7 Healthy Indian Beverages for the Summer Season

Summer is in full swing and we can all feel the heat. The rising temperatures not only make us uncomfortable but it also zaps our energy.

One of the reasons why we feel lethargic and overly tired during summer is because the heat can cause dehydration; especially if we don’t consume enough fluids.

Fluids doesn’t mean just water. There are many refreshing Indian non-alcoholic drinks that can easily be prepared at home.

These drinks help in staying hydrated and healthy.

Though tea and coffee are technically fluids, consuming too much of it can lead to dehydration.

And the plethora of soft drinks available in the market these days are no better.

Hence, we bring you this healthy Indian beverages list for the summer season—      

1. Nimbu Pani.

Nimbu Pani is possibly the most common Indian drink that is non-alcoholic. It is certainly one of the most luscious drinks.

Though Nimbu Pani is loved all over the country (India), it is more popular in the Northern and Western states.

In fact, this uber-refreshing drink is so popular that it can be found pretty much anywhere; restaurants, local markets, street food stalls and online retailers.

In the North, Nimbu Pani is known as shikanji.

How to prepare Nimbu Pani?

Nimbu Pani is quite easy to prepare and doesn’t need too many ingredients.

Simply, squeeze the juice out of half a lemon into a glass of water. Add a bit of black salt. If you want, you can add a bit of sugar and balance out the flavours.

You can also drop two leaves of mint if you like the flavour. And your refreshing glass of Nimbu Pani is ready!    

Health Benefits of Nimbu Pani-

When it comes to healthy Indian beverages for weight loss, Nimbu Pani features right at the top.

Though it might not cut fat directly, Nimbu Pani might help with your body’s metabolism. Consequently, it might help in reducing body fat.

One of the most well-known health benefits of lemon water (Nimbu Pani) is that it can reduce cravings and help you feel fuller; especially if consumed before meals. Thus, aiding in weight loss.

Other than that, lemon water keeps you hydrated and aids in digestion as well.

What’s more?

Lemon water has a high content of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and boosts the immune system.      

2. Lassi.

This desi drink is not just a drink, it's an emotion. Packed with nutrients, Lassi is a super- healthy Indian drink.

Lassi originated in Punjab and is an important part of Punjabi culture.

Along with Punjab, Lassi is widely consumed by the people of Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi.

For many people residing in this region, Lassi is a part of their daily-diet.

How to prepare Lassi?

Take some curd, water, roasted cumin powder and black salt. Mix it all together in a blender. Once it is done, pour it into a glass.

Then, sprinkle some cardamom seeds at the top. You can garnish it with mint leaves as well.

In Punjab, curd made from buffalo milk is usually used for making Lassi. However, you can use any type of curd for making your own glass of Lassi.

Health Benefits of Lassi-

During the hot summers of India, Lassi keeps people cool.

People sweat more in summers than in winters. Lassi helps in replenishing all the lost electrolytes. This helps greatly with the body’s hydration.

Lassi has a high content of probiotics. Hence, it assists in maintaining gut health and aids digestion.  

Regular consumption of Lassi also prevents bloating and keeps bowel movements smooth.

Lassi boosts the immune system and helps the body fight off diseases and infections.

Plus, Lassi is known to keep your bones and teeth healthy.        

3. Aam Panna.

Aam panna is a refreshing drink that looks pretty as well.

This mouth-watering drink is mostly available in the summer season as it is made out of raw mangoes. And mangoes can be found mostly in the summer season.

Aam Panna is more popular in the Northern and Western states of India.

This healthy Indian beverage (non-alcoholic) is considered to be an important part of ancient Indian culinary traditions.

The recipe for Aam Panna has been passed down through the generations and can be modified according to the personal preferences of an individual.              

How to prepare Aam Panna?

In order to make Aam Panna, firstly, you would need to boil some raw mangoes. Another way to process the raw mangoes is to roast them.

Once that is done, the pulp needs to be blended with black salt, sugar and roasted cumin powder. You can also add black pepper if you like.

Once the blended mixture is ready, dilute it by adding water and pour it into a glass.

You can garnish it with mint leaves.

Health Benefits of Aam Panna-

Since Aam Panna usually contains spices like mint and cumin, it is really good for the digestive system. It supports digestion, alleviates discomfort and soothes the stomach.

