As April rolls around, you can start feeling the summer heat in India! The high temperatures can leave you tired and sweaty. Your body loses water quickly when you sweat, so it's important to hydrate regularly and drink lots of fluids to stay healthy. Water is great no doubt, there are also loads of other refreshing Indian drinks that quench your thirst but also help keep your body cool.
India's different culinary traditions are reflected in its food and drinks. These tried and tested summer drinks don’t just keep you hydrated; you’ll also enjoy the unique flavours that are part of India's food heritage.
Babri Beol
Babri Beol is a popular summer drink in Kashmir, made with basil seeds. Legend has it that the Mughal emperor Babur introduced these seeds to the region, and the drink has been loved ever since. The seeds are soaked in water overnight, then ground into a paste and mixed with milk, sugar, saffron, and rose water. It's known for its cooling effect on the body and is good for digestion. People in Kashmir often serve it at weddings and celebrations as a refreshing treat during hot weather.
Babri Beol isn't just valued for its cooling properties; it also boasts a high fibre content, aiding in digestion and preventing constipation. Offering both refreshment and health benefits, it stands as a delightful choice for beating the summer heat.
(Image Credit: IG/kashmirfoods)
Sol Kadi
Sol Kadhi is a traditional drink from Maharashtra, made with coconut milk, kokum, and spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger. The name 'sol' in Marathi means sour, while 'kadhi' is a a popular yogurt-based gravy in Indian cuisine. The drink has a tangy and refreshing taste, often served as a digestive aid.
This unique beverage, originating from the banks of the Konkan coast, features a blush hue and a surprising kick of flavour from ingredients like chilies, cumin, and mustard seeds. Sol Kadi is believed to be the perfect ending to a spicy meal, especially during the summer, and is also considered good for your health.
(Image Credit: IG/yeva.konkan.aaploch.aasa)
Aam Panna
A beloved summer beverage in India, cherished for its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy taste, Aam Panna is made from raw mangoes, sugar, and a mix of spices. . This refreshing concoction is especially popular in Uttar Pradesh, where mangoes thrive during the summer season. To prepare it, raw mangoes are boiled until soft, then blended with sugar, salt, cumin, and other spices. The mixture is then thinned with water to create a rejuvenating and tangy seasonal drink, which keeps you cool during the hot summer months.
(Image Credit: IG/eatswithmish)
Sattu Sharbat
A protein-packed thirst quencher, this is a beloved summer beverage originating from Bihar. It's created by blending roasted gram flour, also known as Sattu, with water, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and salt. Sattu flour, made from roasted gram, is a highly nutritious ingredient widely consumed across India, especially in the northern and eastern regions.
Legend has it that Sattu, also referred to as ’Tsampa‘ in Tibet, sustained monks on their journeys in search of enlightenment. Additionally, Sattu gained recognition during the 1999 Kargil War, where it was supplied to soldiers for its high nutritional value.
(Image Credit: IG/nehasahaya)
Gondhoraj Ghol
Gondhoraj Ghol is a popular summer drink from West Bengal. Here, zing is added to regular buttermilk with the unique flavour of Gondhoraj lemon. This refreshing beverage is made by mixing yogurt with water, black salt, sugar, and Gondhoraj lemon juice. It's best enjoyed during hot summer days for a tangy and cooling experience. Gondhoraj lemon, often called the ’king of limes’, is known for its special aroma and taste, making this drink a favourite in Bengal.
(Image Credit: IG/pinchofspicedxb)
Taal/Nongu/Targola Sharbat – The Chilled Delight Of Ice Apple
This cool drink, made from the ice apple fruit found on palmyra trees, is enjoyed nationwide with various names such as Targola in Maharashtra, Taal in West Bengal, and Nongu in Tamil Nadu.
Ice Apple thrives during hot summers and has been valued for its cooling properties in traditional medicine for centuries. Locals began making Taal Sharbat, a sweet and refreshing beverage by blending its flesh with sugar and water. It's now a popular summer drink across India. You can find Taal Sharbat at street food stalls and local eateries along the coast, with variations including mango, rose, or milk.
(Image Credit: IG/thebeerboi)