Summer in India can be intense, but the country’s traditional drinks know just how to beat the heat. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the breezy beaches of Goa, here’s a delicious journey through India's most refreshing summer sips.
Made from raw mangoes, this sweet and tangy drink is a North Indian classic. Infused with mint, cumin, and black salt, Aam Panna is not just a cooler; it’s a hug in a glass after a long sunny day.
Blush pink and coconut-rich, Sol Kadhi is a soothing drink from the Konkan coast. It blends kokum fruit with coconut milk, offering a light, tangy burst perfect after a spicy meal or a day by the sea.
A spiced buttermilk that’s as common in Indian homes as tea, Chaas is seasoned with roasted cumin, curry leaves, and sometimes a hint of green chilli. Simple yet magical, it’s the perfect antidote to soaring temperatures.
Think of Neer Mor as Chaas’ South Indian cousin. This thin, tempered buttermilk flavoured with ginger, green chillies, and coriander leaves is a traditional way to stay fresh in the southern heat.
Packed with protein, this rustic drink is made with roasted gram flour (sattu), lemon, and spices. Earthy, filling, and incredibly cooling, it’s a summer must-have for those travelling through Eastern India.
Made from the wood apple (bel fruit), this sherbet is thick, fragrant, and deeply nourishing. With roots in Ayurveda, it’s said to cool the body from within, making it a sacred summer treat.
Made from tiny, tart phalsa berries, this ruby-coloured drink is both sweet and sour. It’s a rare find these days but seek it out when in North India — a glassful is like sipping pure sunshine.