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Summer vacations in the 90s had their own charm. Afternoons were slower, power cuts were common, the timings of cartoons mattered more than timetables, and every lane had at least one shop selling colourful ice candies, chuskis or homemade snacks. Long before food delivery apps and packaged desserts became familiar things, Indian summers were full of uncomplicated treats that were prepared using ingredients that were already present in the kitchen. Most of them were messy, full of colours, a bit sticky and also impossible to eat neatly, which is likely why they felt so special.
A lot of those summer treats were also deeply satisfying because they were connected to routines children waited for the whole year. Steel glasses filled with Rooh Afza milk after the outdoor playing session, enjoying orange ice candies in between the cricket matches, homemade aam panna kept in the fridge, or crushed ice dripping down hands while eating kala khatta chuski, these were not any pricey desserts, but they quietly evolved as part of childhood in itself.
The best part is that many of these treats are still quite easy to make at home. In fact, making them for kids now feels even more special because they carry flavours and stories along with just the taste. With a few small modifications, such as adding fresh fruits, colourful toppings or fun shapes, these classic Indian summer snacks can be just as exciting for today’s kids as well.
Kala Khatta Chuski
Kala khatta chuski was likely the ultimate summer street treat for many 90s kids. Crushed ice dipped in tangy black jamun syrup felt cooling after long summer days. The flavour is perfectly balanced, sweet, salty and a bit spicy notes together, making it far more compelling than regular ice pops.
It can easily be made using crushed ice, homemade jamun syrup, black salt and some lemon juice. To make it more kid-friendly, add colourful paper straws, fruit pieces or rainbow sprinkles from the top. The messy purple tongue afterwards is half the joy of this treat.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Rooh Afza Milk Popsicles
Before the fancy ice creams became readily available everywhere, many homes simply froze Rooh Afza by mixing it with milk into the steel bowls or the ice trays. The flavour felt floral, creamy and also cooling during the unbearable summer afternoons. These popsicles were comforting, partially because they tasted homemade rather than just being too sugary.
It can be easily upgraded using silicone moulds, chopped nuts or even small fruit cubes within. The light pink colour still feels nostalgic for many grown-ups, while children usually like the creamy sweetness without requiring complicated dessert preparations or the use of any expensive ingredients.
Aam Panna Ice Cubes
Aam panna already feels like summer survival in many Indian homes because the raw mangoes, mint and black salt make the drink both refreshing and energising. Many families also froze the leftover aam panna into the ice cubes or in tiny frozen treats for children. The flavour feels sharp, tangy and a bit salty rather than feeling too sweet, which made it particularly comforting during the extreme heatwaves. To make it more playful, add small fruit pieces or mint leaves that can be frozen in the transparent ice moulds.
Rasna Slush
Rasna was almost a summer ritual in many 90s households. Large jugs prepared for guests and children somehow tasted better than the regular juices ever did. Turning Rasna into a homemade slush was even more compelling because it felt like preparing a mini street-style cooler at home.
Semi-frozen Rasna mixed with crushed ice makes an easy slushy texture that children still like. Orange flavour remains the most loved for many people, though mango and lemon work beautifully too for this. Adding fresh fruit chunks or colourful reusable cups makes the treat feel more playful for kids.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Bread Jam Ice Cream Sandwiches
This simple homemade treat was made in countless Indian homes before the supermarket dessert galleries became common. Vanilla ice cream placed between the soft bread slices and lightly spread with jam somehow felt surprisingly enjoyable during summer evenings. The bread softened a bit in the freezer, making a texture children genuinely valued.
Strawberry jam was usually the classic favourite, though mango jam or chocolate spread also worked nicely. To make it even more creative for kids, use cookie cutters to shape the sandwiches into stars or hearts for children. Despite being extremely simple, this snack still has the feeling of old-school summer comfort in the best way possible.
