In Tbilisi, “lemonade” (limonati) doesn’t mean a jug of lemon and sugar — it means Georgian soda made with natural fruit-and-herb syrups. The legend is Lagidze Waters, poured since 1900 and now recognised as part of Georgia’s intangible cultural heritage. The one to try first is tarragon — tarkhuna — a bright green, herbal fizz that tastes more Georgian than anything else on the table. Here are the spots locals send you to.
1. Lagidze Water at Sameba Cathedral
The modern flagship sits in the courtyard of the vast Holy Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral, complete with an old-school soda fountain and the full range of syrups. Go before it closes, around 6pm.
2. Lagidze on Rustaveli Avenue
A branch on the grand central avenue, close to where Mitrofan Lagidze opened his first Tbilisi shop back in 1906.
3. Lagidze on Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue
The handsome, café-lined avenue on the left bank has its own Lagidze stop — handy while you’re exploring the Marjanishvili quarter.
4. Rhea’s Squirrels
A cheerful little spot opposite the funicular’s lower station — an easy lemonade break before or after the ride up Mtatsminda.
5. Puri Guliani, atop Mtatsminda
Ride the funicular to the top and pair a Lagidze lemonade with fresh Georgian doughnuts and one of the best views over the city. Prefer it arranged? GetYourGuide runs a Mtatsminda cable-car trip with a Lagidze water tasting — three flavours at the top, Georgian doughnut optional.
6. At the table, with a feast
Any proper Georgian restaurant will pour lemonade alongside the khinkali and khachapuri — ask for tarkhuna or pear instead of a cola and you’ll drink like a local.
7. Take a bottle home
For souvenirs, markets and supermarkets stock bottled Lagidze, Natakhtari and Zandukeli lemonades — grab a few flavours before you leave.
Flavours worth trying
Tarragon (tarkhuna), pear, feijoa, cream and cherry are the classics — all lightly fizzy, not too sweet, and unmistakably Georgian.
Make a day of it with our full Tbilisi guide, or see where to eat & drink in Tbilisi.