Sitting on a bean bag with a glass of chilled ‘desi’ drink to combat the shooting temperatures and dusty summer storms is the best treat. You can make a variety of cool drinks at home with minimum effort and time. These nutritional summer sips can help you beat the scorching seasonal temperatures with an ease. So, get ready to treat yourself with some cool and healthy whimsical chilled drinks this summer season.
Jaljeera
Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than a refreshing glass of Jaljeera. This delicious cool drink has nutritional and cooling properties. It is advised to people suffering from heart disorders and patients ailing from high blood pressure in Ayurveda. Jaljeera also acts as an appetizer before a meal. Its main ingredient cumin, has medicinal properties which aids digestion and black salt acts as a digestive.
Thandai
Thandai is a favorite drink amongst most North-Indians. It is helpful on a hot, dry summer weather and acts as a cooling agent in a human body. To make this thirst-quencher, almonds, pumpkin seeds, cardamom powder and rose water are used. Its main ingredient Almond, helps in reducing cholesterol levels and posses many health benefits. It is easy to make, tastier to drink and healthier than its artificial counter parts.
Thandai is exclusively known for its unique flavour and taste, and most often associated with the festival of colors – Holi. It is generally amalgamated with ‘bhang’ on this festival to make an intoxicating drink. This favorite drink of Lord Shiva is believed to be originated during the mythological era.
Lassi
What is a better way to beat the heat waves effortlessly than a glass of chilled Lassi. The easy to prepare homemade drink can be made in different flavors like plain lassi, mango lassi, salted/sweet lassi and more. It is generally offered with paranthas during or post lunch in Northern India. It is often recommended by doctors to fulfill the daily dietary dosage of calcium. Lassi has numerous beneficial bacteria that help in digestion.
Kokam sharbat
Refreshing to the Indian taste buds, it is a great cooler to beat the scorching heat. Fruit of the tropical evergreen tree (Garcinia indica) , Kokam grows only in India. It helps to relieve gastric problems and has a cooling effect on the body to protect it against dehydration and sunstroke during hot summer months.
It contains antioxidants which aid cell regeneration and repair. A low calorie drink, rich in dietary fibre is also a rich source of vitamin B-complex. Kokam sharbat is a healthier, refreshing option as compared to commercial bottled drinks.
Aam Panna/ Kairee panha
Aam Panna can act as a thirst quencher with its green color, acting as a soother not only to the throat but to the eyes too. This summer staple drink, protects the body against heat strokes and aids prevention of diarrhea, indigestion and constipation. Rock-salt, an ingredient in the raw mango drink, acts as an anti-acidic, anti- bilious and anti-phlegmatic. It is not only a thirst quencher but also a wonderful tonic to fight the harsh sun rays.
Kanji
Kanji is a carrot and beetroot drink, traditionally made in earthen pots. It is often served as an appetizer to get gastric juices flowing. It is especially prepared by the ladies during the months of March/April to celebrate the festival of colors – Holi, served along with Gujia. Kanji made from black carrots has antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal benefits.
Nimbu paani or Lemonade
Also referred as lime water, lemonade is a delicious thirst quencher made from freshly squeezed lemon, honey and water. Lemon is readily avalaible in the markets in India. By adding a pinch of salt or sugar or both as per taste along with crushed ice, lemonade gives a refreshing flavor.
This drink rich in vitamin C, also acts as an excellent ingredient while preparing cocktails. It’s high potassium content possesses excellent detoxifying properties and the citric acid acts as a great fat burner.
Sattu
Sattu helps to beat the soaring temperatures by giving an instant cooling effect. This nutritious, indigenous drink is assimilated by the body easily. Sattu is accessible in predominantly two variations – Chana and Jaun, giving it a natural taste.
Sattu originally belongs to Bihar but is easily available all over the country. It is high on fibre content, making it healthy for the intestines.
Coconut drink
This purest form of water is filled with electrolytes, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Promoting digestion, it acts as an anti-dote to the side-effects of medicines. It has healing properties for various ailments like fever, headache and dysentery.
Used as a substitute during emergency, it strengthens the heart and helps restore energy to patients. It serves as an excellent tonic for all age groups.
Watermelon or mint cooler
Acting as a mouth fresher and perfect to beat the scorching heat, mint cooler can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator. Watermelon Mint Cooler contains lots of vitamins and is beneficial to help the body get back the lost fluids on a hot sweaty summer afternoon.
With 92% water and 6% sugar, it acts as an excellent source of vitamin A, C and B6, high in potassium and low in sodium. Its low sugar content and high water content helps to stay hydrated. Beta-carotene present in watermelon can help reduce the risk of heart disease and promotes cell repair.
