Desi Drinks to Stay Cool in this Summer!

Wish we could switch places and stay in the hills when our place suffered from the heat – quite literally, but this isn’t so easy and not a permanent solution. The temperature is rising way above the bearable point, leaving no solace for us to take a chill. However, there are numerous ways to beat the heat. One of the best ways to do it is by increasing fluid intake and hydrating our bodies to regain the nutrients lost due to excessive sweat. Summer blues can leave you dehydrated, the best way to avoid it is to drink a lot of fluids that cool down the body naturally and help in compensating the lost minerals.

We often resort to carbonated, soda or soft drinks and beverages which are harmful to our health in the long run, as they contain caffeine and lots of sugar. These drinks contain excessive amounts of calories and artificial fructose. Gradually, these components pose a serious threat to your liver health. The best way to avoid these artificially sweetened drinks is to consume ‘desi’ natural drinks available in almost every Indian household. These natural drinks are beneficial for the health as well as refreshing and lip-smacking in taste.

Here is a list to get you started:

• Nimbu Paani or Lemonade

Nimbu Paani or lemonade can undoubtedly be called the official drink of India, after tea! It is a mixture of water, lemon, salt, sugar and sometimes mint or some other Indian spices that add a unique flavour. It is quick to prepare and very hydrating for your body, which is the reason why it is the most sought after and loved drink. It is by far the most refreshing and hydrating drink that maintains the electrolyte balance to keep you going in the summer heat.

• Iced Tea

Every Indian household has tea lovers, as we have already mentioned above that tea is the most favourite drink in India. But unfortunately, a cup of hot tea is tough to have in boiling weather. No worries, there is a solution for this as well! Iced tea, a unique alternative to the regular hot tea is refreshing in taste and chilling. It comes in a variety of flavours like lemon and peach. You

can make a cold or hot brew with your favourite tea and then refrigerate it for a few hours. Add honey to cut off the extra calories of sugar. You can flavour it with your favourite ingredient like orange, blueberry, cinnamon, mint and the list goes on. Pick your flavour and welcome your favourite drink in the hot season as well!

• Aam Panna

When summer arrives, everyone waits for the king of fruits, i.e. ‘mango’. Be it raw or ripened, it is loved by everyone in Indian households. Aam Panna is a sweet yet tangy and refreshing drink rich with the goodness and health benefits of mangoes and Indian spices. Heat strokes and stomach problems in the summer can be avoided with aam Panna. The drink is known to ease constipation and fight diabetes. Making Aam Panna is an easy task, and made differently in various parts of the country. The green raw mangoes can be pressure cooked or roasted. Then the pulp is mashed and mixed with black pepper, salt and sugar. Now, you can take a spoonful of this mango concentrate in a glass, add chilled water to it and voila! Your refreshing summer drink is ready to serve.

• Jaljeera

Jaljeera, as the name itself suggests, is made of jeera or cumin seeds. The jeera seeds are first roasted and powdered, then other spices and herbs like mint leaves, coriander leaves, ginger, lemon juice, black salt etc. are added to it that makes the final drink. Soaked tamarind, mint leaves, amchur powder, black pepper, black salt are the major ingredients of this recipe. Jaljeera is known for the digestive benefits and cooling properties it offers. Jaljeera is one of the best summer drinks to beat the heat!

• Buttermilk or Chaas

Buttermilk or Chaas is an amazing curd-based drink. This drink is versatile, you can take it any time, be it with or after meals or any time of the day… It has cooling effects on the stomach and the good bacteria in buttermilk aids in digestion, lowering fat, provides vitamins, protein etc. It is lighter than lassi and full of goodness. It is your go-to summer drink that is refreshing and offers both taste and health benefits! You can add roasted jeera, black salt to enhance the flavour.

• Sugarcane Juice

Sugarcane juice is a natural remedy to a lot of problems, it helps in increasing plasma, body fluids and countering dehydration. It is a natural and refreshing drink which is beneficial for health as well as helps in seeing off the summer blues! Sugarcane juice gives you instant shot of energy and helps in digesting food. It also helps you fight certain types of cancers. A pinch of black salt and few ice-cubes will do the magic to make your drink delicious!

• Watermelon Juice

Watermelon juice is the best summer drink as it is hydrating, has antioxidant properties and is the most refreshing summer fruit. Its juice is supremely refreshing. It also has very hydrating effects on the skin and prevents it from drying. It is enriched with vitamins, magnesium, potassium, etc. that are useful for your body. Apart from skin and hair, it is good for your eyes (prevents macular degeneration), relieves muscle soreness, and lowers inflammation. Blend watermelon in the mixie with black salt and few mint leaves. Garnish with mint leaves, a slice of lemon and drop ice-cubes for your perfect ‘melon on the rocks’!

• Lassi

Lassi or shall we say Punjabi Lassi? Well, the famous drink from the streets of Punjab is popular across the country now. It is made from creamy and smooth Yogurt and comes in multiple variants as you desire. Be it mango, Kesar, strawberry, mint, litchi, banana or any other flavour, they are relished by people depending on their favourite flavour. These lassis are enriched with the goodness of Yogurt and the fruit it is combined with. They come with no harmful chemicals or preservatives and make your summers bearable.

• Coconut Water

Weight loss, skin problem, dehydration, stomach problem – name it and this miracle drink can solve every health problem. It is a mildly sweet, nutrient-rich, low calorie, refreshing and natural energy drink that cheers you up instantly! It also helps as an electrolyte. So, next time when you feel dehydrated, sip on fresh coconut water and you are good to go! This drink is untouched and hence contamination-free usually recommended for people recovering from illness. It keeps your stomach cool and also has elements for a healthy heart, anti-ageing and stress-busting effects.
Well, now that we have given you such wonderful summer drink options that not only taste good or quench your’re but boost your health too. You are on a healthy and hydrated journey to go through the summer. And, what can you do more with these drinks? At your next house party, host your friends with your version of these healthy beverages. The plus point is, they can rush to work the next morning sans a hangover and the delicious taste would make them crave for more! Try this out and let us know, how your sunny drinks faired at the party. We would come up with more such drinks that you can easily make at home. So, sip your favourite drink and look for this space for more tips, and recipes to fight the heat waves this summer. Take care and stay hydrated for a happy summer!