Raw mangoes are high in Vitamin C. Hence, Aam Panna boosts the immune system and helps in fighting off various diseases.

Vitamin C also helps in collagen production. Thus, it makes your skin firmer. Aam Panna also has Vitamin A which is good for your eyes as well as your skin.

The simplest and most important health benefit of Aam Panna is that it helps with hydration and replenishes the electrolytes in your body.

When the electrolytes in your body are properly balanced, the risk of a heat stroke is significantly reduced.

Mangoes contain potassium. Potassium regulates blood pressure, which in turn lowers the risk of hypertension. It is good for overall cardiovascular health.

4. Buttermilk.

An Indian beverages list would be incomplete if the drink Buttermilk is not mentioned.

Buttermilk or Chaas is consumed in a number of Northern and Southern Indian states. In fact, Buttermilk is a staple drink in many households of these states.

To name a few, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Gujrat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.        

How to prepare Buttermilk?

Traditionally, Buttermilk was made by churning cultured cream and separating the butterfat from the liquid part. In many parts of rural India, this process is still followed.

Buttermilk is essentially a byproduct that is produced while making butter the traditional way.

In modern times, Buttermilk is produced by adding certain bacterial cultures to skimmed or low-fat milk.

These bacteria cultures may include Leuconostoc citrovorum, Streptococcus lactis, L. dextranicum and S. cremoris.

These specific bacteria help in fermenting the lactose in the milk and producing lactic acid.

As the lactic acid increases, it makes the Buttermilk thicker. It also gives Buttermilk a tangy flavour.

You can add roasted cumin and black salt to make your glass of Chaas (Buttermilk) tastier.

If you want to prepare Buttermilk at home and are not sure where to get all the bacteria culture, you can skip that step altogether.

You can simply add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a glass of milk. Then, let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Once it is ready, add spices according to your taste preferences and your healthy glass of Buttermilk is ready.

As an alternative, you can add water or milk to a bit of curd and get the desired consistency. Then, you can add the species you want.

However, the taste of the Buttermilk prepared this way can be a bit different from the Buttermilk prepared in the traditional way.

Health Benefits of Buttermilk-

One of the biggest health benefits of Buttermilk is due to the presence of probiotics. It is very good for the digestive system.

The probiotics promote digestion, alleviate bloating and provide relief from acidity.

Buttermilk is rich in electrolytes; which means that it is great for hydration.

With a high calcium content, Buttermilk is effective in maintaining teeth and bone health.

If you drink Buttermilk on a daily basis, it can even prevent osteoporosis and other bone-related health issues.

Due to the presence of Vitamin B12 and phosphorus, Buttermilk can make the immune system stronger.

It can also lower the levels of cholesterol in the body.

When applied topically, the lactic acid in Buttermilk works as an exfoliant and removes dead skin cells.

Consequently, you are left with a brighter, smoother and healthier skin.      

5. Coconut Water.

Coconut Water is one of the most refreshing and healthy Indian drinks you can have this summer.

Coconut Water is liked in all areas of the country.

People in Northern India like to consume Coconut Water in the summer season when temperatures can skyrocket.

However, it is most popular in the Southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

How to prepare Coconut Water?

Coconut Water is a natural drink that needs no preparation. All you need to do is to cut open a coconut, put a straw in and sip.

You can also pour out the water from the coconut into a glass and consume it.

There are many packaged Coconut Water options available in the market these days.

If you go for these, try to choose one that doesn’t contain any added sugar; as it is best to have Coconut Water without any added sugar or preservatives.              

Health Benefits of Coconut Water-

Coconut Water is quite helpful in keeping people hydrated and replenishing all the lost electrolytes (sodium, potassium and magnesium).

The bioactive enzymes in Coconut Water are good for digestion. It is also useful in easing constipation and bloating.

Coconut Water has plenty of potassium. Potassium helps in keeping cholesterol levels in check. It may also aid in regulating blood pressure.

As a result, consuming Coconut Water on a daily basis reduces the risk of heart diseases to a certain extent.

Plus, potassium also aids in maintaining proper bone density.

One of the major health benefits of Coconut Water is that it helps in maintaining a healthy kidney.

Since Coconut Water is a natural diuretic, it flushes out toxins and is able to prevent UTIs (urinary tract infections).

