Healthy Homemade Drinks for Summer Season

Cool and Healthy Homemade Drinks for Summer Season in India

As the summer sun blazes across India, temperatures soar, leaving people craving something cool and refreshing. While packaged beverages may offer a quick fix, they often come with artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and unnecessary calories. Instead, why not indulge in homemade drinks that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? Here’s a list of traditional and modern cool beverages to keep you hydrated and healthy this summer.

1. Aam Panna

Aam Panna, a traditional Indian summer drink, is made from raw mangoes. It is not only cooling but also helps in preventing heat strokes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 raw mangoes
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or jaggery
  • 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
  • Black salt to taste
  • Mint leaves (optional)
  • Water

Method:

  1. Boil or roast the raw mangoes until soft.
  2. Remove the pulp and blend it with sugar, cumin powder, black salt, and mint leaves.
  3. Dilute with water and serve chilled.

2. Nimbu Pani (Lemonade)

A staple in every Indian household during summer, Nimbu Pani is a quick, rejuvenating drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lemons
  • 4 glasses of water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • Black salt to taste
  • Mint leaves (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Method:

  1. Squeeze the lemons into a jug.
  2. Add sugar, black salt, and water.
  3. Stir well and serve chilled with mint leaves and ice.

3. Buttermilk (Chaas)

Buttermilk, also known as Chaas, is a probiotic-rich drink that aids digestion and cools the body.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup curd
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
  • Fresh coriander leaves
  • Mint leaves

Method:

  1. Blend the curd and water together until smooth.
  2. Add salt, cumin powder, and finely chopped coriander and mint leaves.
  3. Serve chilled.

4. Coconut Water

Fresh coconut water is nature’s perfect summer drink. It is hydrating, rich in electrolytes, and a great way to cool down.

Tip:

  • Drink straight from a freshly cut coconut for the best taste.
  • You can also add a squeeze of lemon or mint leaves for added flavor.

5. Jaljeera

Jaljeera is a tangy, spicy drink made with cumin and mint. It is not only cooling but also aids digestion.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
  • Black salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 glasses cold water
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Method:

  1. Roast cumin seeds and grind them into powder.
  2. Blend mint leaves, tamarind pulp, black salt, and black pepper with water.
  3. Add the cumin powder and mix well.
  4. Serve chilled with lemon slices.

6. Sattu Drink

A traditional Bihari drink, Sattu is a protein-rich beverage made from roasted gram flour.

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons sattu (roasted gram flour)
  • 2 glasses cold water
  • 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • Roasted cumin powder
  • Fresh coriander leaves

Method:

  1. Mix the sattu flour with water until smooth.
  2. Add lemon juice, salt, and cumin powder.
  3. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve chilled.

7. Sugarcane Juice

Sugarcane juice is a natural energy booster and a common street-side drink in India.

Tip:

  • Ensure the juice is fresh and clean.
  • Add a dash of lemon juice and ginger for an extra zing.

8. Thandai

Thandai is a creamy and flavorful drink, traditionally made during Holi, but perfect for any summer day.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 10 almonds
  • 10 cashews
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
  • 4 cardamoms
  • 5 black peppercorns
  • Saffron strands

Method:

  1. Soak the nuts, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, and cardamoms for a few hours.
  2. Blend into a fine paste.
  3. Mix with milk, sugar, and saffron.
  4. Serve chilled.

9. Watermelon Cooler

Watermelon is a hydrating summer fruit that makes a delightful and refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups watermelon (deseeded)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Mint leaves
  • Ice cubes

Method:

  1. Blend the watermelon until smooth.
  2. Add lemon juice and stir.
  3. Serve with ice cubes and fresh mint leaves.

10. Bel Sharbat (Wood Apple Drink)

Bel fruit is known for its cooling and digestive properties.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe Bel fruit
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons jaggery or honey
  • Black salt to taste

Method:

  1. Break the Bel fruit and scoop out the pulp.
  2. Soak it in water for an hour.
  3. Strain the mixture to extract juice.
  4. Add jaggery and salt, and mix well.
  5. Serve chilled.

Final Thoughts

These homemade drinks are easy to prepare, healthier than store-bought options, and perfect for beating the Indian summer heat. Including a variety of cooling ingredients like raw mangoes, mint, lemons, and curd can keep you hydrated and energized. Whether you’re lounging at home or hosting guests, these drinks will surely add a refreshing touch to your summer days.

So, ditch the fizzy drinks and sip on these nutritious homemade beverages instead. Cheers to a cool and healthy summer!

Comments are closed.