As we struggle to deal with the summer heat and rising temperatures, the Meteorological Department has more bad news. The department has warned of heat waves in the upcoming days and has asked people to remain prepared. Heat waves increase our chances of developing heat stroke and dehydration. And so, staying hydrated is a life-saving requirement during the summer.
Nothing can beat fresh drinking water to quench your thirst and hydrate the body naturally. But if you just get bored of plain drinking water, do not turn to soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. There is an interesting variety of easy, indigenous summer drinks across the country, and this is a good time to explore those.
Aam panna
Though summers bog us down, there are good things that come with summer, too—mangoes being the best. And this traditional drink from raw mangoes is a perfect way to beat the heat, and stay healthy. Besides being a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, it is great defence against heat stroke and dehydration.
To prepare, boil the raw mangoes, remove pulp and let it cool. Blend the pulp along with cardamom powder, sugar or jaggery. Add chilled water to blended mixture and serve. You can even add cumin powder or a few crushed pepper corns to raise spice levels. The sweet-tangy taste, and a hint of spice makes it a refreshing treat.
Tender coconut water
Tender coconut water is one of nature's greatest blessings to help you beat the heat, and also maintain electrolyte balance in the body. And that's probably why street vendors with bunches of tender coconut are a common sight during the sweltering summer. And the good thing is, you can just have it straight out of the coconut; no ingredients, and no time spent preparing a drink.
Jal jeera
A chilled glass of this sweet and spicy summer drink is quite popular in north India. Known for its digestive properties, the concoction with its star ingredients—lemon juice and cumin—makes a great drink after a heavy lunch on a summer afternoon.
For a glass of this refreshing drink, mix lemon juice with jal jeera powder—a powdered mix of cumin seeds, black pepper, ginger, mint and black salt. These days, readymade jal jeera powder is available in the market. All of you have to do is add the powder to a glass of chilled lime juice and mix well. Garnish with boondi (a snack made from chickpea flour) and serve.
Buttermilk
This drink made of beaten curd, is another popular refreshing drink during summers in India. Mostly drank after lunch, a glass of buttermilk helps with digestion, and helps cool down the body.
Mix beaten curd with chopped ginger, curry leaves and a pinch of salt. Blend it together to a get a frothy mixture. Serve cold. You can even add chopped chillies, pepper powder, cumin powder or even chopped shallots, for variations of buttermilk.
Lassi
What's a Punjabi meal without of glass of lassi? Considered a gem in Punjabi cuisine, this is a perfect refreshing drink for the summer heat, and quick to prepare, too. While buttermilk is slightly spicy, this is a sweet version. The heavenly lassi is made by churning together thick curd and sugar. Add some cream and top it with chopped nuts to make it rich.
Shikanji
This is a spiced version of our beloved nimbu paani or lemonade. While the normal lemonade, a staple drink during summers, is a mix of lemon juice, sugar and salt, add shikanji masala to this to pep it up. The shikanji masala is a mix of ginger, cumin powder and black salt.
