September 22, 2025 | 11:45 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage is not only reflected in its food but also in its wide variety of traditional and modern drinks.
Recently, TasteAtlas, an international platform that reviews food and beverages worldwide, released its ranking of Indonesian drinks, evaluating them based on taste, ingredients, and overall experience.
Soda Gembira Crowned Best Drink
At the top of the list is Soda Gembira, earning a score of 4.2 out of 5. Made with soda, coco pandan syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and ice, the drink stands out with its bright pink color and refreshing sweetness.
Popular in both humble warungs and restaurants, Soda Gembira has become a favorite across generations. Its light, cheerful flavor makes it especially appealing on hot days.
Kopi Tubruk Showcases Authentic Coffee Culture
Following closely is Kopi Tubruk, rated 4.0 out of 5. This traditional Javanese coffee is prepared by directly brewing ground coffee without filtering, preserving its strong and bold taste. Coffee lovers praise it as a true expression of Indonesia’s coffee culture: simple, authentic, and full-bodied.
Kopi Luwak’s Exclusive Allure
Kopi Luwak, often touted as one of the most expensive coffees in the world, also made the ranking with a solid reputation. Its uniqueness comes from its unusual process: beans that pass through the digestive system of the civet cat are collected, cleaned, and roasted, producing a coffee with a distinct aroma and layered flavor.
Beyond its exclusivity, Kopi Luwak is also a tourist attraction in coffee-producing regions such as Bali and Sumatra.
Kopi Joss and Spice-Based Drinks Score Lower
Not all Indonesian drinks fared as well. Kopi Joss, a specialty from Yogyakarta served with a piece of burning charcoal, scored only 3.3 out of 5. While locals enjoy its smoky bitterness and warming effect, international tasters found the preparation method too unconventional.
Traditional spice-based drinks like sekoteng, bandrek, and wedang jahe also received modest scores. Though widely enjoyed in Indonesia as body warmers and symbols of togetherness, foreign reviewers described the flavors as overly sharp and lacking complexity.
Despite the lower ratings, experts emphasize that these traditional drinks remain an essential part of Indonesian culture. They continue to play a role in daily life and community rituals, showcasing the depth of Indonesia’s culinary identity beyond international perception.
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