Written By: Resham Daswani

The beverage industry in India is now seeing rapid expansion. Franchises serving beverages do not necessitate elaborate supply networks or large kitchens like full-service restaurants. This facilitates a speedy launch, manageable overhead, and accelerated break-even thresholds for investors. There will likely be a surge in beverage formats in the Indian franchise ecosystem in 2026, particularly in Tier-2 hubs, semi-urban areas, and metro cities because of the high demand from youthful customers. This blog delves into the top 10 beverage franchises in India that serious investors should watch.

Rankings of the Best Indian Beverage Franchises (2026 Edition)

Theka Coffee Franchise:

A coffee brand that is popular among members of Generation Z and is known for its eccentricity and focus on youth. Theka Coffee, which is well-known for its colourful branding and its grab-and-go business concept, is fast expanding throughout the urban areas of India.

Particularly appealing to first-time investors is the relatively lower capital expenditure required in comparison to companies who have already established themselves as giants in the café industry.

Also read: Which is a better choice: Theka Coffee or Starbucks?

Drunken Monkey Franchise:

Drunken Monkey has carved out a specific area of the wellness market by concentrating on beverages that are health-oriented, such as smoothies, juices, and other beverages. The "natural and fresh" approach conveys a strong message to the audience that is concerned with fitness in today's world.

Easily accessible investment levels and high scalability across a variety of locations, including airports, shopping malls, and fitness centres.

Chai Sutta Bar Franchise:

Chai Sutta Bar has aggressively spread across metropolitan areas as well as smaller villages. Thanks to its youthful stance and culture as a cheap chai establishment. The product takes use of India's passion for chai, but it presents it in a contemporary and aspirational fashion.

Lean concept, cheap setup expenses, and very fast return on investment possibilities for smaller investors are the points of interest for investors.

Barista Franchise:

Barista, a well-established chain of coffeehouses, has successfully reinvented itself on a constant basis in order to maintain its relevance in the premium café industry. This is something that is appealing to families, students, and professionals alike.

Highlight for investors: higher entrance costs, but supported by a well-known brand. Moreover, which reduces the risk associated with starting a business.

Easy Boba: 

To meet the growing demand for speciality drinks among India's youth, Easy Boba has quickly become one of the country's most popular bubble tea companies. Easy Boba has effectively positioned itself as a lifestyle brand. Instead of merely a beverage shop, thanks to its vibrant, Instagram-worthy concoctions and customisable options. Its contemporary store design, emphasis on eco-friendly packaging, and dedication to using high-quality ingredients make it popular among young professionals, college students, and urban youth.

Dr. Bubbles Franchise: 

One of the most well-known bubble tea brands in India, Dr. Bubbles is quickly becoming a favourite among city kids and university students. Millennials and Gen Zers love this brand because of its creative flavours, customisable cocktails, and high-quality ingredients. It has managed to carve out a position for itself in the very competitive beverage business because to its visually appealing and Instagrammable drinks.

Cha Republic Franchise: 

In 2012, Vivanta Resources Pvt Ltd., the owners and promoters of Cha Republic, began shaking up the Indian beverage industry. Our adventure started with the introduction of "Bubble Tea" to the local market in India. In 2013, we launched our first premium pilot shop at Phoenix Market City in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This resulted in CHA Republic being rapidly positioned as a pioneer in the region when we entered the market.

MBA Chaiwala Franchise:

Prafull Billore's MBA Chaiwala quickly became a hit because of its innovative take on classic chai and hip café fare. The energetic stores and interesting social media profiles of the brand attract a younger demographic.

Frozen Bottle Franchise:

The dessert café brand Frozen Bottle is booming in India, and for good reason: its milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, boba mocktails, and gourmet sundaes are the stuff of innovation. The brand's luxury product line and Instagram-worthy displays have made it a hit among young people.

Kongsi Tea Bar Franchise:

With a lively blend of classic Thai tastes and contemporary café design, Kongsi Tea Bar offers the first genuine Thai bubble tea brand in India. From its humble beginnings in Phuket, Thailand in 2021 to its current global footprint of over 120 stores and 100 franchises, the brand has come a long way. The Indian branch of Kongsi Tea Bar is well on its way to achieving its goal of opening one hundred stores by the year 2025.

Tips for Researching and Selecting the Best Beverage Franchise

• Make sure the model can generate good profits after deducting the royalty from the franchise fee.
• Determining feasibility over the long term is supply chain reliability, which is dependent on ingredients' consistency and logistics.
• Choose brands that innovate by introducing new menu items on a regular basis and keeping consumers interested.
• The right location is crucial for success. Places with a lot of foot traffic, such as malls, tech parks, or upscale main streets, are ideal.
• Training and Support—Franchisors that provide strong marketing and training assistance lower the chance of failure to execute.
• Select models that enable you to open more units after the first one is successful for scalability.

Trends Enhancing The Growth Of Beverage Franchises in India - A Growing Opportunity For Serious Investors in 2026

Opportunities abound for investors in the Indian beverage franchise market as it enters a new phase of growth, capitalising on changing customer tastes. The country is seeing growth due to factors such as increasing urbanisation, health consciousness, and novel beverage styles. Take a closer look at the main trends that are driving this growth:

Growing Health-Conscious Consumer Base: 

The Indian health and wellness industry is growing as more people seek beverages that boost fitness, immunity, and well-being. For investors, this means a growing group that prefers premium, nutrient-rich products over sugary drinks.

Strong growth in high-end and alcoholic drinks

Consumers are paying more for quality, brand experience, and unique flavours. Due to demand for premium spirits and artisan brews, alcoholic beverage franchises are growing. Franchise investors can diversify and utilise high-margin categories with this growth trend.

Consumption Ethics and Sustainability

Today's eco-conscious consumers seek sustainable brands. Eco-friendly packaging, ethical ingredients, and waste reduction are examples. It's often easier to stick with a brand and make money in the long run of the franchises that focus on sustainability and social duty. This makes them good investments.

Tech Integration and Consumer Engagement

Technology is changing beverage franchises. Companies are using AI-driven analytics, digital ordering, and loyalty programs to improve customer experience. Technology-driven inventory management, personalised marketing, and internet engagement can cut expenses and enhance sales for franchises. Digital integration lets franchisees effectively identify high-potential locations using data-driven expansion plans.

The beverage franchise industry in India is expected to increase significantly by 2026. Health-conscious customers, rising urbanisation, technological advances, and strong corporate support provide franchise investors high-margin, scalable, and trend-driven business models. Investors can build lucrative stores and earn consistent profits in this flourishing business by choosing a suitable brand and catering to market trends.

In Conclusion,

In 2026, beverage franchises in India still provide a lucrative and scalable opportunity for dedicated investors. The industry offers something for every taste and budget, with concepts such as chai cafes, smoothie bars, bubble tea shops, and hybrid dessert lounges.

However, expanding investors' horizons beyond certain industries is the true game-changer. Beverage outlets can increase their return on investment (ROI) and provide a unique experience for their customers by partnering with fast-growing businesses such as automobile detailing.

Beverage franchises, whether sold alone or as part of a hybrid, should be your first investment in 2026 if you're seeking a high-margin, easily-scalable business with a stable market.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.