At present, the outbreak of heat is in full swing across the country. The temperature is said to be breaking records and we are trying our best to deal with the harsh weather. Hydration is the keyword we’re seeing and hearing everywhere — for good reason. To take care of our body in summer, it is important that we consume water and other hydrating liquids. Thankfully there’s no shortage of options for cooling off summer beverages. Nowadays, you’ll find recipes for everything from simple lemonade to fancy kiwi mocktails. But if you are looking for a homegrown way to stay hydrated, then we have some great options for you. The best part is that these drinks can be easily made at home. Check them out below:
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Here are 10 traditional Indian drinks you must try this summer:
1. Soul Curry
Made using kokum and coconut milk, sol kadhi is a specialty of Konkan cuisine. It is especially popular in the western states of India such as Maharashtra and Goa. The addition of kokum to sol kadhi gives it a pink colour. It is considered a soothing and digestive friendly drink. It also has many other health benefits. You can easily make it at home. Watch the recipe video of Soul Kadhi Here. For a keto-friendly recipe, Click here,
2. Piyush
If you want a deliciously sweet summer drink, go for Piyush. This Maharashtrian drink is made using buttermilk, curd, shrikhand and sugar. It is usually flavored with saffron, cardamom powder and nutmeg. This thick and creamy drink has a wonderful yellow color which makes it stand out. Why not try making it yourself? Click here For step-by-step recipe for piyush.
3. Panagaram
Also called Panakam, this traditional South Indian drink combines the goodness of jaggery, lemon juice, dry ginger powder, black pepper and cardamom in water. This delicious drink is especially associated with Ram Navami, but it is also a nutritious way to stay hydrated during summers. There can be minor variations in the spices in Panagaram, but jaggery and lemon tend to be a constant. Click here To know more about this drink and its recipe read on
4. Nunnari
This drink is also from South India. It is made by boiling nannari roots (Indian sarsaparilla) with sugar, water and lemon juice. Then this mixture is mixed with water and consumed. In some places this decoction is mixed with milk. Its roots are believed to have a variety of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory. A traditional way to beat the heat if there ever was one!
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5. Lassi
When it comes to North Indian cold drinks, the first thing that comes to mind is creamy lassi. Classic Punjabi Lassi can be made using only three ingredients: curd, cold water/ice cubes and sugar. Some people also prefer the salty version instead of the sweet one. Lassi is one of the most popular summer drinks in India and people love to experiment with it. Mango Lassi is one of the most popular flavors and it blends the goodness of this seasonal fruit into a sweet lassi. Want to make a perfect glass of lassi? Follow these tips. Also, check out these 6 Delicious Lassi Recipes You Can Try at Home. Click here,
Lassi can be easily made from curd.
6. Kanji
Kanji is a North Indian water-based drink traditionally made using carrots, mustard and salt. Beetroot has also been used in some recipes. Many people think of Kanji only as a Holi drink. However, this fermented beverage is packed with nutrients that can help you stay healthy all year round. It is also a great digestive aid, as it has probiotic properties. Click here For the full recipe of Gajar Kanji
7. Buttermilk
Buttermilk or buttermilk is widely consumed in many regions in India. You’ll find many varieties, traditional and otherwise, to enjoy during the summer. For example, Maharashtrian taak is typically buttermilk spiced with cumin powder, asafoetida, green chilies, ginger, coriander and rock salt. The South Indian Neer Mor is similar but also has a tempering of curry leaves and mustard. Then there are other variants like masala buttermilk, cucumber buttermilk, beetroot buttermilk and more. Click here For some delicious recipes for this drink.
8. Aam Panna
How can we talk about summer without mentioning aam panna? This delicious sour drink is made using raw green mangoes (kairi). Consuming aam panna provides adequate hydration and is considered a good way to avoid heat exhaustion. There are a few different recipes for making this drink, and instructions differ slightly in terms of spices and how to cook the mango. You can watch an easy recipe video for Aam Panna Here.
Make fresh Aam Panna at home this season.
9. Jal jeera
Jal jeera is a refreshing concoction made using cumin, tamarind, lemon, mint, black salt, chaat masala and other ingredients. People have come up with their own versions of this drink and different varieties can be found across the country. Some people also like to make cumin flavored soda, although the original drink is water based. Jal jeera has many digestive-friendly properties and is not overly sweet either. Hence, it is a healthy drink that you can include in your summer diet. Click here For the step-by-step recipe of Jal Jeera
10. Thandai
Although thandai is usually associated with Holi, this milk-based drink is a great option to stay hydrated in summers. The milk is usually flavored with rose petals, almonds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, watermelon kernels, cardamom, saffron, and sugar. Most of the ingredients further increase the cooling capacity of the drink. If you want a flavored drink, you can’t do much better than this! Click here For the complete recipe of thandai.
Which of these drinks have you never tasted? Let us know in the comments below.