Indians have been experimenting with homemade cold drinks for summers to quench their thirst for centuries. The famous Indian summers, which are scorching and humid, have led to the invention of many delicious and refreshing drinks. Depending on which part of the country we live in, we Indians have blended locally available ingredients to make these cool summer drinks. These healthy summer drinks include local spices, flavours, herbs, and ingredients like yoghurt, ginger, mint, sugarcane, raw mango, kokum, turmeric, cardamom, etc.
Benefits of consuming homemade drinks for summer
We all have happy memories of the summer holidays and cool summer drinks being made at home by our grandmothers and mothers at home. Guzzling down gallons of these flavourful and refreshing drinks never made us bloated or left us with heartburn. The reason is that these drinks for summers were made with the freshest of ingredients that made them delicious and super healthy. Here are some good reasons to include Indian drinks for summers in your diet:
- Yoghurt-based homemade summer drinks like lassi and thandai contain calcium, vitamins, and proteins. All these are essential for helping our digestive system function better due to their probiotic content. These drinks for summers also reduce the risk of fractures, boost immunity, and are great for healthy skin and hair.
- Homemade cold drinks for summer like pudina sharbat, kesar-chandan sharbat, aam panna, rose sharbat, etc. contain a variety of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, ginger, etc. These spices reduce pain and inflammation, protect us from heart diseases, cure stomach problems, calm pregnancy-related nausea, and have anti-cancer benefits.
- Drinks for summers that are made with fresh fruits and vegetables like juices, aam panna, lemon detox water, etc. contain significant levels of nutrients. These refreshing summer drinks have high levels of antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamins, etc. They help in reducing the risk of eye diseases, detoxifying, reducing blood pressure, and improving our cognitive functioning.
- Summer drink recipes like thandai, badam milk, etc. made with dry fruits are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, proteins, minerals, etc. These are not only refreshing drinks but also help in keeping our heart healthy, manage our weight, control our blood sugar levels, and reduce bad cholesterol.
- Indian summer drinks keep us hydrated and prevent the risk of heatstroke even during peak summers.
- Homemade summer drinks are made with the freshest ingredients. This helps avoid the harmful effects of preservatives and additives.
- Homemade cold drinks for summer that are made with natural sweeteners and have no added sugars are beneficial for those who are watching their weight and in preventing the risk of diabetes.
Drinks that make the Indian summers easy to bear
We have rounded up a list of some of the best summer drink recipes that are not only easy to whip up in the kitchen but are also healthy summer drinks. You will find not only the traditional drinks for summer but also a few quirky fusion drinks for summer that are just as flavourful.
1. Masala Sattu Sherbat
This is a quintessential Indian drink for summer that's rustic and filling. To make this, add chopped onions, green chillies, and coriander leaves to sattu flour. Gradually add water and whisk to make this mixture into a smooth consistency. Refrigerate for an hour and serve with freshly-squeezed lemon juice and mint leaves.
2. Kokum Sherbat
This is one of the most refreshing drinks for summer. Strain the water of kokum fruit after soaking it in water for around 30 minutes. Blend the strained kokum and half of its water. Combine the other half of the kokum water with sugar and cook for around 3 minutes. Add the kokum mixture to it and mix well. Add roasted cumin seeds and black salt. Serve this mixture topped with water and garnished with coriander leaves.
3. Mojito
One of the most refreshing drinks made with fresh cucumbers, this is one of the best summer drinks for kids. To make this, blend peeled cucumber, mint leaves, lime juice, ginger paste, and salt. Fill the serving glass with ice and pour cucumber mixture over this amazing drink for summer. Fill the remaining glass with club soda. Serve garnished with lime wedges and mint leaves.
4. Kesar Pista Kulfi
Though not a traditional drink for summer, this is equally refreshing and hydrating. In a pan, boil milk and add cream. Keep simmering for 30 minutes. Add sugar and keep stirring till the milk thickens. Add chopped pistachios, saffron strands, and cardamom powder. Allow this to cool completely and transfer to kulfi moulds or glasses. Freeze for at least 5-6 hours. Serve this amazing drink for summer garnished with rose petals and chopped pistachios.
5. Rose Milk
One of the best drinks for summer, is made by heating sugar and water till the sugar dissolves and the liquid becomes thick. Add rose essence to it and keep it aside. Place ice cubes in a tall glass and top it with milk and add the prepared rose syrup. To make it a more healthy summer drink, you can add soaked and puffed chia seeds to it.
6. Pineapple, Orange, and Coconut Summer Cocktail
One of the most delicious summer cocktails, this is made by combining whipped cream and coconut powder. Fill this in a piping bag. In a separate glass, mix pineapple and orange juices along with ice. Pipe out whipped cream on this super-delicious summer cocktail and serve garnished with grated coconut.
7. Orange Ice Dolly
This childhood favourite is as delicious as it's easy to make. To make this, cut orange flesh into chunks and blend with water and honey till you get a smooth paste. Put this mixture in popsicle moulds and insert a stick in each mould. Freeze overnight and enjoy!
8. Falsa Sherbet
One of the most refreshing drinks for summer, this needs to be enjoyed for a short while when falsas are available. It serves as a great summer drink for kids. To make this, mash falsa with a spatula to separate their seeds. Mix the false flesh with black salt, roasted cumin powder, little water, and sugar and grind into a smooth paste. Add this to a glass and top with water. Serve garnished with mint leaves.
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