Cool Sips for Hot Days: Refreshing Summer Drinks

Summer’s here, and staying hydrated is key! Forget artificial sweeteners and embrace nature’s bounty. Refreshing drinks don’t need to be complicated; simple is often best. Look for seasonal fruits and herbs to create your own cooling concoctions. Blend, muddle, or infuse – the possibilities are endless. Prioritize ingredients with high water content and natural electrolytes. Remember, hydration supports energy levels, skin health, and overall well-being. Opt for drinks that nourish as well as quench. Experiment with flavors, and enjoy the delicious, healthy ways to beat the summer heat!

Here are five more refreshing summer drinks perfect for India’s scorching heat!

1) Jaljeera 🌿

A tangy, spicy, and cooling drink made with cumin and mint.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups chilled water
• 1 tbsp roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp black salt
• 1/2 tsp chaat masala
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp or lemon juice
• 8-10 mint leaves
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend mint leaves with cumin, black salt, and tamarind pulp.
2. Mix with chilled water and strain.
3. Serve with ice and a mint garnish.

2) Sattu Sharbat 🥣

A protein-rich, cooling summer drink from Bihar.
Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp sattu (roasted gram flour)
• 1 cup chilled water
• 1/2 tsp black salt
• 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix sattu with water, salt, cumin powder, and lemon juice.
2. Stir well until smooth.
3. Serve chilled with coriander garnish.

3) Kokum Sherbet 🍷

A sweet and tangy drink from Maharashtra, great for digestion.
Ingredients:

• 10 dried kokum pieces (soaked in warm water)
• 2 tbsp sugar or jaggery
• 1/2 tsp black salt
• 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 2 cups chilled water

Instructions:

4) Tender Coconut Cooler 🥥

A light, naturally sweet hydrating drink.
Ingredients:

• 1 tender coconut (water and malai)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend tender coconut water with malai, lemon juice, and honey.
2. Serve chilled with ice cubes.

5) Rose Lassi 🌹

A fragrant, creamy yogurt-based drink.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled curd
• 2 tbsp rose syrup
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup chilled water
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend curd, rose syrup, sugar, and water until smooth.
2. Serve with ice cubes and garnish with rose petals.