bars have won awards from Paris to NYC.

One oleh told us she went to a cocktail workshop and accidentally mixed arak with almond milk. It was… unforgettable.

Tip: Want to experience this scene like a local? Book a night at a hotel with a rooftop bar like the Royal Beach Tel Aviv—you'll get killer cocktails with Mediterranean views.

Signature Israeli Cocktails

These aren’t your average mojitos. Popular Israeli cocktails include:

• The Sabra Smash: orange liqueur + mint + lemon
• The Jaffa Mule: arak + ginger beer + citrus
• Pomegranate Gin Fizz: gin + pomegranate + soda
• Za’atar Margarita: tequila + za’atar salt rim

You’ll also find drinks featuring labneh foam or olive oil drops (don’t knock it 'til you try it). Check out other classic Israeli cocktails at InShaker.

Tip: Many Tel Aviv bars offer mixology classes—perfect for travelers or new olim looking to meet people.

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Final Thoughts

From ancient wines to frozen limonana, drinks in Israel are a tasty way to connect with culture. Want more insider tips, guides, and funny survival stories? Head over to Native Israel—we’ve got everything but hangover cures. (Although coffee botz might help.)