Embark on a refreshing journey with these ten revitalizing summer drinks, each crafted to tantalize your taste buds and keep you cool in the sweltering heat.
As the scorching Indian summer arrives, staying hydrated becomes crucial for maintaining good health. India boasts a rich tradition of refreshing and delicious best summer drinks that quench your thirst and provide excellent health benefits.
Whether it’s the iconic traditional lassi, zesty buttermilk, or the tangy notes of blissful aam panna, these summer concoctions are an absolute choice to stay hydrated and energized all season.
Let’s explore these traditional Indian best summer drinks that are packed with flavors, healthy and invigorating.
Lassi – The Iconic Drink of India
Lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt drink enjoyed for centuries, especially during the hot summer months. It is made by blending yogurt, water, and a touch of sweetness, creating a creamy and refreshing beverage.
Lassi or the Indian yogurt drink comes in various flavors, including the classic sweet lassi, salted lassi, sugarcane lassi, and fruit-infused variations like mango lassi and strawberry lassi.
Nimbu Pani (Lemonade) – The Classic Summer Cooler
Nimbu Pani, or lemonade, is a timeless summer favorite in India. This refreshing drink combines freshly squeezed lemons, water, and a touch of sweetness. It is packed with vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and aids digestion.
Adding a pinch of black salt and roasted cumin powder to Nimbu Pani enhances its taste and aids in combating dehydration.
Aam Panna – The Mango Delight
Aam Panna is a tangy and sweet drink made from raw mango pulp, mint leaves, and spices. Known for its cooling properties, Aam Panna helps prevent heat strokes and replenishes essential electrolytes.
It is rich in vitamins A and C, making it a healthy summer beverage. With its unique flavor profile, Aam Panna is a must-try during the mango season.
Jaljeera – The Refreshing Herbal Elixir
Jaljeera is a zesty and refreshing drink made by blending mint leaves, cumin powder, black salt, and tamarind pulp. This herbal elixir aids digestion relieves bloating, and cools the body.
Jaljeera is also a natural detoxifier and helps combat heat-induced lethargy, making it a perfect summer refresher.
Thandai – The Royal Indian Drink
Thandai is a rich and creamy beverage prepared with a blend of almonds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, cardamom, and rose petals. It is traditionally served during festivals like Holi and Shivratri.
Thandai cools the body, aids digestion, and provides nourishment. The aromatic blend of spices and the creamy texture makes it a royal indulgence during hot summer days.
Buttermilk (Chaas) – The Probiotic Cooler
Buttermilk, or Chaas, is a popular and refreshing summer drink made from yogurt and water. It is a natural probiotic that aids digestion, cools the body, and replenishes essential nutrients.
Buttermilk is often seasoned with spices like roasted cumin powder, black salt, and mint leaves, enhancing its taste and nutritional value. It is a light and healthy beverage that helps in maintaining gut health and hydration.
Sugarcane Juice – The Natural Energizer
Sugarcane juice is a sweet and revitalizing summer drink extracted from fresh sugarcane stalks. It is a natural energizer that replenishes electrolytes and boosts energy levels.
Packed with essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, sugarcane juice promotes kidney function and helps in detoxification. It is best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of black salt for added flavor.
Coconut Water – The Tropical Hydrator
Coconut water is a refreshing and natural drink from young green coconuts. It is packed with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that replenish the body’s hydration levels and aid in digestion.
Coconut water is low in calories and fat-free, making it an excellent choice for weight watchers. It also helps in maintaining healthy skin and promotes kidney function. The tropical flavor and hydrating properties of coconut water make it a perfect summer thirst-quencher.
Kiwi Spinach Smoothie with Lassi Twist – A Creamy Concoction
Give your traditional smoothie a lassi twist by adding the creamy goodness of yogurt. Blend together kiwi slices, fresh spinach, yogurt, and a drizzle of honey. Kiwis are loaded with vitamin C, while spinach provides iron and other essential nutrients.
The addition of yogurt not only adds creaminess but introduces probiotics for gut health. This lassi-infused smoothie is a nutritious and refreshing way to stay cool and hydrated during the summer.
Herbal Infused Water – Zesty Summer Respite
Infused water is a simple yet flavorful way to stay hydrated during the summer. Fill a pitcher with water and add sliced fruits like oranges, lemons, or berries.
For an herbal twist, add fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary. Let the water sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to infuse. Enjoy this naturally flavored water with a subtle and refreshing taste.
When the summer heat is at its peak, staying hydrated becomes a priority, or your health may land you in soup. These healthy and delicious summer drinks offer a wide range of flavors and health benefits.
You can prepare these drinks at home with a few ingredients or shop for summer respite like chai tea kit for Ice Tea order online from top Indian grocery and food delivery brands like Quicklly, Amazon, Walmart, and alike.
If you’re interested in learning the recipes for the drinks mentioned above, please leave a comment below, and I will share them in my next blog post.
