The scorching sun is beating down, with heat waves blowing across the country. People are finding ways to find a respite from the heat. They are maximising their stay indoors, opting for light and refreshing foods and looking for cold, hydrating drinks. Nothing can beat the revitalising and refreshing effects of Indian summer drinks.
Summers in India are particularly intense and for cooling, people depend on cool, refreshing drinks. There is a wide range of beverages that are found in the street-side stall but can also be made in the household kitchen. These drinks are the quintessential part of Indian summer culture because they not only cool the body and keep you hydrated but also quench your thirst with vibrant flavours. Here is a list of six Indian summer drinks that you must keep in handy.
- Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
Just as the name suggests, this drink highlights the essence of summer romance. Hailing from the busy streets of Old Delhi, Mohabbat ka sharbat is made of watermelon juice, rose syrup and chunks of watermelon. This drink is not only visually appealing but also delicious in taste and cools the body. The sharbat is served chilled with a generous sprinkling of basil seeds and a squeeze of lemon. This sweet and tangy juice is what people crave in the summer.
- Lassi
Hailing from Punjab, this refreshing drink has spread its wings across India and beyond. This drink is made of creamy yoghurt which is whipped to perfection and seasoned with sugar or salt and aromatic spices like cardamom or saffron. Lassi is generally served in tall glasses and garnished with chopped nuts. This refreshing drink pairs perfectly with spicy Indian cuisine or is enjoyed on its own.
- Aam Panna
Tangy in taste and refreshing in flavour, this summer cooler features raw mangoes, sugar, and a blend of spices. Originating from the northern region of India, this drink is renowned for its cooling properties and unique flavour. To prepare this, first, the raw mangoes are boiled and blended with mint leaves, cumin, black pepper, and sugar, which results in a vibrant green colour. This sweet and tangy drink is served chilled and garnished with fresh mint leaves. It is a delightful way to beat the heat and replenish electrolytes.
- Nimbu Pani
Popularly known as Shikanjvi or lemonade, this summer staple is enjoyed all across India. To make this, first squeeze fresh lemon juice and then add water, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Nimbu Pani is a refreshing beverage that provides instant relief from the sweltering heat. Here, the tangy citrus flavour, when combined with the sweetness of the sugar, works as a thirst quencher during the summer months. You can easily customise nimbu pani with the addition of fresh mint leaves, ginger juice, and a dash of chaat masala for that extra kick.
- Jal Jeera
This flavourful and aromatic drink is perfect to beat the summer heat. Hailing from the northern regions of India, this beverage mixes spices, namely jeera, black salt, mint leaves, and tamarind, into chilled water. The marriage of savoury spices and refreshing herbs creates a unique flavour profile that is cooling and satisfying. You can serve the drink with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon. This Indian thirst quencher is popular among the people, generation after generation.
- Sattu Drink
This drink is made from nutritious chickpea flour that is considered a staple in the state of Bihar and beyond and is enjoyed during the summer months. You can prepare the drink by mixing sattu with water, lemon juice, salt, and spices like roasted cumin powder and black pepper. This is a wholesome and energising drink that is not only hydrating but is packed with protein and fibre. Sattu drink is often enjoyed as a mid-day snack and is believed to have cooling properties.
