During the summer, if you’re looking for something to cool down, Indian beverages reign supreme. The recipes vary from region to region and even household to household. These drinks, be they alcoholic or non-alcoholic, are enough to give you a blissful experience in summer and fill every fibre of your being with cooling refreshment. Every time there is a ‘gut’ feeling that you need something to sip on, it’s recommended that you do not ignore it. The summer months truly feel unbearable, and keeping oneself hydrated is very important. As always, no matter how healthy or how tasty a particular summer drink is, remember, moderation is key. Some of these regional drinks have been a part of Indian summers for ages and have repeatedly been shown to aid in keeping one cool and calm. These regional summer beverages act as health boosters and provide numerous health benefits in the heat of summer. Here are a few that you should definitely prepare at home during the summer months in 2026:
Ghol, West Bengal
A traditional summer drink from West Bengal, Ghol is known for its zesty and revitalising flavour. Buttermilk or yoghurt, water, salt, and roasted cumin powder are blended to make it, and occasionally mint leaves or green chillies are added for flavour. It's a popular choice for staying hydrated and rejuvenated during the hot and muggy months since it calms the body, aids digestion, and replenishes lost electrolytes due to sweating.
Apong, Arunachal Pradesh
During the summer season, the people here like to sip on traditional Apong, which is made from millets. The Nyishi people of Arunachal Pradesh drink this refreshing organic wine with good probiotic properties that act as an excellent digestive. Other ingredients, such as orange, lemon, and herbs, can also be added to elevate the taste of the already rich beverage. Lime juice is another popular beverage because it is refreshing and cool, making it ideal for relieving heat and sore throats. Kiwi juice, prepared from kiwis cultivated in the area, is a sweet and tart alternative for the adventurous.
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Tanka Torani, Odisha
Tanka torani, the drink from the state of Odisha, is a lesser-known summer drink. It is a pleasurable drink prepared by mixing curd with water and then seasoning it with ground cumin, black salt, and sometimes mint leaves. It leads to the creation of the drink, which is refreshing and tasty, with a little bit of spice added to its taste. To make the tanka tonics, just mix everything in a blender and blend to your preferred consistency. Then, adjust the seasoning to taste and serve it over ice to cool and hydrate the body.
Kwai, Meghalaya
The land of clouds, Meghalaya, is known for its lush green forests, rich biodiversity, and scenic hills. The drink that Meghalaya boasts as its summer saviour is Kwai. Kwai is made from betel nuts, which have a cooling property and are known for their digestive qualities. Betel nuts are sliced and mixed with other ingredients like coconut, ginger, and jaggery. The mixture is then wrapped in a betel leaf, forming a small parcel. Kwai is considered an energy booster and an excellent thirst quencher. Another popular drink is the refreshing and tangy Khasi pineapple juice, made from locally grown pineapples.
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Neer Mor, Tamil Nadu
Neer mor is a revitalising drink that is prevalent in the Southern part of India, specifically Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is a drink that is made from buttermilk and has flavours of different types of spices like curry leaves, salt, green chillies, and ginger. The freshness of buttermilk complements the robust flavours of ginger and green chilli well. Curry leaves help in adding a sense of freshness and zestiness to the drink.
Solkadi, Maharashtra
Solkadi is a very dynamic and versatile drink that is popular in the Malvani part of Maharashtra. It has a baby pink colour and is made from coconut milk, green chillies, garlic, kokum, and some other ingredients, depending on where it is prepared. This is a very refreshing, tangy, and spicy drink that is often consumed on its own and also poured over some steamed rice. The drink is often appreciated for its digestive benefits and great cooling properties. If one is eating an extremely spicy meal, then it is always great to have some sol kadi on the side.
Zutho, Nagaland
The people of Nagaland favour the traditional rice beer Zutho during the summer. This drink is perfect for keeping the body cool and hydrated. When it comes to non-alcoholic drinks in summer, Naga tribespeople regularly consume fruit juices such as grape juice, bel juice, banana juice, Naga apple juice, gooseberry juice, pineapple juice, peach juice, and plum juice.
Lassi, Punjab
Lassi is a creamy and frothy yoghurt-based summer beverage which is usually churned with sugar and then served in a tall glass. This summer drink is very vital to the cuisine of Punjab. Usually, it is a breakfast beverage. The drink keeps one full for a good few hours. If you’re ever having chole bhature or parathas, a glass of lassi is very crucial to wash it all down. While it may be found everywhere in India, lassi from Punjab will hit different. The summer drink varies in texture, taste and preparation as well. Many variations of lassi reflect the diverse culinary traditions and preferences found across North India. Whether you have a sweet tooth, enjoy the tang of spices, or want to try something unique, there are many recipes available.
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Nungu Sharbath, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala & Tamil Nadu
Nungu sharbath is a popular street-side drink in different South Indian states, specifically Tamil Nadu. This delicious drink is made from the fruit of a plant called the palmyra palm tree. The fruit is also known as the ice apple. The pulp of this fruit is taken out and mixed with some coconut water, sugar, and lemon juice. Looking at the ingredients, one can easily figure out that the flavour of this drink is extremely refreshing and hydrating in nature. This can be termed as a coconut water mocktail and is very popular in many South Indian states during hot summer days.
Bael Juice, Rajasthan
Bael juice is a native drink that fights various ailments caused by the harsh summer winds called ‘loo’. It also eases stomach issues, dehydration, and medical illness. It is a traditional Rajasthani fruit, and its juice is bael pulp blended with jaggery, salt, and water. It is always served cold to stay refreshed and relaxed. As per a study printed in the journal The Pharma Innovation, bael is a fragrant, cooling laxative that prevents nose bleeding. Wood apple syrup helps prevent scurvy, strengthens the stomach and aids digestion. Bael also has anti-fungal and anthelmintic properties, which flush out internal toxins from the body.