As temperatures climb and the days grow harsher, a chilled, flavourful drink can feel like a small miracle. While water is always the first go-to, sometimes your body craves a little flavour and nourishment. Thankfully, traditional Indian drinks are packed with both taste and natural ingredients that can help your body stay cool. From floral infusions to nutty blends, here are seven must-try summer coolers that can keep you going strong through the sweltering heat.
1. Rose Milk
This light pink drink isn’t just pretty to look at. Rose milk is a fragrant and soothing choice for hot afternoons. Made with chilled milk and rose syrup, it offers a subtle sweetness and a floral aroma that calms the senses. A few crushed ice cubes and a sprinkle of dried rose petals can turn this into a café-style treat.
2. Buttermilk (Chaas)
Simple, salty, and incredibly effective at fighting heat fatigue, chaas is a staple in many Indian homes. Made by whisking curd with water and adding spices like cumin and ginger, this drink is great for digestion and hydration. It can be served plain or garnished with chopped coriander and green chillies for a spicy twist.
3. Aam Panna
Made from raw mangoes, aam panna is a tangy drink with a dash of spice. Boiled green mango pulp is blended with roasted cumin, black salt, mint, and jaggery to create a sharp, refreshing flavour. This is one of those drinks that cools from the inside out while also replenishing lost salts.
4. Badam Milk
Rich and nourishing, badamalmond milk is made by blending soaked almonds with milk, a touch of condensed milk, and a hint of cardamom. Slightly thicker than regular milk, it offers a mild, nutty flavour. Served cold, it not only cools the body but also provides an energising boost along with essential nutrients.
5. Nannari Sherbet
A lesser-known gem from South India, nannari sherbet is made from the roots of the Indian sarsaparilla plant. The syrup is mixed with cold water or soda and often a splash of lime juice. Known for its detoxifying properties, it’s a natural body coolant that’s particularly popular in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
6. Coconut Water with Sabja Seeds
Fresh coconut water is naturally cooling and hydrating, but adding soaked sabja (basil) seeds takes it up a notch. A squeeze of lemon can bring in some zest and make it even more refreshing.
7. Jaljeera
Made with tamarind, mint, cumin, and black salt, this zippy drink is best served chilled. It helps stimulate digestion while giving you an instant energy lift on scorching afternoons.
With these seven drinks, you can skip the sugar-laden sodas and artificial juices this summer. Lounging at home, sweating it out under the sun, or catching up with friends in the evening, these traditional coolers bring both flavour and function to your glass. Give them a try, and your body will thank you.