Stay Cool, Stay Desi: 10 Traditional Indian Drinks

Updated: March 15, 2025 05:56

Image Source: NDTV

As the summer heat intensifies, it's time to ditch those sugary cold drinks and opt for traditional Indian beverages that not only quench your thirst but also offer numerous health benefits. Here are ten desi drinks that are sure to beat cold drinks any day:

Aam Panna: This sweet and sour drink from Maharashtra is prepared using green mangoes, cumin, black salt, and mint. It's famous for its heat tolerance and is an ideal combination of sourness and sweetness.

Thandai: Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Thandai is a milk-based beverage flavored with nuts, seeds, and spices such as fennel, rose petals, and cardamom. It's traditionally had during Holi and is famous for its refreshing and fragrant flavors.

Jigarthanda: A specialty from Madurai, Jigarthanda is an unusual cooler consisting of milk, almond gum, sarsaparilla syrup, and ice cream. This sweet, creamy beverage is a local favorite for withstanding the scorching South Indian heat.

Neer Mor: A buttermilk-based spiced beverage from Tamil Nadu, Neer Mor is prepared using yoghurt, water, and spices such as cumin, ginger, and green chillies. It's renowned for its digestive and cooling effects.

Phalsa Sharbat: This sweet and sour Punjab drink is prepared using the phalsa fruit. It's a cool option for hot summer afternoons and has a distinct taste.

Piyush: A favorite Maharashtra drink, Piyush is a sweet and creamy drink prepared using buttermilk, sugar, and nuts. It's famous for its cooling properties and is served at social events.

Chaas: Also called buttermilk, Chaas is a Gujarati staple. It's prepared by mixing water with yoghurt and is sometimes flavored with cumin, coriander, or mint. It helps digest and hydrates.

Sol Kadhi: Yet another Maharashtra drink, Sol Kadhi is prepared using kokum fruit and coconut milk. It has cooling properties and is usually served as a digestive.

Kokum Sherbet: Hailing from Goa, Kokum Sherbet is a sour and slightly sweet beverage prepared using kokum fruit, sugar, and water. It's valued for its cooling effect and digestive benefits.

Jaljeera: This spicy and sour beverage is widely enjoyed throughout India. Prepared using cumin, ginger, black pepper, and spices, Jaljeera is a refreshing drink for hot summer afternoons.

These desi beverages not only provide a cooling relief from the heat but also serve as a healthier option to cold sugary drinks, which are commonly associated with health problems such as diabetes.

Source: Outlook Traveller, Economic Times, Times of India, City Furnish Blog.

Stay Ahead – Explore Now! Gut Check: Ultra-Processed Foods Are Quietly Wrecking Your Microbiome