We are always thirsty in this scorching summer. In India, the temperatures are as high as 46 degrees in some places. It is essential that we keep ourselves cool internally with the right kind of diet and plenty of fluids. But before you start thinking about the western water melon coolers and kiwi fruit juice, consider some local drinks. According to some well known dieticians, eating and drinking from the local produce is the healthiest. So why not try some traditional Indian drinks this summer to keep ourselves cool?
Aam Panna
This is our Second favourite Drink for summer. Made with raw mangoes, this sweet and sour drink can be stored as a concentrate in the refrigerator. It is one of the most refreshing drinks and helps keeping heat stroke at bay.
Method
- Wash 2-3 raw mangoes; peeled, cut and kernel removed, and boil it in a cooker with 1 cup water.
- Then, put this boiled pulp in the mixer and blend with 1/2 cup sugar, 1 table spoon black salt, 2 tsp Jeera powder, 1 tsp black pepper and a few mint leaves.
- Take ¼ glass of this concentrate, mix chilled water, ice cubes, garnish with mint leaves and serve.
- This concentrate can be kept in the fridge and can be used when required.
Saunf ka Sherbet (Fennel Water)
Fennel seeds are very cool for the body and thus refresh you. Of course, it tastes amazing while giving a fresh breath.
Method
- Soak ¼ cup of fennel seeds overnight.
- Grind the fennel into a fine paste.
- Add 2 tbsp sugar, a pinch of black salt and a pinch of black pepper.
- Add crushed ice and 2 cups of cold water, and a pinch of jal-jeera powder.
- You have one of the most refreshing drinks ready.
Panakam/Gud-Paani (Drink made with Jaggery)
A traditional South Indian drink, Panakam is not only simple to make but will give immediate respite from the searing heat of the sun.
Method
- Dissolve ½ cup jaggery in 2 cups of chilled water.
- Add the juice of 1 lemon, 2 powdered cardamoms, ¼ tsp dry ginger powder(if you like), a pinch of salt, and a pinch of edible camphor(Add, only you are sure that it’s pure and edible).
- Mix well and strain. Add a few basil leaves and serve.
Masala Buttermilk
Another traditional Indian drink, this is a version of Chaas and is made with butter milk. As we know, curd has super cooling powers and thus Buttermilk More with just the right amount of spice helps to keep our system cool.
Method
- Combine 1 cup chilled buttermilk, 1 cup cold water, juice of 2 lemons, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 green chilli(Skip if it’s for children), a generous amount of coriander leaves, a generous pinch of asafoetida(heeng), and a pinch of salt. Blend it all together for just 10 seconds till the drink gets a greenish tinge.
- Temper(this is optional) the drink with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
- Serve chilled.
Bael ka Sherbet ( Wood-apple juice)
Wood-apple is indeed a magical fruit with not only cooling properties, but also medicinal, as it can cure vertigo, contain cholesterol and deal with respiratory issues. And also a medicine if one has upset stomach or any stomach issue. This sweet and sour juice is certain to be a gastronomic delight.
Method
- Break open a medium sized Bael and take out the pulp.
- Add 1 ½ cups of cold water, and using hands, remove the seeds and mix well.
- Add 1 tbsp powdered jaggery(can be replaced by Sugar), juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch of salt and jeera powder and mix. (Can be skipped )
- Sieve and serve chilled.
Sweet or Salty Sattu
Sattu is prepared by dry-roasting grains or grams, most often bengal gram or barley. Sattu is one of the Staple foods in Bihar, This is Favourite drink, We usually as it first thing in morning or when we want to drink something cool and soothing.
Method
- Mix 1 table spoon of Sattu, 2teaspoons of sugar/Jaggery powder and a pinch of black salt, mix well and serve.
- Sugar/Jaggery can be skipped to make Salty Sattu drink.
- This is the easiest cooling yet healthy drink to make and relish in summer, It keep us full for sometime.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Zariya Healings.
I wasn’t familiar with a couple of these drinks… Thanks for sharing!
Usually, buttermilk and Lassi are my go-to during summer. I still haven’t developed a taste for Jal Jeera and Aam panna though. I will definitely be trying your recipes and recommendations.
I’m going to try fennel seeds juice; never knew this method of making the juice. The heat in Chennai is unbearable, thanks for the timely post.
I am good at making Aaam Panna, Bel ka sarbat and sattu sarbat but rest I have not tried yet but I think I should try it although I take sauf ka pani to keep me cool. Yes, indeep these are the best drinks one can have during summers to fight the piercing heat.
Aam panna is the highlight of summer for me. Thanks for sharing about sattu. I will give it a try. Need to go get sattu powder first.
Saunf water is something which is very good even when you are travelling in summer keeps you cool from inside. I really enjoy having it.
Aam Panna and Jaun ka sattu is a family favourite .I like to roast the whole green mango and then peel and use it for making the Panna. I also like to add some fennel to the Aam panna . NImbu pani or lemonade is another drink that we drink in gallons in summers.
You’ve shared a fantastic collection of perfect summer coolers. It’s puzzling why some people choose to chug soda pops when we have such refreshing and revitalizing drink recipes available. Unfortunately, bael isn’t easily accessible in my area, so I haven’t had the chance to try it yet. However, I’m particularly intrigued by the saunf sherbet, as it’s a new and unfamiliar recipe to me. I’m definitely looking forward to giving it a try soon. Thanks for sharing these wonderful beverage ideas!
I like your recoomendations. I have just got raw mangoes to make aam panna. I have been planning to make Saunf sherbet for long, now going to try your recipe. I also like the recipe of Panakam. Butter milk and sattu we do have on a regular basis. Bel sherbet also we make at home.
Aam panna is a regular in our home during summer. I have never had sattu drink and would surely give it a try. I will go with sweet one because I have a sweet tooth.