Here is a roundup of the best Indian summer drinks that will not only help beat the heat this summer, but will also keep all those summer ailments at bay.
There are a lot of things that you can do to beat the scorching summer heat – one of them being drinking lots of fluids. (For more ideas on how to beat the heat, read 12 best ways to beat the heat) Water is definitely the best drink you could ever opt for, while caffeinated beverages, aerated drinks (soft-drinks) or packaged juices are best avoided.
But, drinking only water can get a bit… well, boring! And if that’s the case with you, this roundup will provide you with some refreshing, healthy and even tangy alternatives to quench your thirst and stay hydrated this summer.
Without much further ado, here is a roundup of the best Indian summer drinks that will not only help you beat the scorching heat, but also keep away summer ailments.
1. Aam Panna
This is one of my favourites. Aam Panna is an Indian summer drink made of raw mangoes and well-known for its heat-resistant properties. This tangy, tasty and healthy beverage is considered to be beneficial in treating several gastrointestinal disorders. It is regarded as a tonic and is believed to increase resistance against cholera and dysentery.
Here is a great Aam Panna Recipe that you could try out. It is a simple and easy to follow recipe that i’m sure you’ll love. Aam panna is a popular tangy summer cooler. Here is a simple recipe for how to make aam panna. Green mango panna or aam panna is a great remedy for heat stroke and dehydration. It is packed with vitamins too.
Alternatively, you could check out this video by Nisha Madhulika if you would like to prepare some Aam Panna concetrate that could last you all summer.
Loved these Aam Panna recipes?
2. Kokum sherbet
Kokum sherbet is a cooling beverage prepared from ripe Kokum fruits, which are known to have several health benefits (Learn more from this infographic on 5 goan superfoods you’ll love). Kokum sherbet is very popular in India during summer as it has a cooling effect and also helps relieve acidity and other gastric troubles. It improves digestion and appetite. it is a very refreshing and tasty way to quench your thirst. Check out this recipe and prepare your own kokum sherbet this summer. Kokam Sherbet is one of the most refreshing drink on earth! Kokam Sherbet is cool and beat’s heat. Have a glass of Kokam Sherbet to keep heat at bay. Kokam is known as …
3. Shikanji/indian Lemonade
Shikanji is a healthy Indian version of Lemonade. It is popular in the northern parts of India and makes use of black salt, cumin powder and other spices in its preparation. Its is a refreshing drink loaded with Vitamin C. Shikanji helps maintain the electrolyte balance in the body during the hot sweaty summers , is a coolant and also improves digestion.
Here is a simple and easy to make Shikanji recipe that you could try out. Shikanji Recipe – Indian Lemonade Recipe – How to make Shikanji, Nimbu Pani Recipe
4. Jal Jeera
Jal jeera is another ideal drink to have during the hot Indian summers. It is a cooling drink and also improves appetite and aids digestion. As the name suggests, it is made from jeera (cumin) along with several other spices and herbs which make it a tangy, aromatic and spicy drink.
I would love to suggest this JalJeera recipe by Dassana Amit. She has also provided useful information regarding the health benefits of the drink and different ways of preparing and using it. in north india, jal jeera is often served in streets by vendors who keep it in matka (large earthen pots) which keeps the drink cool. 
5. Thandai
Thandai is an almond and milk based beverage, and is very popularly served during the Holi festival. It is a flavourful, refreshing drink having several health benefits such as immune boosting properties and improving digestion. Check out this post and learn how to to make some refreshing thandai.
Thandai is a very popular drink in North India made during Mahasivarathri and Holi. Last week my north indian neighbour casually was talking about thandai, a special drink made for Holi, when I asked her …
These are some of the drinks I enjoy on a hot summer day. Some other refreshing choices are fresh fruit juices, tender coconut water, milkshakes, lassi etc.
What is your favourite summer drink? Do let us know in the comments. We love hearing from you. And do remember to like and share this article if you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.
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Great collection of summer drinks dear..very refreshing:)
Great collection, Kimberly! I love all of these drinks and Jal Jeera is my favorite! refreshing!
Great collection of all the refreshing drinks dear:)…They look so tempting and delicious:)
I'm trying to drink more water, and you're right – it can get boring! These look like delicious and healthy drinks to help keep me hydrated this summer. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty 🙂
Hi Anthea… There's no substituting it 🙂 It just wouldn't be the same. But if i'm not wrong Kokum is the same as Mangosteen. (looks like it on google images! 🙂
Otherwise – Strawberries might work. Kokum is a bright red fruit and very sour and tangy to taste. And the other spices used work well with a sour drink… dunno how it would taste with rasperries…maybe add a bit of lemon juice or tomato juice? Hmmm… This would be a great experiment 🙂
#2 Looks sooo refreshing and I love any pink drink. What kind of fruit could I substitute with do you think?
Actually you can omit the sugar from the others too Sarah, although they wouldn't taste as good!! But my mother is mildly diabetic and has no issues having them without the sugar. Would happily make you some 🙂
Thanks Ritu 🙂 Glad you liked them 🙂
They really are Sherry… especially if you like anything tangy:)
Thanks Jeena 🙂
Nice collection., helpful in summers, Would surely try few
These all sound delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely round of refreshing and lovely summer drinks. Love it 🙂
Number 4 sounds interesting and has no sugar content Kimberly, which is my personal preference. I wouldn't be able to get the ingredients but I'd be very interested to drink a glass if someone made it for me! 🙂
Thanks Robyn. Anything that has a mother's touch is just wonderful in every possible way 🙂 I'm sure your mama's sweet tea is just lovely. Would love to have a taste of it… maybe a recipe post? Foodie for another day? :)…And you could share it at this week's linkup too (In fact the theme this week was supposed to be cool drinks but I decided to leave it open this week being the last party!!… :P)
Those sound lovely. My favorite summer beverage my mama's sweet tea! I'm pinning this so I can try some of these come summer!