Introduction
Summer in India can be intense, with soaring temperatures that make it essential to stay hydrated and cool. Traditional Indian drinks, with their natural ingredients and refreshing properties, provide the perfect solution. These beverages are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits, making them ideal for beating the summer heat. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 traditional Indian drinks that are perfect for summer.
AAM PANNA
What is Aam Panna?
Aam Panna is a tangy and refreshing drink made from raw mangoes. It’s a popular summer beverage in India, known for its ability to cool the body and prevent heat strokes.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Raw mangoes
- Sugar or jaggery
- Mint leaves
- Cumin powder
- Black salt
- Water
To prepare Aam Panna, raw mangoes are boiled and their pulp is extracted. This pulp is then blended with sugar, mint leaves, cumin powder, black salt, and water to create a refreshing drink.
Health Benefits
Aam Panna is rich in vitamins and minerals. It helps in hydration, improves digestion, and is a great source of Vitamin C.
JALJEERA
What is Jaljeera?
Jaljeera is a spicy and tangy drink made from cumin seeds, tamarind, and water. It’s a popular appetizer in Indian households, known for its digestive properties.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Cumin seeds
- Tamarind
- Mint leaves
- Ginger
- Black salt
- Water
To make Jaljeera, cumin seeds are roasted and ground to a fine powder. This powder is mixed with tamarind paste, mint leaves, ginger, black salt, and water.
Health Benefits
Jaljeera aids in digestion, relieves acidity, and cools the body. It’s also known to stimulate appetite and is rich in iron.
LASSI
What is Lassi?
Lassi is a traditional yogurt-based drink that originates from Punjab. It’s known for its creamy texture and can be sweet or salty.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Yogurt
- Water
- Sugar (for sweet lassi)
- Salt (for salty lassi)
- Cardamom
- Saffron
- Rose water
Lassi is made by blending yogurt with water and sugar or salt. For a sweet version, cardamom, saffron, and rose water can be added.
Health Benefits
Lassi is excellent for digestion due to the probiotics in yogurt. It’s also a great source of calcium and helps in cooling the body.
NIMBU PANI
What is Nimbu Pani?
Nimbu Pani, also known as Indian lemonade, is a simple and refreshing drink made from lemons, water, and sugar or salt.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Lemons
- Water
- Sugar or salt
- Mint leaves
- Cumin powder
To prepare Nimbu Pani, lemons are squeezed into water, and sugar or salt is added along with mint leaves and cumin powder for extra flavor.
Health Benefits
Nimbu Pani is rich in Vitamin C, helps in hydration, and is excellent for detoxifying the body. It’s a perfect thirst quencher for hot summer days.
THANDAI
What is Thandai?
Thandai is a traditional North Indian drink, especially popular during Holi. It’s a flavored milk drink made with a mixture of nuts, seeds, and spices.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Milk
- Almonds
- Fennel seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Rose petals
- Cardamom
- Saffron
- Sugar
Thandai is prepared by soaking and grinding almonds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, rose petals, and cardamom. This mixture is then blended with milk and sugar.
Health Benefits
Thandai is rich in protein and healthy fats from nuts. It’s also cooling and helps in digestion due to the presence of spices.
CHAAS
What is Chaas?
Chaas, also known as buttermilk, is a tangy drink made from yogurt and water. It’s a staple in many Indian households, especially during summer.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Yogurt
- Water
- Salt
- Cumin powder
- Coriander leaves
To make Chaas, yogurt is diluted with water and blended with salt, cumin powder, and finely chopped coriander leaves.
Health Benefits
Chaas is a probiotic drink that aids in digestion, cools the body, and is an excellent source of calcium and vitamins.
COCONUT WATER
What is Coconut Water?
Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside green coconuts. It’s a natural and refreshing drink with a slightly sweet taste.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Green coconuts
Coconut water is obtained by cracking open green coconuts and pouring out the liquid.
Health Benefits
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte drink, hydrating the body and providing essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. It’s low in calories and highly nutritious.
SOL KADI
What is Sol Kadi?
Sol Kadi is a traditional drink from the Konkan region of India, made from kokum and coconut milk. It’s known for its digestive properties and cooling effects.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Kokum
- Coconut milk
- Garlic
- Green chilies
- Salt
- Water
Sol Kadi is made by soaking kokum in water and then blending it with coconut milk, garlic, green chilies, and salt.
Health Benefits
Sol Kadi is rich in antioxidants, aids in digestion, and helps in cooling the body. It’s also beneficial for detoxification.
See also: 10 Traditional Drinks That Are Best for Summer
PHALSA SHARBAT
What is Phalsa Sharbat?
Phalsa Sharbat is a refreshing drink made from Phalsa berries, known for their sweet and tangy flavor. It’s a popular summer beverage in India.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Phalsa berries
- Sugar
- Black salt
- Water
To prepare Phalsa Sharbat, Phalsa berries are mashed and mixed with sugar, black salt, and water.
Health Benefits
Phalsa Sharbat is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly Vitamin C. It helps in cooling the body and provides relief from the summer heat.
BAEL SHARBAT
What is Bael Sharbat?
Bael Sharbat is a traditional Indian drink made from the pulp of the Bael fruit. It’s known for its cooling properties and is widely consumed during summer.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Bael fruit
- Water
- Jaggery or sugar
- Lemon juice
Bael Sharbat is made by extracting the pulp of the Bael fruit, mixing it with water, jaggery or sugar, and a splash of lemon juice.
Health Benefits
Bael Sharbat is excellent for digestion, helps in cooling the body, and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s also known to prevent dehydration.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of Aam Panna? Aam Panna helps in hydration, improves digestion, and is rich in Vitamin C, making it an excellent summer drink.
How is Jaljeera beneficial for digestion? Jaljeera contains cumin and black salt, which are known to aid digestion and relieve acidity.
Can Lassi be consumed daily in summer? Yes, Lassi is rich in probiotics and calcium, making it a healthy daily beverage during summer.
What makes Nimbu Pani a good summer drink? Nimbu Pani is rich in Vitamin C, helps in hydration, and acts as a natural detoxifier, making it ideal for summer.
Why is Coconut Water considered a natural electrolyte drink? Coconut Water contains essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, which help in maintaining electrolyte balance in the body.
Is Thandai suitable for children? Yes, Thandai is made from natural ingredients like nuts and spices and is generally safe for children. However, it’s best to avoid adding too many spices for younger children.
How does Sol Kadi aid in digestion? Sol Kadi contains kokum and coconut milk, both of which have digestive properties and help in cooling the body.
What are the unique properties of Phalsa Sharbat? Phalsa Sharbat is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, and helps in cooling the body and relieving heat.
Can Bael Sharbat prevent dehydration? Yes, Bael Sharbat is known for its hydrating properties and is rich in vitamins and minerals that help prevent dehydration.
Are these traditional Indian drinks suitable for all age groups? Yes, these drinks are made from natural ingredients and are generally suitable for all age groups. However, it’s best to adjust the spice levels for children and consult a doctor if you have any specific health concerns.
Conclusion
Traditional Indian drinks are a perfect way to beat the summer heat. From the tangy Aam Panna to the cooling Bael Sharbat, these beverages not only refresh but also provide numerous health benefits. Incorporating these drinks into your summer diet can help you stay hydrated, cool, and healthy.
