Introduction
India’s beverage industry has undergone a refreshing transformation in recent years, with cold beverages emerging as a dominant player in the food and beverage (F&B) sector. From creamy milkshakes and iced coffees to fruit smoothies and mocktails, the demand for chilled drinks has skyrocketed—especially among millennials and Gen Z.
Urbanization, rising disposable incomes, the café culture boom, and the growing social media trend of “Instagrammable drinks” have opened golden opportunities for beverage brands. Among these, certain franchises have gone viral—thanks to their unique flavors, creative branding, and consistent customer experience.
For serious investors, owning a franchise in this fast-growing niche can offer high profit margins, fast returns, and evergreen demand. Here’s a detailed look at the Top 5 Viral Cold Beverage Franchises in India that are creating a buzz.
1. The Thick Shake Factory
Why It’s Viral:
The Thick Shake Factory is one of India’s first premium thick shake brands. With over 100+ outlets nationwide, its signature indulgent shakes, quirky presentation, and variety of flavors have made it a hit with the youth.
Franchise Highlights:
- Investment: ₹15–20 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹5–6 lakhs
- Space Required: 150–300 sq. ft.
- Return on Investment (ROI): 12–15 months
- USP: Customizable shakes, viral presentation jars, and dessert combos
Investor’s Take:
Strong branding and product consistency make this a low-risk option. Perfect for high-footfall areas like malls, high streets, and college zones.
2. Drunken Monkey
Why It’s Viral:
Known for its 100% natural smoothies and fruit blends, Drunken Monkey has positioned itself as a “healthy indulgence” brand. It attracts both health-conscious customers and casual beverage lovers.
Franchise Highlights:
- Investment: ₹15–18 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹3–4 lakhs
- Space Required: 200–400 sq. ft.
- ROI: 12–18 months
- USP: Over 200 smoothie options, no artificial flavors, strong health branding
Investor’s Take:
The healthy drinks market is growing rapidly, and Drunken Monkey fits perfectly for investors targeting premium urban consumers.
3. Frozen Bottle
Why It’s Viral:
Frozen Bottle revolutionized takeaway cold beverages with its signature glass bottles, making every drink look Instagram-ready. Their menu includes milkshakes, thick shakes, and ice cream jars.
Franchise Highlights:
- Investment: ₹20–25 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹5 lakhs
- Space Required: 250–400 sq. ft.
- ROI: 12–16 months
- USP: Premium packaging, viral bottle branding, diverse flavors
Investor’s Take:
Perfect for investors looking to tap into both dine-in and takeaway customers. The premium bottle concept encourages repeat sales and brand recall.
4. Juice Lounge
Why It’s Viral:
Juice Lounge is a versatile brand offering cold-pressed juices, smoothies, mocktails, and protein shakes. It has a strong presence in malls, airports, and high-traffic locations.
Franchise Highlights:
- Investment: ₹12–15 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹4–5 lakhs
- Space Required: 150–250 sq. ft.
- ROI: 10–14 months
- USP: Wide product range catering to both health-conscious and casual drinkers
Investor’s Take:
This brand thrives in transit hubs and corporate zones, offering a steady flow of customers and low wastage products.
5. The Belgian Waffle Co. (Beverage Wing)
Why It’s Viral:
While known for waffles, The Belgian Waffle Co. has made its beverages equally appealing. Their iced coffees, shakes, and cold chocolates pair perfectly with their signature waffles, making it a strong upsell opportunity.
Franchise Highlights:
- Investment: ₹18–22 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹3–4 lakhs
- Space Required: 150–250 sq. ft.
- ROI: 12–15 months
- USP: Dual revenue from waffles and beverages, strong brand trust
Investor’s Take:
The cross-selling potential of food and drinks makes this a smart investment for higher per-order revenue.
Why Cold Beverage Franchises are a Smart Investment
- Year-Round Demand: Unlike seasonal businesses, cold beverages sell throughout the year in most Indian cities.
- Low Operational Complexity: Easy-to-train staff and simple equipment make operations smooth.
- High Margins: Beverages offer a gross margin of 60–70% in most cases.
- Strong Social Media Potential: Visually appealing drinks get free viral marketing.
- Franchise Support: Most of these brands offer training, setup assistance, and marketing guidance.
Tips for Serious Investors
- Location is Key: Choose high-footfall areas like malls, universities, tech parks, and tourist zones.
- Focus on Branding: Social media promotions and influencer tie-ups drive traffic fast.
- Menu Innovation: Introduce seasonal flavors to keep customers excited.
- Quality Consistency: Maintain taste and presentation to ensure repeat customers.
- Engage with Trends: Offer Instagrammable packaging and limited-edition drinks.
Conclusion
The cold beverage market in India is no longer just about quenching thirst—it’s about creating experiences. Brands like The Thick Shake Factory, Drunken Monkey, Frozen Bottle, Juice Lounge, and The Belgian Waffle Co. have mastered the art of combining taste, presentation, and branding to go viral.
For serious investors, these franchises offer affordable entry points, scalable models, and proven business success. As urban India embraces premium beverages and experimental flavors, this segment is only set to grow.
If you’re ready to blend profits with passion, a viral cold beverage franchise could be your ticket to a refreshing business journey.
