Discover 10 Refreshing Indian Drinks to Beat the Heat: Recipes & Tips. Say goodbye to sugary sodas and hello to healthy, traditional coolers
As the Indian summer scorches its way across the country, finding
ways to stay cool and hydrated becomes not just a preference, but a necessity.
Forget those sugary sodas and artificial juices – India boasts a treasure trove of traditional drinks that are not only incredibly refreshing but also packed with health benefits.
From ancient Ayurvedic concoctions to regional specialities, these beverages offer a delicious and natural way to combat the heat. This summer, ditch the usual and explore these 10 fantastic Indian drinks that will keep you cool, energized, and hydrated throughout the season.
We'll share easy-to-follow recipes and valuable tips to ensure you make the perfect summer cooler every time. Get ready to say goodbye to the heat and hello to delicious refreshment!
Nimbu Pani (Lemonade): The Classic Cooler
Nimbu Pani, or Indian lemonade, is a simple yet incredibly effective way to quench your thirst and replenish electrolytes lost through sweating. It’s readily available everywhere, from roadside stalls to fancy restaurants, and can be customized to suit your taste.
This humble drink is not only cooling but also provides a boost of Vitamin C, which is essential for boosting immunity, especially during seasonal changes.
The beauty of Nimbu Pani lies in its simplicity – it requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it the perfect go-to drink on a hot day.
Recipe:
Juice of 2 lemons
4 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
4 cups of water
Ice cubes
Optional: a pinch of roasted cumin powder, mint leaves
Instructions:
In a large pitcher, dissolve the sugar and salt in a little warm water.
This ensures that the sugar dissolves completely and doesn't leave a gritty texture in your drink.
Add the lemon juice and the remaining water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add ice cubes to chill the Nimbu Pani.
Garnish with mint leaves and a pinch of roasted cumin powder for an extra zing.
Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste! Experiment with adding ginger juice or a few slices of green chilli for a spicy kick. Remember to adjust the sweetness and saltiness according to your preferences.
Tips for the Perfect Nimbu Pani:
Use fresh lemons for the best flavour. Avoid bottled lemon juice wherever possible.
Adjust the sugar and salt to your liking. Some people prefer a tangier drink, while others like it sweeter.
Roasted cumin powder adds a lovely earthy flavour, but it's optional.
Adding a few mint leaves not only enhances the flavour but also provides a cooling sensation.
Make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and refreshing drink anytime.
Chaas (Buttermilk): The Digestive Delight
Chaas, or Indian buttermilk, is a traditional drink made from yogurt and spices. It's a light, tangy, and incredibly refreshing beverage that is perfect for aiding digestion, especially after a heavy meal.
Chaas is a probiotic-rich drink, meaning it's full of beneficial bacteria that promote gut health. It's also a great source of calcium and other essential nutrients. Unlike sugary drinks, chaas is low in calories and provides sustained energy, making it a healthier alternative.
It's a staple in many Indian households and is often enjoyed throughout the day.
Recipe:
1 cup plain yogurt
2 cups water
½ teaspoon ginger paste
½ teaspoon green chillies, finely chopped (optional)
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
A pinch of black pepper
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions:
In a blender, combine the yogurt, water, ginger paste, green chillies (if using), salt, cumin powder, and black pepper.
Blend until smooth and frothy.
Pour the chaas into glasses and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. You can also add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for enhanced digestion. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ginger powder.
Tips for the Perfect Chaas:
Use fresh, good-quality yogurt for the best taste.
Adjust the spices to your liking. Some people prefer a spicier chaas, while others prefer a milder flavour.
Adding a pinch of black salt (kala namak) enhances the flavour.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a refreshing touch.
You can also add a few curry leaves while blending for a unique flavour.
Lassi: The Creamy Treat
Lassi is a yogurt-based drink that is thicker and creamier than chaas. It’s a popular beverage in North India and comes in a variety of flavours, from sweet to savoury. Sweet lassi is a delightful combination of yogurt, sugar, and sometimes fruits like mango or strawberry.
Savoury lassi, on the other hand, is similar to chaas but often richer and more flavorful with the addition of ingredients like roasted cumin and mint. Lassi is not only delicious but also provides a good dose of probiotics and calcium, making it a healthy and satisfying drink.
Recipe (Sweet Lassi):
1 cup plain yogurt
½ cup milk
2-3 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
A pinch of cardamom powder
Ice cubes
Optional: a few strands of saffron
Instructions:
In a blender, combine the yogurt, milk, sugar, and cardamom powder.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Add ice cubes and blend again until the lassi is chilled.
Pour the lassi into glasses and garnish with saffron strands (if using).
Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy goodness. You can also add a few drops of rose water for a fragrant touch.
For a mango lassi, simply add a cup of chopped mango to the blender.
Tips for the Perfect Lassi:
Use thick, creamy yogurt for the best texture.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Cardamom powder adds a lovely aroma and flavour.
You can also add other fruits like banana, strawberry, or pineapple to create different variations.
Garnish with chopped nuts for added texture and flavour.
Aam Panna (Mango Drink): The Summer King
Aam Panna is a refreshing and tangy drink made from raw mangoes. It’s a popular summer beverage in North India and is known for its cooling properties and ability to protect against heatstroke.
Raw mangoes are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, making Aam Panna a healthy and delicious way to stay hydrated during the hot months. The drink’s tangy and slightly sweet flavour is incredibly refreshing and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a true taste of Indian summer.
Recipe:
2 raw mangoes
4 cups water
½ cup sugar (or to taste)
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
¼ teaspoon black salt (kala namak)
A pinch of black pepper
Mint leaves, chopped
Instructions:
Boil or steam the raw mangoes until they are soft and pulpy.
Cool the mangoes and peel off the skin.
Scoop out the pulp and blend it with water, sugar, salt, cumin powder, black salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any fibrous pieces.
Add more water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Pour the Aam Panna into glasses and garnish with mint leaves.
Serve chilled and enjoy the tangy goodness. You can also add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for enhanced digestion.
Tips for the Perfect Aam Panna:
Choose raw mangoes that are firm and slightly green.
Adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking.
Roasting the cumin powder before grinding enhances its flavour.
Black salt adds a unique flavour to the drink.
Strain the mixture to ensure a smooth and silky texture.
Important Notes:
These drinks are not only delicious additions to your summer diet but also offer a natural and healthy way to cope with the heat. Always use fresh ingredients and adjust the recipes to suit your personal preferences.
Always consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice tailored to your specific health conditions or dietary needs.
