India is one of the hottest countries in the world, and even though its summer lasts just two months or so, it can still seem like an eternity without the right drink to cool you down.
Traditional Indian drinks and beverages come in wide delicious varieties, from savory to sweet, spicy to plain.
Here are some conventional Indian drinks and beverages, my summer favorites, that will help you beat the heat this year!
1. Lassi
To make a basic lassi, combine yogurt, water, and spices in a blender and blend until smooth. For a sweeter lassi, add in some honey or sugar.
And for a more savory version, add in some chopped onions or garlic. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect lassi recipe.
To make a traditional lassi, start by mixing equal parts water and yogurt. Then add some fresh ground ginger, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Add a bit of honey or sugar if you want to sweeten things up. Serve over ice, and enjoy!
2. Nimbu Pani
Nimbu Pani, also known as lemonade, is one of the most famous traditional Indian drinks. It is made with fresh-squeezed lemons, sugar, and water. This refreshing drink is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day.
Nimbu Pani, also known as lemonade, is one of the most famous traditional Indian drinks and beverages. It is made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, water, and cumin seeds. This refreshing drink is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day.
3. Sharbat
India is a land of many cultures and traditions, which is reflected in the wide variety of drinks and beverages available here.
Sharbat is a trendy drink in India, especially during the hot summer months. Made with fruits, herbs, spices, and sometimes even flowers, sharbat is believed to have cooling properties that help relieve thirst and refresh the body.
There are many different types of sharbat, each with its unique flavor. Some of the most popular varieties include rose sharbat, lemon sharbat, mint sharbat, and saffron sharbat.
If you’re looking for a refreshing drink to beat the heat this summer, try one of these traditional Indian drinks and beverages!
4. Masala Chai
India is a land of many cultures and traditions, each with its unique customs and practices. One of the most beloved drinks in India is masala chai. A spiced tea made with milk and a variety of spices.
This fragrant drink is perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. Masala chai can be served as an iced beverage or a piping hot cup of tea, depending on your preferences.
5. Thandai
An excellent, refreshing glass of thandai is the perfect drink to beat the summer heat. Made with milk, almonds, pistachios, cardamom, cloves, and pepper, thandai is a delicious way to stay hydrated.
Plus, it’s packed with nutrients that are good for you! If you’re looking for something a little different, try lassi – a yogurt-based drink also famous in India.
Lassis come in many flavors, including mango and rose. Or, if you’re in the mood for something truly unique, try jaljeera – a carbonated drink made with cumin and mint. No matter what your taste, there are sure to be traditional Indian drinks and beverages that are perfect for you
6. Toddy
Toddy, also known as palm wine, is a fermented drink made from the sap of various palm trees. It’s popular in many parts of India and has a slightly sweet, slightly sour taste.
While it’s usually consumed fresh, it can also be distilled to make arrack, a type of Indian rum. Also, you can enjoy this with Gulab Jamun.
Gulab Jamun is deep-fried balls of dough soaked in syrup – it is a popular dessert served throughout India. You’ll often find them being sold by street vendors who sell other Indian snacks too.
7. Falooda
Falooda is a refreshing summer drink with milk, rose syrup, vermicelli noodles, and ice cream. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day!
8. Chaas
Chass is a yogurt-based drink popular in India, especially during summer. It is cooling and refreshing, making it the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot day. Plus, it’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
9. Shikanji
A refreshing drink made with lemon, water, sugar, and cumin seeds. Shikanji is the perfect thirst-quencher for a hot summer day. Often served over ice, this beverage is famous in north India and Pakistan.
Shikanji is believed to have originated in the Mughal era and was traditionally made with fresh goat’s milk. Today, however, it is more commonly made with water or milk.
For those who dislike traditional Indian drinks and beverages too sweet, nimbu pani (or lemon water) is the perfect alternative. This refreshing drink is made by adding freshly squeezed lemon juice to water.
10. Aam Panna
Aam Panna is a refreshing drink from raw mangoes, sugar, and spices. It’s popular in Northern India and is often served as a welcome drink to guests. This drink is perfect for hot summer days as it helps to cool the body and quench thirst.
Aam Panna is also believed to have many health benefits, such as aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and helping to prevent dehydration.
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to beat the heat this summer, try making aam Panna at home! It is one of the traditional Indian drinks and beverages that will give your day the energy needed.
11. Handia
Traditional Indian drinks and beverages are perfect for staying hydrated during the hot summer. Handia, a type of rice beer, is popular in India and said to have originated in Bihar.
The drink is made by fermenting rice with yeast, which has a slightly sweet taste. Other traditional Indian drinks include lassi, a yogurt-based drink, and jaljeera, a refreshing beverage made with cumin and mint.
These drinks are delicious and packed with electrolytes, making them perfect for rehydrating on a hot day.
12. Fenny
Fenny is a traditional Indian alcoholic drink made from fermented cashew apple juice. It is popular in Goa, where it originates, and in other parts of India.
Fenny is usually clear or slightly cloudy in appearance and has a sweet, fruity taste. It is often served with ice or soda water.
A homemade version can be made by soaking cashew apples in water and adding sugar to the mixture before fermenting. People may also use yeast instead of letting the mixture ferment naturally.
Some companies sell premade fenny that does not need to be mixed at home before consumption. Fenny can be used in cocktails such as gin fizzes, whiskies, and fenny.
13. Kokum Sorbet
Kokum sorbet is among the perfect traditional Indian drinks and beverages to cool you down on a hot summer. Made with kokum syrup, water, and sugar, this refreshing beverage is sure to hit the spot.
Kokum syrup is made from the fruit of the Garcinia Indica tree and has a tart, tangy flavor. When combined with water and sugar, it makes for a delicious and refreshing drink perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.
Although traditionally consumed as an iced beverage, I have also had it served warm with some cardamom pods in the mix. It is one of my favorite ways to enjoy kokum sorbet!
14. Indian Ginger Ale
India is a land of many cultures, and each culture has its unique beverages. One of the most famous traditional Indian drinks and beverages is ginger ale. This drink is made with fresh ginger and is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day.
It is also said to have medicinal properties and can help settle an upset stomach. If you’re looking for a refreshing, delicious, and healthy drink to cool down with this summer, look no further than traditional Indian ginger ale!
Conclusion
India is a land of many cultures, each with its unique set of traditional drinks and beverages. While some of these conventional Indian drinks and beverages may be unfamiliar to us, they are all incredibly refreshing and perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day.
So next time you’re looking for something new to try, why not give one of these traditional Indian drinks and beverages a chance? You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
Frequently Asked Questions on Traditional Indian Drinks and Beverages
Some popular traditional Indian drinks include lassi, a yogurt-based drink, and chai, a spiced tea.
Popular ingredients in traditional Indian beverages include ginger, cardamom, cloves, and milk.
Lassi is usually made with yogurt, while chai is made with milk. Chai also has spices such as ginger, cardamom, cloves, and often cinnamon added to it.
One benefit of these drinks is that they provide a cooling sensation. In addition, these types of drinks offer relief from indigestion and other stomach issues because they have probiotics and electrolytes in them.
