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The temperature is rising sharply across India with each passing day, and it’s no longer restricted to the usual hot zones. Cities like Bengaluru, which were once known for their pleasant weather, are now registering some of their hottest April days, with temperatures predicted to touch nearly 38°C. What makes this more concerning is that this heat has arrived earlier than anticipated.
According to the IMD, several regions are already witnessing temperatures 4 to 8°C above the normal, with heatwave warnings issued across northern, central, and parts of southern India. In cities such as Delhi, the mercury is expected to climb up to 44°C, whereas parts of central India have already crossed 43°C.
This kind of heat is not only uncomfortable, but it also changes how your body functions. The IMD has advised people to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and pay attention to signs of heat fatigue. But hydration today has to go beyond just the packaged cold drinks. Sugary sodas or iced beverages may feel cooling instantly, but they do not help the body maintain fluids or recover from heat stress for long.
Long before these modern options became familiar, different regions across India had already figured out better ways to deal with the extreme weather. From the dry, scorching winds of Rajasthan to the humid coasts of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, traditional drinks were prepared with a clear purpose: to cool the body from within, help in digestion, and restore lost salts. Here are some lesser-known regional drinks from across India that do the job better than most current options.
Ragi Ambli, Karnataka)
Ragi ambli is a fermented drink that is prepared from finger millet, and it suits the season so well. It has a bit of tangy taste, with a thin, easy-to-drink texture. Traditionally, ragi flour is cooked with some water, cooled, and then left to ferment overnight before being mixed with buttermilk and some salt. Ragi Ambli keeps you full for a long time without feeling too heavy, and also cools the body from within. Farmers in Karnataka depend on it during long hours in the sun because it delivers steady energy and also hydration, both very important at the same time.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Chaas With Gond Katira, Rajasthan
The region of Rajasthan has dry heat, and here the simple, regular chaas is upgraded by adding gond katira to it, a natural gum with cooling properties that swells when soaked in water. When added to the glass of buttermilk, it makes a bit thick, relaxing drink that feels calming instantly. Gond katira is known to have cooling properties and helps in lowering body heat, particularly during the heatwave days. Mixed with lightly spiced chaas, it becomes both hydrating and soothing. Chaas with gond katira is usually prepared fresh, by adding roasted cumin and black salt to make it a practical everyday drink, when the summer season is at its peak.
Panakam, Andhra Pradesh/Tamil Nadu
Panakam is a classic summer drink that is prepared using jaggery or gud, water, dry ginger, and some black pepper. It may sound uncommon at first because of the use of spice, but that is exactly what makes it useful. The jaggery delivers quick energy, whereas dry ginger helps in keeping the digestion in check and controls that heavy, sluggish feeling that is very common during summers. Black pepper gives a mild warmth that balances the sweetness nicely. The drink is thin, a bit spiced, and often served during festivals, but it also works just as well on hot afternoons when you feel drained.
Sattu Sharbat, Bihar
Sattu sharbat is one of the most beneficial drinks that you can have for extreme heat, particularly in eastern India. Prepared from roasted gram flour and mixed with some water, lemon, and spices, it feels both filling and hydrating. Unlike other sugary, heavy drinks that spike and crash your energy levels, sattu releases energy slowly and keeps you full for longer. It also helps prevent dehydration by restoring the lost salts sweated. Its savoury version, which is prepared with cumin and black salt, is quite popular during heatwaves because it feels light but satisfying, almost like a light meal, making it ideal for long outdoor days.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Sol Kadhi, Konkan/Maharashtra
Sol kadhi is a coastal drink that is made with kokum and coconut milk, loved for its gentle pink shade and a bit tangy taste. It is usually served after meals, but during the summer season, it doubles as a cooling drink. Kokum is naturally cooling and helps in reducing the acidity, whereas coconut milk gives it a soothing richness without making it too heavy. The drink is a bit spicy with garlic and green chilli, which helps in digestion. It’s particularly helpful when the heat impacts your appetite, as it restores without overwhelming the system.
Jigarthanda, Tamil Nadu
Jigarthanda is a loved summer drink that hails from Madurai, prepared by combining milk, almond gum (badam pisin), sarsaparilla syrup, and ice cream. Despite being more decadent than other drinks, it has a cooling effect because of the use of soaked gum in it, which helps reduce body heat. The texture is layered, a bit chewy, creamy, and chilled, making it feel indulgent but also refreshing. It’s often enjoyed as an evening drink when the heat begins to settle, delivering both hydration and a sense of ease after a long, hot day.
