By Pankhuri Kumar
India is a country that faces long and extreme summer conditions. The scorching heat is very capable of taking a toll on one’s health. We need to make great efforts to fight these conditions. We are lucky that the rich heritage of India has given us a lot of amazing drinks to have during the summer season and stay on track. The rising temperatures come with a serious need for us to keep a check on our fluid intake. This task becomes easier when you have a whole lot of options to use from and the options are all tasty and easy to make. So, here are 10 amazing Indian drinks for Summers for you!
AAM PANNA
It is a drink made from raw or unripe mangoes and it has a naturally tangy taste. It acts as a rehydration drink and it is perfect for the summers. It can be sweet or salty depending on your preference. It helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance of the body and it is full of all the essential nutrients like A, B1, C, B2 etc. It is rich in pectin which helps you fight diarrhea and strengthen the immune system. It is a gift to humanity and just one glass gives you your daily requirement of iron!
THANDAI
This cold milk beverage is one of the top drinks that Indians prefer to beat the heat. It has almonds, rose petals, sugar, saffron, cardamom, pepper, and a lot of other nuts, seeds, and spices. This rich drink gives you instant energy and it improves digestion and cools down the body. It is loaded with all the vitamins and minerals and has benefits for the skin, hair and the mind. You can also switch from cow’s milk to coconut or almond milk to make the drink tastier and more effective in keeping yourself active.
CHAAS (or Buttermilk)
This is surely a golden drink for staying hydrated and healthy in the scorching heat. It is one of the most commonly found drinks in Indian homes. It is made up of fresh curd, water, salt, green chillies, ginger, pepper and other ingredients according to taste. This drink rescues your stomach after a spicy meal during summertime. It gives instant relief from indigestion and dehydration. It reduces acidity and blood pressure and gives relief from discomfort. This is nature’s gift for lactose intolerant folks.
BAEL JUICE
Bael is a fruit used to make juices in the summer season. It has a sweet taste and cooling properties. During summer time, this wonderful drink protects you from constipation, heartburn and indigestion. It is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for fighting heat strokes. It is super rich in vitamin C and is extremely good for the heart and brain.
JAL JEERA
Jal Jeera a form of a lemonade made with water, cumin, mint, coriander leaves and some spices. It is stored in clay pots to keep it cool and refreshing. It gives you an instant bout of energy and is also very easy to make. This drink helps in increasing your appetite and activates the taste buds. It aids in digestion and gives relief from abdominal cramps and nausea caused due to extreme summer heat. It is a thirst quencher and helps in regulating the body temperature.
GANNE KA JUICE (Or Sugarcane Juice)
This juice is a mix of sucrose, fructose and other glucose varieties. Sugarcane juice can be found making frequent rounds of the neighbourhood streets because of the huge popularity of the juice amongst all age groups. It is loaded with all the essential vitamins and minerals and is extremely tasty. The miracle jucie boosts energy instantly, treats sore throat, helps in digestion, ameliorates acne and also helps in eliminating toxins from the body. It is a soul satisfying and delicious drink.
COCONUT WATER
This drink is a favourite among those people who follow a healthy diet. It is also recommended to recovering patients. It is light, tasty, refreshing and also really beneficial for you. It is loaded with nutrients and antioxidant properties. It is gives you instant energy after a long workout during the summer and helps in replenishing lost electrolytes. It is super healthy and can also help in preventing kidney stones and in reducing blood pressure.
LASSI
Lassi is made by churning curd and is available in a lot of flavours. You can have strawberry, mango, blueberries and almost all the fruits added to your lassi. It is the Indian version of a smoothie. This extremely favourite drink can be salty or sweet and is tasty no matter what. It is a very good source of probiotics and helps in digestion. It reduces stomach bloating and improves bone health. It is a very effective immunity boosting drink and it is deeply cherished throughout India.
SHIKANJI (A drink similar to Lemonade, customized with spices)
Summer can get very irritating and uncomfortable. This drink made with lemon, water, ginger, pepper, salt, sugar and topped with ice is a blessing during the tough time. It is a natural coolant and helps in replenishing salts lost by the body due to sweating. It is abundant in nutrients and also helps in reducing the risk of infections. It has amazing detoxing properties and is also very good for improving digestion.
KHUS SHARBAT
This really tempting and amazing green coloured drink is a super summer cooler. Being rich in antioxidants, it helps relieve a parched throat and is one of the best drinks to have during summer time. It is a magic potion that keeps dehydration at bay and also helps in improving blood circulation. The sharbat is also a rich source of iron and manganese and can really boost the immunity levels leaving you feeling fresh and active.
Summer is a time during which you need to take extra care and precautions for you and your body. These drinks are surely life savers and can help you in staying active and healthy. The best part is that they don’t just solve the problem of dehydration but also fill your body with essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. They provide you with the extra boost of energy and help you power through your hectic schedule! Include these drinks in your daily routine and try to stay healthy, hydrated and happy.
Editor’s Note: If you’d like to dive deeper into the magical world of Inspiring Indian Superfoods and drinks, then do check out our section on Nutrition Inspiration.
About the Author
Pankhuri Kumar is a student of Economics (Honours) at Hindu College, University of Delhi. She is a big believer in the power of positivity and plans to do her MBA in the future. In her free time, Pankhuri can be found checking out new places to eat and shop at.
