Beat the heat

Nothing beats desi drinks for a cooling down in the summer heat across India.

Summer in India can be really hot with temperatures across the country soaring. The only way to beat the heat is to keep ourselves hydrated. A variety of fruits, sherbets, desi smoothies and flavoured country drinks are available to keep cool. They are cheap and cheerful and worth a million bucks in their ability to be great thirst quenchers; and they’re healthy too.

1. Aam Panna

It is the season of mangoes and thus, it is viable to have a mango drink first and foremost! Playfully tangy in taste, Aam Panna is one of the most popular drinks of the summer season. It is made from mixing ripe mangoes with other ingredients like salt, jeera powder and mint leaves. Its helps us protect against the heat stroke.

2. Lassi/Chhaach

It may sound like the same thing but both the drinks have a fairly unique difference between them! While Lassi is made from yoghurt blended with water, Chhaach is a salty drink made from water left after extracting butter. Lassi is the staple drink of the Punjab region and also comes in various flavors. Both the drinks are very much popular during the summer season as they provide good respite from the heat.

3. Shikanji or Nimbu Paani

This is the most basic and the simplest drink of the summers. Every home has it in store almost in huge jugs. Made by mixing water with lemon, sugar and salt, Shikanji is very helpful in restoring energy very quickly. It is a good source of Vitamin C. You can also try Watermelon Shikanji at home.

4. Kokum Sharbat

It is a popular drink in the state of Maharashtra and is exceptionally sweet in taste. Made from the Kokum squash, this drink is highly beneficial for digestion and for cooling the mind during summers.

5. Jaljeera

Another popular drink in the summers, Jaljeera can not only be made at home but is also served in bottles by a number of brands. Black pepper, ginger, cumin, black salt, mint and the flavoring powder are the ingredients of this drink. Jaljeera is also great for digestion and protects us from the heat.

6. Sol Kadi

The coastal regions of Mahrashtra and Goa relish this refreshing drink which has a very unique flavor and a light-rosy pink color. It has a little Kokum and a hint of coconut in it. The creamy texture of this drink makes its extremely irresistible during summers.

7. Thandai

You might relate it to the festival of Holi or Mahashivratri, when it is mixed with bhang to please Lord Shiva. It is generally made from milk, kesar, elaichi and dry-fruits; however the ingredients can be varied. It is super tasty and healthy!

Alcoholic Drinks-

1. Fenny

It is the much popular local drink of Goa! It is mostly made by cashew apple, though coconut is also used at times. It is available at a very cheap rate in the Goan bars and shacks.

2. Mahua

Mahua flowers make up for an alcoholic drink which is very much popular in Chhattisgarh and other tribal areas of India. It is the traditional drink of the tribes in Chhattisgarh.

3. Toddy

Whether you call it Toddy, Tadi or Kallu, the essence remains the same in all the regions! It is basically the Palm Wine made from all types of palm trees such as date palm, the coconut palm etc.

4. Kosna

Also known as Chuak, Chhang and Sonti, it is the traditional rice beer of the east. It is much popular in the states of Assam, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and amongst all the tribes who enjoy it in the celebrations.

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