As temperatures rise, staying hydrated becomes just as important as staying cool. The good news is that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy refreshing summer beverages.
From protein-rich sattu sharbat to cooling chaas and tangy jaljeera, Chef Gautam Kumar shares traditional Indian drinks that can be prepared in under 10 minutes and are perfect for beating the heat while keeping your energy levels up.
Sattu Ka Sharbat
A wholesome and energising summer drink.
Ingredients
Roasted sattu flour – 200 gm
Green chilli (finely chopped) – 10 gm
Green coriander (finely chopped) – 20 gm
Lemon juice – 1 lemon
Roasted cumin powder – 1 tablespoon
Black salt – 1 teaspoon
Salt – to taste
Cold water – 500 ml
Method
In a mixing bowl, combine the sattu with a little water to avoid lumps.
Add the remaining water, black salt, and lemon juice.
Add chopped green chilli and green coriander.
Stir well and pour into a serving glass.
Top with roasted cumin powder and stir before serving.
Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk)
A light curd-based drink that is excellent for digestion.
Ingredients
Curd – 200 gm
Roasted cumin powder – 1 tablespoon
Green coriander leaves (chopped) – 2 tablespoons
Green chilli (finely chopped) – 1 teaspoon
Black salt – 1 teaspoon
Salt – to taste
Water – 400 ml
Method
Whisk the curd with water until smooth.
Add roasted cumin powder, chopped green coriander, chopped green chilli, salt, and black salt.
Mix well and serve chilled.
Jaljeera Sharbat
A tangy, spicy, and digestive drink bursting with rustic Indian flavours.
Ingredients
Jaljeera powder – 70 gm
Fresh lemon juice – 2 lemons
Mint leaves – 12 leaves
Roasted cumin powder – 1 tablespoon
Black salt – 1 tablespoon
Salt – to taste
Water – 200 ml
Ice cubes – 10
Boondi – 4 tablespoons
Method
Whisk the jaljeera powder with water and ice cubes.
Lightly muddle the mint leaves and add them to the drink.
Add roasted cumin powder, lemon juice, salt, and black salt.
Pour into a serving glass and top with boondi.
Garnish with lemon slices and a mint sprig before serving chilled.
Refreshing, nourishing, and incredibly easy to make, these classic summer coolers are a great way to stay hydrated during hot days. Whether you prefer the wholesome goodness of sattu, the digestive benefits of chaas, or the zesty kick of jaljeera, these quick recipes bring together taste and wellness in every sip. Keep them handy all season long for instant refreshment whenever the heat becomes overwhelming.
