Indian Summer Drinks

These Indian drinks that will leave you refreshed and hydrated in summer. The sun shining bright and strong, making it hard to stay hydrated enough throughout the day.

Here we listed a few such thirst-quenchers for you on hot days.

Nimbu Pani

There’s nothing more refreshing than savoring a glass of chilled nimbu pani on a sunny day. An instant cooler, this summer drink can easily be prepared anywhere, anytime.

All one needs is a few teaspoons of lemon juice, a glass of water, a pinch full of salt and some sugar, and your drink is ready. Cumin powder and black salt are also used to further enhance the taste.

Also known as shikanji in North India, nimbu pani is rich in vitamins and minerals, thus making it an excellent energy booster in the summers.

Jal-jeera

Around the year favourite, jal-jeera, which means cumin water, is much more than these two ingredients, essentially a form of lemonade, this desi cooler is spiced up with a combination of roasted cumin powder, ginger powder, herbs such as coriander and mint, garam masala, chilli powder, pepper and black salt.

And to give the beverage a slightly tangy flavour, a dash of tamarind water or dry mango powder is added. Jaljeera acts as an appetizer and is often served as a welcome drink during the summer months.

Thandai

Thandai literally translates to ‘something that cools’, and true to its name, this traditional drink has fantastic cooling properties.

Typically associated with festivals such as Mahashivratri and Holi, it is an excellent refresher.

Thandai is prepared by mixing almonds, rose water, and cardamom powder in milk along with a pinch of saffron that lends it a delicate flavour and colour. And while Holi may have been marked off the calendar, don’t let that stop you from indulging in this delectable drink.

Aam Panna

In India, summers mean mangoes and mangoes mean aam panna. Aam panna is a very popular summer drink and is immensely loved in India.

This drink is your best bet if you like tart and tangy beverages. Made with fresh Kairi (raw mango), it is blended with spices, sugar and mint for that added punch.

It also comes with numerous health benefits. Served chilled, this sweet and sour drink keeps the body temperature under check and also aids digestion.

Lassi

A North Indian delicacy, lassi is also a curd-based drink, only thicker and milkier when compared to chaas.

High in proteins, this cooler can be prepared either sweet or salty. Spices such as cardamom and saffron are added to make the drink richer in taste and appearance.

Give the classic lassi a seasonal twist by adding fruit pulp; mango lassi during summer and a strawberry flavoured one in winter are yummy treats.

Always served chilled in a tall glass and topped off with a generous layer of malai (Indian cream), lassi is an easy choice to make in the blistering heat.

Chaas

The humble chaas, or buttermilk, is a popular summer drink. An old-time favorite, the recipe of this delicious beverage with a hint of spice is handed down over generations. And just as diverse as this country’s topography, there are many ways to make this desi cooler.

Each region has its own interpretation of the drink, so don’t be surprised with the many versions you may encounter. When it comes to chaas, the list of ingredients to be experimented with is endless. Salt and pepper, along with coriander leaves, green chillies, roasted and crushed cumin seeds, and even curry leaves can be added to watered-down Dahi (curd).

This refreshing drink also doubles up as a digestive aid and makes for a delicious accompaniment with meals.