The importance of hydrated during summer in India is incredibly important, especially during hot summer months when the risk of dehydration is high. When we don’t drink enough fluids, our body doesn’t have enough water to function properly, which can lead to fatigue, headaches, and other health problems.
Drinking refreshing summer drinks like lemonade, coconut water, or buttermilk can not only help quench thirst but also provide essential electrolytes and nutrients that our body needs to stay healthy.
Summer in India can be incredibly hot and uncomfortable due to the high temperatures and humidity levels. The scorching heat can make it difficult to step outside without feeling drained and exhausted. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to exceed 40°C (104°F) in many parts of the country, making it unbearable for people who aren’t accustomed to the heat.
Additionally, the lack of proper infrastructure like air conditioning and proper ventilation in many homes and public spaces can make the situation even worse. Overall, summer in India can be a challenging time for both locals and tourists alike.
These drinks are not only tasty but also help to cool down the body and provide relief from the heat. Moreover, drinking water and other hydrating fluids can also help maintain healthy skin, aid digestion, and boost the immune system. So, it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids during the summer months to stay hydrated and maintain good health.
Traditional Indian Summer Drinks to stay hydrated during summer
Nimbu Pani: Also known as lemonade, nimbu pani is made by mixing freshly squeezed lemon juice with water and sugar. It’s a popular drink to quench thirst during hot summer days.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 lemons
- 4 cups of water
- Sugar or honey, to taste
- A pinch of salt
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Squeeze the juice out of the lemons and strain it to remove any seeds or pulp.
- In a pitcher, mix the lemon juice, water, sugar or honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the sugar or honey has dissolved.
- Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
- Chill the nimbu pani in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the lemonade over ice cubes and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Tips:
- You can also add a dash of black salt or cumin powder to give your nimbu pani a tangy and spicy twist.
- For a more colorful and flavorful lemonade, add some crushed strawberries or blueberries to the mix.
- To make a sparkling version of nimbu pani, replace some of the water with club soda or sparkling water.
Enjoy this delicious and refreshing drink that’s perfect for beating the heat!
Aam Panna: Aam Panna is a refreshing drink made with raw mango pulp, sugar, and spices. It’s not only delicious but also helps to cool down the body. Aam panna is a popular drink in India that’s made with raw mangoes and a blend of spices. Here’s a simple recipe to make aam panna at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 raw mangoes
- 4 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of sugar or jaggery, to taste
- 1 tsp of roasted cumin powder
- 1 tsp of black salt
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Wash the raw mangoes and boil them in a pot of water until they are soft and cooked through.
- Remove the mangoes from the pot and let them cool.
- Once the mangoes are cool, remove the skin and scoop out the pulp.
- In a blender, mix the mango pulp, water, sugar or jaggery, cumin powder, black salt, black pepper, and fresh mint leaves. Blend until smooth.
- Taste the aam panna and adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
- Chill the drink in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the aam panna over ice cubes and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Tips:
- If you don’t have fresh raw mangoes, you can use canned or frozen mango pulp instead.
- You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to the aam panna for a tangy twist.
- For a more spicy version of aam panna, add some chopped green chilies or ginger to the mix.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy drink that’s perfect for the summer months!
Lassi: A classic yogurt-based drink, usually made with yogurt, water, and sugar, which is then blended until frothy. Some popular variations of lassi include mango lassi and rose lassi. Lassi is a popular yogurt-based drink in India that’s perfect for hot summer days. Here’s a simple recipe to make lassi at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of plain yogurt
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1/2 cup of sugar or honey, to taste
- A pinch of salt
- Ice cubes
- Optional flavors: mango pulp, rose water, cardamom powder, saffron
Instructions:
- In a blender, mix the plain yogurt, cold water, sugar or honey, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Taste the lassi and adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
- Chill the lassi in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the lassi over ice cubes and garnish with your choice of flavor, if desired.
Variations:
- Mango Lassi: Add 1/2 cup of mango pulp to the blender and blend until smooth.
- Rose Lassi: Add a few drops of rose water to the blender and blend until combined.
- Cardamom Lassi: Add 1/2 tsp of cardamom powder to the blender and blend until combined.
- Saffron Lassi: Soak a few strands of saffron in a tablespoon of warm water for 10 minutes. Add the saffron water to the blender and blend until combined.
Tips:
- For a thicker and creamier lassi, use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt.
- You can also add some fresh fruits, such as strawberries or bananas, to the lassi for added flavor and nutrition.
- To make a vegan version of lassi, use plant-based yogurt and sweeteners.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy drink that’s perfect for beating the heat!
Fruit-Based Summer Drinks
Watermelon cooler: The watermelon cooler is a perfect drink for hot summer days. It’s refreshing, hydrating and tastes amazing. Here’s a simple recipe to make watermelon cooler at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of watermelon, diced and deseeded
- 1 cup of cold water
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar, to taste
- Mint leaves, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a blender, blend the diced watermelon until smooth.
- Pour the watermelon juice through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher, to remove any pulp or seeds.
- Add cold water, fresh lemon juice, and honey or sugar to the pitcher. Stir well until the sweetener is dissolved.
- Chill the watermelon cooler in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the watermelon cooler over ice cubes and garnish with mint leaves.
