Indian Summer Drinks for Healthy

As the Indian summer approaches, the sweltering heat can often leave us feeling drained and dehydrated. Luckily, traditional Indian beverages are not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients that promote healthy living. Here’s a detailed look at some popular summer drinks, their ingredients, health benefits, and simple recipes to keep you cool and revitalized.

Nimbu Pani (Lemonade)
Ingredients:

Fresh lemon juice (2-3 lemons)
4 cups of water
A handful of fresh mint leaves
1-2 tablespoons sugar or honey (to taste)
A pinch of black salt
Health Benefits: Nimbu Pani is a classic summer drink in India, known for its refreshing taste and hydrating properties. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity, aids digestion, and helps detoxify the body. The addition of mint not only enhances flavor but also soothes the stomach.

Preparation:Nimbu Pani

Squeeze the juice of lemons into a pitcher.
Add water and stir well.
Mix in sugar or honey until dissolved.
Add black salt for taste and toss in mint leaves.
Serve chilled over ice.aa

Aam Panna (Raw Mango Drink)
Ingredients:

2 raw mangoes
4 cups of water
1-2 tablespoons jaggery or sugar (to taste)
1 teaspoon cumin powder
A pinch of black salt
Health Benefits: Aam Panna is not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing. Raw mangoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. This drink is known to prevent heatstroke, improve digestion, and keep you energized during hot days.

Preparation:Aam Panna

Boil the raw mangoes until soft. Peel and mash them.
In a blender, combine the mashed mango, water, jaggery or sugar, cumin powder, and black salt.
Blend until smooth. Adjust sweetness as needed.
Serve chilled, garnished with mint leaves.

Chaas (Buttermilk)
Ingredients:

1 cup plain yogurt
3 cups water
1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
Health Benefits: Chaas is a popular Indian drink that aids in digestion and hydration. It’s a probiotic-rich beverage, making it excellent for gut health. The cooling properties of yogurt help regulate body temperature.

Preparation: Buttermilk

In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
Add water gradually while continuing to whisk.
Mix in cumin powder and salt.
Garnish with chopped coriander before serving.

Kokum Sherbet
Ingredients:

10-12 kokum (Garcinia indica) fruits
4 cups of water
2-3 tablespoons sugar or jaggery
A pinch of salt
Mint leaves (for garnish)
Health Benefits: Kokum is known for its cooling properties and is rich in antioxidants. This drink is great for digestion and helps relieve acidity. It also provides hydration and revitalizes the body during hot weather.

Preparation: Kokum Sherbet

Soak the kokum in warm water for about 30 minutes.
Strain the water into a pitcher, discarding the kokum.
Add sugar or jaggery and a pinch of salt; stir well.
Chill and serve with mint leaves as garnish.

Coconut Water
Ingredients:

1 fresh coconut
Optional: a squeeze of lime and fresh mint leaves
Health Benefits: Coconut water is a natural electrolyte-rich drink, perfect for hydration. It contains potassium and other minerals that replenish lost fluids, making it an excellent choice during the summer.

Preparation: Coconut Water

Open the coconut to extract the water.
Add a squeeze of lime and mint leaves if desired.
Serve chilled or over ice.

Masala Chaas
Ingredients:

1 cup yogurt
2 cups water
1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
Salt to taste
Chopped mint and coriander
Health Benefits: Masala Chaas combines the benefits of buttermilk with spices that enhance flavor and digestion. It’s cooling, hydrating, and can help settle an upset stomach.

Preparation: Masala Chaas

Whisk the yogurt in a bowl until smooth.
Gradually add water, stirring continuously.
Mix in cumin powder, salt, and chopped herbs.
Chill before serving.

Watermelon Juice
Ingredients:

4 cups watermelon, cubed
1 tablespoon lime juice
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Health Benefits: Watermelon is primarily made of water, making it one of the best hydrating fruits. It’s low in calories and packed with vitamins A and C. This juice not only quenches thirst but also provides antioxidants.

Preparation: Watermelon Juice

Blend the watermelon cubes until smooth.
Strain the juice if desired for a smoother texture.
Add lime juice and serve chilled with mint leaves.

Turmeric Golden Milk
Ingredients:

2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)
A pinch of black pepper (optional)
Health Benefits: Golden milk is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to turmeric. It supports immunity and is a soothing drink to have in the evening, promoting relaxation.

Preparation: Turmeric Golden milk

In a saucepan, combine milk, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper.
Heat gently, stirring until well mixed.
Remove from heat and stir in honey before serving warm.

Fruit Infused Water
Ingredients:

1 pitcher of water
Your choice of fruits (e.g., lemon, orange, berries)
Fresh mint or basil leaves
Health Benefits: Infused water is a great way to enhance hydration with flavors and nutrients from fruits. It encourages increased water intake while providing vitamins and antioxidants.

Preparation: Fruit Infused Water

Slice fruits and add them to a pitcher of water.
Add mint or basil leaves.
Let it infuse in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.