5 Desi Cooling Drinks to beat the Indian Summers!

Nidhi Tewari -

As the summer heat starts to rise, it's time to switch up your drink game. Say goodbye to the mundane soda and hello to the world of refreshing, flavourful, and oh-so-cooling Desi beverages. From sweet and tangy Aam Panna to the savory Jal Jeera, we've got you covered with our list of the top 5 Desi drinks to beat the Indian summers. Get ready to satisfy your thirst and taste buds like never before!

Desi Yummy and Nostalgic

AAM PANNA

Aam Panna - a name that evokes memories of sultry summer days and the sweet-tangy taste of juicy green mangoes. This refreshing drink, hailing from the Indian subcontinent, is not only a delicious thirst quencher but also a healthy alternative to sugary beverages. With its blend of sweetness, tanginess and spices, Aam Panna is the perfect pick-me-up for those scorching hot days.

Here's a simple recipe for Aam Panna:
Ingredients: (serves 3)

  • 4 medium-sized green mangoes
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons roasted cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon black salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Mint leaves (optional)
  • Water

Instructions:

  1. Boil the green mangoes in a large pot of water until they are soft and tender.
  2. Remove the mangoes from the pot and let them cool.
  3. Once cool, peel and remove the flesh from the mangoes and blend it into a smooth puree.
  4. Add the sugar, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and black pepper to the puree and mix well.
  5. Add water to the mixture to adjust the consistency to your liking.
  6. Serve chilled with a garnish of mint leaves.

Picture this - you're lounging under the shade of a tree, sipping on a glass of Aam Panna, feeling its coolness spread through your body and quenching your thirst. Close your eyes and take a deep breath, as the aroma of roasted cumin and black salt fills your senses, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated. So, if you're looking for a summer drink that's both delicious and healthy, give Aam Panna a try. You won't regret it!

SHIKANJI

Shikanji - a name that brings a smile to your face and a twinkle to your taste buds. This classic Indian drink is the perfect remedy for a hot summer day, with its tantalising combination of tart lemon, sweet sugar, and spicy spices. Whether you're sipping it on your porch or serving it at a gathering, shikanji is sure to refresh and rejuvenate all who taste it.

Here's a simple recipe for shikanji:
Ingredients:

  • 4 lemons
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon black salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups water
  • Ice
  • Mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Squeeze the lemons to extract the juice.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the lemon juice, sugar, cumin powder, black salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add water to the mixture and stir well.
  4. Serve over ice and garnish with mint leaves.

Imagine yourself on a sunny day, sitting under a shady tree and sipping on a glass of shikanji. The tangy lemon flavour dances on your tongue, as the sweetness of sugar balances it out and the spices add a touch of heat. You feel a sense of coolness spread through your body, as you enjoy the simple yet satisfying taste of this classic drink. So, if you're looking for a drink that's both delicious and healthy, give shikanji a try. You won't regret it!

BUTTERMILK

Buttermilk - a humble yet versatile drink that's often underestimated. This tangy, slightly sour liquid is the by-product of butter-making, but don't let its origins fool you. Buttermilk is more than just a leftover; it's a drink that's enjoyed by people all over the world, with a flavour and consistency that's unlike anything else. Whether you're sipping it on its own or using it in recipes, buttermilk is a drink that's sure to surprise and delight you.

Here's a simple recipe for buttermilk:
Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
  • Black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Pour the milk into a large bowl.
  2. Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and stir well.
  3. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
  4. Serve cold and enjoy the tangy, slightly sour flavour of buttermilk!
  5. Sprinkle black pepper on it, according to your taste.

The lightness of buttermilk makes it a perfect alternative to heavy, sugary drinks, and its versatility means you can use it in a variety of recipes, from savory dips to sweet baked goods. So, if you're looking for a drink that's both delicious and unique, give buttermilk a try. You won't regret it!

FALOODA

Falooda - a drink that's like no other. This creamy, chilled treat from Indian cuisine combines the best of all worlds - sweet syrup, silky noodles, and rich milk, all topped with a scoop of ice cream and a sprinkle of fruit and nuts. It's the perfect combination of flavours and textures, making falooda a treat that's hard to resist.

Here's a simple recipe for falooda:
Ingredients:

  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons rose syrup
  • 2 tablespoons basil seeds
  • 2 tablespoons vermicelli noodles
  • 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
  • Chopped fruit (optional)
  • Chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Soak the basil seeds in water for 10 minutes.
  2. Boil the vermicelli noodles for 5 minutes or until soft.
  3. In a large glass, add the milk, rose syrup, and soaked basil seeds. Stir well.
  4. Add the cooked vermicelli noodles to the glass.
  5. Top with vanilla ice cream, chopped fruit, and nuts (if desired).
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, sweet, and refreshing flavour of falooda!

The sweet syrup and creamy milk refresh and satisfy your thirst, while the soft noodles add texture and interest. The added toppings of ice cream, fruit, and nuts make falooda a truly indulgent treat. Whether you're looking for a sweet snack or a satisfying drink, falooda is sure to delight.

ROOH AFZA

Rooh Afza - a syrup like no other. This sweet and fragrant elixir is a staple of Indian summers and is the key ingredient in many refreshing and satisfying drinks. Made from a blend of herbs, fruits, and spices, Rooh Afza has a unique and delicious flavour that's hard to resist.

Here's a simple recipe for falooda:
Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp Rooh Afza syrup
  • 1 glass of water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add 2 tbsp of Rooh Afza syrup to the glass.
  3. Fill the glass with water and stir until the syrup is well-mixed.
  4. Add a few lemon slices, if desired, for a tangy and fresh twist.

With just a few drops of Rooh Afza, you can transform plain water or milk into a sweet and satisfying treat. Whether you're looking for a simple drink or a more elaborate concoction, Rooh Afza is a versatile syrup that can be used in many different ways.

Conclusion

These cooling drinks are a staple of Indian summers and are a great way to beat the heat. Whether you prefer sweet and tangy drinks, or creamy and indulgent treats, there's a cooling drink for everyone!