5 Lesser-Known Summer Drinks from India to Quench Your Thirst

When the scorching summer sun beats down, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a cool and revitalizing drink to beat the heat. While popular beverages like lemonade and iced tea are go-to choices for many, India boasts a treasure trove of lesser-known summer drinks that are equally delicious and invigorating. From traditional concoctions to regional specialties, here are five lesser-known summer drinks from India that are sure to quench your thirst and tantalize your taste buds:

1. Aam Panna

Aam Panna is a tangy and refreshing drink made from raw mangoes, mint, spices, and sugar. This traditional Indian cooler is renowned for its cooling properties and is believed to help prevent heatstroke and dehydration during the hot summer months. Aam Panna’s sweet and sour flavor profile, combined with hints of cumin and black salt, makes it a popular choice for beating the summer heat in regions across India.

2. Sol Kadhi

Originating from the coastal regions of Maharashtra and Goa, Sol Kadhi is a unique and savory drink made from kokum (Garcinia indica) fruit and coconut milk. This pink-hued beverage is known for its tangy and slightly sour flavor, which is balanced by the creamy richness of coconut milk. Sol Kadhi is not only refreshing but also aids digestion and helps cool the body, making it a popular choice for hot summer days.

3. Bel Sharbat

Bel Sharbat, also known as Wood Apple Juice, is a traditional summer drink made from the pulp of the bel fruit, sugar, and water. Bel fruit, or wood apple, is native to India and is prized for its cooling and digestive properties. Bel Sharbat has a unique flavor that is both sweet and tangy, with hints of caramel and vanilla. This refreshing beverage is often enjoyed chilled and is believed to help regulate body temperature and boost immunity during the summer months.

4. Thandai

Thandai is a popular North Indian drink that is traditionally consumed during festivals like Holi and Maha Shivaratri. Made from a blend of milk, almonds, pistachios, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, cardamom, and saffron, Thandai is a creamy and aromatic beverage that is served chilled. This rich and indulgent drink is believed to have cooling properties and is often enjoyed as a refreshing treat on hot summer days.

5. Panakam

Panakam is a traditional South Indian drink made from jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), water, cardamom, and ginger. This sweet and spiced beverage is particularly popular during the summer months and is often prepared as an offering to deities during religious festivals like Sri Rama Navami. Panakam is known for its hydrating and digestive properties and is believed to help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating, making it an ideal thirst-quencher for hot summer days.

Conclusion

While lemonade and iced tea may be the go-to summer drinks for many, India offers a diverse array of lesser-known beverages that are equally delicious and refreshing. From the tangy goodness of Aam Panna to the creamy richness of Thandai, these traditional Indian summer drinks are sure to delight your taste buds and keep you cool and hydrated all season long. So why not add a touch of Indian flair to your summer beverage repertoire and explore the tantalizing flavors of these lesser-known gems?

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