Tips:
- You can also add some ginger, lime, or basil to the watermelon cooler for added flavor.
- For an adult version of the watermelon cooler, add a splash of vodka or rum.
- To make the drink more hydrating, you can add some coconut water or a pinch of salt to the mix.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy watermelon cooler that’s perfect for staying cool and refreshed during the hot summer months!
Pineapple and coconut drink: Pineapple and coconut drink is a tropical and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for hot summer days. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious drink at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Ice cubes
- Pineapple wedges or mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, blend the fresh pineapple chunks until smooth.
- Pour the pineapple juice through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher.
- Add the coconut milk, water, honey or sugar, and lime juice to the pitcher. Stir well until the sweetener is dissolved.
- Chill the pineapple and coconut drink in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the drink over ice cubes and garnish with pineapple wedges or mint leaves.
Tips:
- For a thicker and creamier drink, use full-fat coconut milk or add some frozen pineapple chunks to the blender.
- If you don’t have fresh pineapple, you can also use canned pineapple or pineapple juice.
- To make the drink more tropical, add some rum or vodka to the mix.
Enjoy this delicious and refreshing pineapple and coconut drink that will transport you to a tropical paradise!
Mango and ginger drink: Mango and ginger drink is a flavorful and spicy beverage that’s perfect for hot summer days. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious drink at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups of cold water
- 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Ice cubes
- Mango slices or mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, blend the chopped mangoes and ginger until smooth.
- Pour the mango and ginger mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher.
- Add the cold water, honey or sugar, and lime juice to the pitcher. Stir well until the sweetener is dissolved.
- Chill the mango and ginger drink in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the drink over ice cubes and garnish with mango slices or mint leaves.
Tips:
- You can adjust the amount of ginger according to your preference for spiciness.
- If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can also use ginger powder or ginger syrup.
- For a creamier drink, add some coconut milk or yogurt to the mix.
Enjoy this flavorful and spicy mango and ginger drink that’s perfect for beating the heat and boosting your energy levels!
Iced Tea and Coffee
Mint iced tea is a refreshing and cooling beverage that’s perfect for hot summer days. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious drink at home:
Ingredients:
- 4-5 cups of water
- 6-7 tea bags (black tea or green tea)
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup of honey or sugar, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves or lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add the tea bags and fresh mint leaves. Let steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and strain the tea mixture into a pitcher.
- Stir in honey or sugar and lemon juice, until the sweetener is dissolved.
- Chill the mint iced tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the mint iced tea over ice cubes and garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon wedges.
Tips:
- You can adjust the amount of mint leaves and sweeteners according to your preference.
- For an even stronger mint flavor, you can muddle the mint leaves before steeping.
- You can also add some sliced fresh ginger or orange slices to the mix for added flavor.
Enjoy this refreshing and delicious mint iced tea that’s perfect for staying cool and hydrated during the hot summer months!
Cold brew coffee is a smooth and refreshing way to enjoy your favorite coffee without the bitterness and acidity of hot-brewed coffee. Here’s a simple recipe to make cold brew coffee at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans
- 4 cups of cold water
- Milk or cream, to taste (optional)
- Sweetener, to taste (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee beans and cold water.
- Stir well until the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
- Cover the jar or pitcher and let the coffee steep in the refrigerator for at least 12-24 hours.
- After steeping, strain the coffee mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean pitcher.
- Serve the cold brew coffee over ice cubes and add milk or cream and sweetener, if desired.
Tips:
- You can adjust the amount of coffee beans and steeping time according to your preference for strength.
- You can also use flavored coffee beans or add some vanilla extract or cinnamon to the coffee mixture for added flavor.
- Cold brew coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Enjoy this smooth and refreshing cold brew coffee that’s perfect for hot summer days or anytime you want a delicious and refreshing coffee drink!
Masala chai iced tea is a refreshing twist on traditional Indian tea, spiced with aromatic spices and served chilled over ice. Here’s a simple recipe to make masala chai iced tea at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 cardamom pods, crushed
- 4-5 cloves
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup of honey or sugar, to taste
- 1/2 cup of milk (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves or lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the black tea bags, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, and fresh ginger. Let steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and strain the tea mixture into a pitcher.
- Stir in honey or sugar, until the sweetener is dissolved.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- To serve, pour the masala chai tea over ice cubes and add milk, if desired.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon wedges.
Tips:
- You can adjust the amount of spices and sweetener according to your preference.
- For an even stronger masala chai flavor, you can simmer the tea mixture on low heat for 10-15 minutes before straining.
- You can also use green tea instead of black tea for a lighter flavor.
Enjoy this flavorful and refreshing masala chai iced tea that’s perfect for staying cool and hydrated during the hot summer months!
In conclusion, staying hydrated during summer in India is crucial for maintaining good health and avoiding heat-related illnesses. Drinking plenty of water and other refreshing summer drinks can help replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat, and keep the body cool and energized.
Traditional Indian summer drinks like nimbu pani, aam panna, lassi, jaljeera, watermelon cooler, pineapple and coconut drink, mango and ginger drink, and mint iced tea are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can benefit your overall well-being. So, make sure to stay hydrated and enjoy these tasty summer beverages to beat the heat and stay healthy!
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