As the summer sun beats down on India, people seek refuge in cool, refreshing drinks that not only quench their thirst but also provide a host of health benefits. Traditional Indian summer drinks are a perfect way to beat the heat, and in this article, Hashtag India magazine explores some of the most popular and refreshing drinks that India has to offer.
The Importance of Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential, especially during the hot summer months. Dehydration can lead to a host of health problems, including headaches, fatigue, and even heat stroke. Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial to maintaining good health, and traditional Indian summer drinks are a great way to do just that.
10 Traditional Indian Summer Drinks
1. Nimbu Pani (Lemonade)
Nimbu Pani is a classic Indian drink made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and water. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mix the lemon juice and sugar in a large pitcher until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes.
4. Serve the Nimbu Pani over ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices.
Why it’s helpful:
- Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and fight off infections.
- Lemon juice also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation.
2. Lassi (Yogurt-Based Drink)
Lassi is a popular Indian drink made with yogurt, water, sugar, and spices. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup yogurt
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– Ice cubes
– Cardamom powder for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mix the yogurt, water, sugar, and cardamom powder in a blender until smooth.
2. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes.
3. Serve the Lassi over ice cubes and garnish with cardamom powder.
Why it’s helpful:
Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics, which can help to support digestive health and boost the immune system.
Yogurt also contains protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients that can help to support overall health.
3. Aam Panna (Raw Mango Drink)
Aam Panna is a refreshing Indian drink made with raw mangoes, sugar, and water. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 raw mangoes
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Boil the raw mangoes in water until they are soft.
2. Mash the mangoes and mix with sugar, water, and a pinch of salt.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes.
4. Serve the Aam Panna over ice cubes and garnish with mint leaves.
Why it’s helpful:
– Raw mangoes are a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, and other essential nutrients that can help to support overall health.
– Raw mangoes also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to protect against chronic diseases.
4. Jal Jeera (Cumin-Based Drink)
Jal Jeera is a spicy Indian drink made with cumin seeds, mint leaves, lemon juice, and water. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
– 1/4 cup mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Cumin seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mix the cumin seeds, mint leaves, lemon juice, and water in a large pitcher.
2. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes.
3. Serve the Jal Jeera over ice cubes and garnish with cumin seeds.
Why it’s helpful:
- Cumin seeds are a rich source of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other essential nutrients that can help to support digestive health and boost the immune system.
- Mint leaves also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation.
5. Sharbat (Fruit-Based Drink)
Sharbat is a sweet Indian drink made with fruit juice, sugar, and water. Here’s a simple recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fruit juice (such as orange, grapefruit, or pineapple)
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Fruit slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mix the fruit juice and sugar in a large pitcher until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes.
4. Serve the Sharbat over ice cubes and garnish with fruit slices.
Why it’s helpful:
– Fruit juice is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to support overall health and well-being.
– Fruit juice also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and protect against
6. Chai (Spiced Tea)
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon tea leaves
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon spices (such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger)
– Milk
Instructions:
1. Boil the water in a large pot.
2. Add the tea leaves, sugar, and spices to the pot.
3. Let the mixture steep for 2-3 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into cups and add milk to taste.
5. Serve the Chai hot.
Why it’s helpful:
– Tea leaves are a rich source of antioxidants, which can help to protect against chronic diseases.
– Spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation.
– Milk provides protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients that can help to support overall health.
7. Kokum Sharbat (Kokum Fruit-Based Drink)
Ingredients:
– 1 cup kokum fruit juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Kokum fruit slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mix the kokum fruit juice and sugar in a large pitcher until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes.
4. Serve the Kokum Sharbat over ice cubes and garnish with kokum fruit slices.
Why it’s helpful:
– Kokum fruit is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help to protect against chronic diseases.
– Kokum fruit also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation.
– Kokum Sharbat can help to cool the body and provide relief from heat exhaustion.
8. Ginger Lemonade
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup ginger juice
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mix the lemon juice and sugar in a large pitcher until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the ginger juice and water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes.
4. Serve the Ginger Lemonade over ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices.
Why it’s helpful:
– Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, which can help to boost the immune system and fight off infections.
– Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation.
– Ginger Lemonade can help to aid digestion and provide relief from nausea and vomiting.
9. Cucumber Mint Cooler
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cucumber juice
– 1 cup mint leaves
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Cucumber slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mix the cucumber juice, mint leaves, and sugar in a large pitcher until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes.
4. Serve the Cucumber Mint Cooler over ice cubes and garnish with cucumber slices.
Why it’s helpful:
– Cucumbers are a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation.
– Mint leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation.
– Cucumber Mint Cooler can help to cool the body and provide relief from heat exhaustion.
10. Amla Juice (Indian Gooseberry-Based Drink)
Ingredients:
– 1 cup amla juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Amla slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mix the amla juice and sugar in a large pitcher until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes.
4. Serve the Amla Juice over ice cubes and garnish with amla slices.
Why it’s helpful:
- Amla is a rich source of vitamin C, which can help to boost the immune system and fight off infections.
- Amla also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation.
- Amla Juice can help to aid digestion and provide relief from nausea and vomiting.
These traditional Indian summer drinks are not only refreshing but also provide various health benefits. They are perfect for hot summer days and can be easily made at home with simple ingredients.
