India is a country where you can find various fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs even during summer days. The best thing about these fruits and others is that they help beat the summer heat just by having one.
Summer is the hottest and the driest season of the year. April to June is the hottest time in most of the country when summer scorches almost all parts of the India with sweltering heat. Throughout the summer season, hot winds and the bright sun are two of the most inseparable constituents to which every person wants to escape from.
People have their own way of staying relaxed and chilled in this season. Though it’s no more a secret for the travellers who pay their visit here, however, if you are still unsure, we will introduce you to the top 7 special summer Indian beverages that help tackle the scorching heat.
Aam Panna
Sweet, salty and sour, aam panna is made with that quintessential summer ingredient – raw mangoes. The drink is made by boiling raw mangoes and turning it into a puree with mint, black salt and cumin. The black salt gives it a complex, earthy flavour, and the mint lends it a freshness that is much needed in the heat. Aam panna, which is popular all over North India is called kairi panha in Maharashtra. The flavours of the aam panna are complex on its own, so complement with a neutral but good quality vodka.
Nimbu Pani
Nimbu Pani (Lemonade) is a traditional and the most common Indian drink that is very popular in India. It is also called Shikanje in North India and Pakistan, Shikanje/Nimbu pani or Lemonade is prepared with Lemon Juice along with variations of ginger juice, ice and water as well as other ingredients like salt, saffron and cumin. Mint leaves could also be added depending on your taste. A North Indian variety of this drink called Shikanji has black salt and a pinch of cumin. A few strands of saffron are also added to it on occasion. Banta, which is a bottled version of nimbu paani has been sold since the end of the 19th century
Jal Jeera
Jal jeera is one of the common drinks of north India during summer days. It is cooling and refreshing and hence an ideal drink for summertime. It is an appetiser because it has digestive properties. Initially you needed to prepare the powder beforehand and keep it bottled so that the drink could be prepared quickly. However, today there is handy jal jeera powder available in the market and you can prepare a glass of cool drink only by following the instructions on the packet.
Chaach
Chaach in Rajasthan is an amazing natural thirst quencher; it’s the tastiest, smoothest and finest
drink to sip in this region of India. Since it consists of curd, you can enjoy it with a meal to aid your healthy digestive system. This can be found in various authentic Indian restaurants and food courts.
Coconut Water
Green coconuts can be seen anywhere during summer. It is one of the cheapest and most common summer drinks for Indians. It will not just cool and refreshing for your kid, but also fulfil her body’s necessity during summer. It is one of the healthiest options during summer. Coconut water is preferred by many people across India; it is easily found in street markets during summer. Coconut water is the healthiest option to escape the sweltering summer heat.
Sugarcane juice
Sugarcane juice is a popular street-side drink that has been able to adapt with the times – the machines are now automated, and there are several versions of the drink to keep the customer satisfied. The original, however, had little else except for a dash of lime juice to cut through the saccharine sweetness of the cane. These days, it’s not unusual to see versions with ginger, lime or even mint. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could opt for all three! Limoncello with its fruity kick is a great addition to this drink, reducing the sweetness with a splash of Italian citrus.
Aam Ras
The list of top summer drinks cannot be completed without mango juice. It is made of ripe mangoes, is healthy and thirst satisfying as well.
These summer drinks are perfect to make your kid’s summer day refreshing. Some of them are even easy enough for kids to make. So, you can relax and make them help themselves so that they spend some time preparing the drink and feel engaged and special as well. The best thing is that these drinks never go out of fashion.
