Discover 10 Desi Drinks to Beat the Heat! Easy recipes to make these refreshing Indian beverages at home. Dive in!
Summer is here, and already the heat is building up! What better way to beat the blazing
sun than with a tall, refreshing glass of something cool and desi? Forget sodas loaded with sugar and artificial stuff.
We're talking about the real deal – the age-old Indian drinks that not only taste amazing but also offer a bunch of health benefits. From the spicy tang of jaljeera to the creamy sweetness of lassi, India has a drink for every mood and moment . And the best part?
You can easily whip up these beverages in your own kitchen. So, ditch the store-bought stuff and get ready to become a homemade drink master! We've curated ten popular Indian drinks, along with simple recipes to guide you. Trust us; your taste buds (and your body) will thank you for it.
Get ready to say goodbye to the heat and hello to delicious, homemade goodness that's both cool and good for you.
Indian Nimbu Pani: Refreshing lemonade with salt, pepper, and mint
Let's start with the ever-popular Nimbu Pani, or lemonade as some know it. India's version of lemonade is extra special with a hint of salt and black pepper that just makes it extra delicious! To make it, you'll need fresh lemons, water, sugar (or honey), a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper.
Simply squeeze the juice from the lemons, mix it with water, and add your sweetener of choice. Don't forget the salt and pepper – these little additions are what make Nimbu Pani uniquely Indian. Stir well until everything is dissolved, and then add ice cubes to keep it cold and refreshing.
This is the most easiest summer cooler to keep you hydrated and fresh! Also, add some mint leaves to add refreshing flavour to your nimbu pani.
Spicy and tangy Jaljeera drink for summer hydration with cumin and mint
Next up is Jaljeera, a spicy and tangy drink that's perfect for digestion. Jaljeera gets its name from "jal," meaning water, and "jeera," meaning cumin. This drink is the best way to keep you hydrated during summer. The primary ingredient, obviously, is cumin.
Along with cumin you would need mint leaves, ginger, tamarind pulp, black salt and regular salt. First, dry roast the cumin and crush into a powder. Grind the mint and ginger to form a paste out of it. In a bowl, add the cumin powder, mint-ginger paste, tamarind pulp, black salt, and regular salt.
Mix well and store this mixture in an airtight container. When you want to make a drink, simply mix a spoonful of this mixture with cold water. You can adjust the spice level and the intensity of the flavours, based on your preference.
Make mango lassi at home without ice, using yogurt and ripe mangoes
Third in the list is the Mango Lassi, a smooth and creamy yogurt-based drink that showcases India's love of mangoes. During special occasions, mango is considered a must at every indian household. Combine ripe mango chunks, yogurt, sugar, and a touch of cardamom in a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy, and then pour into a glass. Garnish with a few extra mango pieces for a touch of visual flair, and enjoy! This lassi is not only delicious but also a great source of probiotics and calcium.
You can experiment with different varieties of mangoes to find your favorite flavour! Alphonso mangoes are the most popularly used, but you can find other variety too. Add a pinch of cardamom while grinding and it will enhance the flavour of the mango lassi.
One important thing to consider is that you should not add ice to the lassi, as it can make it watery in taste.
Chaas: a refreshing buttermilk drink aiding digestion in summer
Moving on, we have Chaas, a savory buttermilk drink that's a staple in many Indian households. This is another excellent drink for beating the summer heat and aiding digestion. To make chaas, whisk together yogurt, water, salt, cumin powder, ginger paste, and green chilies (optional).
Adjust the consistency by adding more or less water. Many people add hing to enhance the flavour of it. Many people also add coriander leaves to it. This helps in better digestion. Chaas is not only incredibly refreshing but also helps with digestion after a heavy meal.
Try experimenting with different spices and herbs to create your own unique chaas flavour! Chaas is especially beneficial during summer time when you usually feel bloated.
Kokum Sharbat: a refreshing coastal drink with cooling properties
Kokum Sharbat is a hidden gem from the coastal regions of India. This vibrant red drink is made from the kokum fruit, known for its cooling properties. Soak kokum petals in warm water to extract its essence. Strain the liquid, add sugar (or jaggery), and a pinch of cumin powder or black salt.
Mix well and refrigerate before serving. Kokum Sharbat has a sweet and tangy flavour with a subtle spicy undertone. It is considered as a magic fruit from coastal regions for its cooling properties.
Kokum Sharbat is not only a delicious drink but also helps in regulating body temperature, preventing dehydration, and reducing acidity. Its bright color also makes it a visually appealing beverage. This is generally prepared to beat the summer heat.
Thandai: A festive, aromatic drink with cooling properties
Finally, let's conclude with Thandai, a rich and aromatic drink traditionally served during festivals. Thandai is a true celebration of flavors and textures. Soak almonds, cashews, poppy seeds, melon seeds, saffron strands, cardamom, fennel seeds, and peppercorns overnight in water.
Grind the soaked ingredients into a fine paste. Mix the paste with milk, sugar, and rose water. Strain the mixture and refrigerate before serving. Garnish with chopped nuts and saffron strands. Thandai is a creamy and nutty drink with a hint of spice and floral fragrance.
It's not only delicious but believed to have cooling and energizing properties. Although mainly prepared during festival season, thandai can be served anytime during the summer season. It has a cooling effect and will keep you fresh.
Refresh with homemade Indian drinks for a healthy summer
So, there you have it – ten amazing Indian drinks that you can easily make at home. All these drinks are not only refreshing, but also have numerous health benefits. This summer, ditch the unhealthy sodas and treat yourself.
Experiment with different flavors and spices to create your own signature versions of these timeless beverages. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy the taste of India in every sip! Try the recipes and enjoy them.
