Summer in India is synonymous with sizzling heat and the quest for something refreshing. To help you beat the heat, we’ve curated a list of five natural Indian drinks. These beverages are not only easy to prepare with local ingredients but also have a cooling effect on the body, as suggested by Ayurveda. So, let’s dive in!
1. Aam Panna (Raw Mango Drink)
Ingredients: 2 unripe green mangoes, unrefined sugar, roasted cumin, Himalayan salt, mint leaves. Preparation: Boil the mangoes until the peel can be removed. Cool, peel, remove the pulp from the seed and grind with enough water to make a thick paste. Mix in unrefined sugar (1 part of pulp: 2 parts of sugar) and simmer on a stovetop till the sugar dissolves. Cool and mix 2 spoons of the sweetened pulp in a cup of water; add roasted cumin and Himalayan salt. Garnish with mint and serve!
2. Nannari Sherbet
Ingredients: Nannari syrup, water, lime, crushed ice. Preparation: Mix Nannari syrup with water, add a dash of lime and tons of crushed ice. Stir well and serve chilled.
3. Jal Jeera/Shikanji
Ingredients: Lemon, water, roasted cumin, pepper, black salt, mint leaves, boondi. Preparation: Mix lemon juice with water, add roasted cumin, pepper, and black salt. Garnish with mint leaves and boondi. Serve chilled.
4. Sattu Cooler
Ingredients: Sattu (roasted gram flour), water, cumin, black salt. Preparation: Mix sattu with water, add cumin and black salt. Stir well and serve chilled.
5. Buttermilk (Chaas)
Ingredients: Greek yogurt, water, roasted cumin, Himalayan salt, cilantro or mint leaves. Preparation: In one cup of Greek yogurt, add two-three cups of water, churn them in a blender really well. Add roasted cumin and Himalayan salt. Garnish with cilantro or mint leaves and serve.
These drinks are not just refreshing but also packed with health benefits. They are perfect for keeping you cool and hydrated during the hot Indian summer.
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