As the temperature rises and heatwaves become more intense, it is extremely important to remain hydrated. However, staying hydrated does not just mean drinking water; it means maintaining your body’s fluid balance, energy levels and digestion.
These traditional beverages have been used throughout India for many years to assist with extreme heat.These drinks are created with simple, locally sourced ingredients, including grains, fruits, spices and fermented bases. They can also help your body cool itself down from within, as well as replenish any lost nutrients, as they are refreshing.
Regional Indian drinks that help you stay cool in summer
In various regions of India, drinks for the summer season have evolved according to regional climatic conditions and the availability of ingredients.
Such drinks tend to be light and simple to prepare and serve as refreshing drinks for everyday use in summer, and now is the perfect time to try all these drinks at home.
Sattu sharbat from Bihar
- 2 tablespoons roasted gram flour (sattu)
- 1 glass of cold water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and roasted cumin powder (to taste)
- Mix sattu with a little water to avoid lumps
- Add the remaining water and stir well
- Add lemon juice, salt, and cumin powder
- Mix thoroughly and serve chilled
Sol kadhi from the Konkan region
- 4–5 kokum pieces (soaked)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1–2 garlic cloves (crushed)
- Salt (to taste)
- Soak kokum in warm water and extract juice
- Mix the kokum water with the coconut milk
- Add garlic and salt
- Stir well and refrigerate before serving
Jigarthanda from Tamil Nadu
- 1 cup chilled milk
- 1 tablespoon soaked almond gum
- 1–2 teaspoons sarsaparilla syrup
- 1 scoop of ice cream
- Soak the almond gum until jelly-like
- Add it to chilled milk
- Pour in the syrup and mix well
- Top with ice cream and serve cold
Ragi ambli from South India
- 2 tablespoons ragi flour
- 1 glass of water
- Salt or buttermilk (optional)
- Mix ragi flour with water to form a smooth paste
- Cook on low heat until it thickens
- Let it cool and dilute with water or buttermilk
- Add salt if needed and serve
Panakam from South India
- 2 tablespoons powdered jaggery
- 1 glass of water
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- A pinch of black pepper
- Dissolve jaggery in water
- Add cardamom and black pepper
- Mix well until fully combined
- Serve chilled
A simple way to stay refreshed during extreme heat
Traditional drinks from India provide a good way to cope with the increasing temperature. They hydrate and provide nutrients to the body. By drinking such drinks, our bodies will learn to cope with hot weather conditions without the use of artificial drinks.