It also helps in keeping kidney stones at bay.

The hydrating properties of Coconut Water combine with its antioxidant properties to give people a healthy and beautiful skin.

What else?

Since Coconut Water has a low fat and calorie content, it is the best natural drink for people who watch their weight closely.

6. Jaljeera.

Jaljeera is a simple Indian drink that happens to be another summer staple.

This particular drink is mainly consumed in Northern India. It keeps people cool when the weather gets too hot.  

How to prepare Jaljeera?

You can easily make Jaljeera drinks at home by following this Jaljeera recipe.

First, you need to prepare a paste. You can do this by blending soaked tamarind, ginger, mint leaves and coriander leaves together.

Once these ingredients have been blended properly, add black pepper, black salt, amchur (or lemon juice) and Jaljeera powder to the mixture.

If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out.

Next, you need to add chilled water to this mixture to make the Jaljeera drink. You can also add a little bit of sugar to balance out the flavours if you find it too sour.

If you are not serving (or drinking) it right away, you can keep it in the fridge for a few hours.

Jaljeera drink is most refreshing when it is consumed chilled or straight away from the fridge.

Health Benefits of Jaljeera-

Due to all the varied ingredients, Jaljeera has a vast number of health benefits.

Black salt and cumin helps with digestion. They also ease bloating and alleviates stomach discomfort.

Jaljeera replenishes the electrolytes lost by the body and aids in hydration.

The tamarind, mint and ginger in Jaljeera work together to flush out toxins from the body. Consequently, it may improve liver function over a period of time.

Ginger and mint are also known to support the immune system as they have antibacterial properties.

Jaljeera has anti-inflammatory properties and hence, it can provide relief from period cramps.

When you are suffering from vomiting and nausea, Jaljeera is great for you as the lemon and ginger in it can soothe your stomach.

7. Sattu Drink.

When it comes to a list of healthy Indian beverage recipes, sattu drink is perhaps not that widely known.

It is mostly prepared and relished by the people of Eastern India. It can be commonly found in Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand.

How to prepare Sattu Drink?

Sattu Drink is one of the easiest healthy Indian summer drinks to prepare at home.

Mix sattu powder with water or milk. Then, add some black salt and roasted cumin powder. And voila! Your Sattu Drink is ready.

If you want to make it more flavoursome, you can also add lemon juice, coriander leaves, mint leaves and a little bit of sugar (or jaggery) to your Sattu Drink.

Sattu powder is made from roasted and ground chickpeas (chana) or barley.

Health Benefits of Sattu Drink-

One of the biggest health benefits of Sattu Drink is that it keeps cholesterol levels in check and regulates blood pressure. As a result, the heart remains healthy.

Sattu Drink is good for the digestive system as this desi summer drink is high in fibre. It can maintain a healthy gut. It is known to relieve constipation as well.

Sattu Drink contains complex carbohydrates which boosts your energy. It is also good for hydration, especially during the hot summer months.

Sattu Drink is loaded with nutrients like Vitamin C, B Vitamins, calcium, protein,   magnesium, iron and manganese.

All these vitamins and minerals support hair and skin health, making it more strong and beautiful.  

Along with the taste and the health benefits, the best thing about the above-mentioned drinks is that you don’t need to be an expert mixologist to prepare these healthy Indian beverages at home.

All you need to do is to gather all the ingredients and swirl up these delicious drinks.              

Healthy Indian Beverages FAQs

What is the golden drink of India?

Haldhi doodh has been nicknamed as the golden drink of India. It is prepared by mixing yellow turmeric into a glass of milk.

The turmeric used to prepare this super-healthy, all-season drink can be raw turmeric juice pressed out of a turmeric root or turmeric powder.

Turmeric milk has been a part of Indian culinary culture and tradition for centuries.

Is lassi good for health?

Lassi is very good for health. Full of probiotics, vitamins and minerals, Lassi is one of the healthiest Indian drinks in the country.  

What drink opens up arteries?

Beetroot juice has been found to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow throughout the body.

Hence, it is instrumental in regulating blood pressure.

Can I drink turmeric milk daily?

Turmeric milk can be consumed frequently. But it is not advisable to have turmeric milk everyday.

Too much of anything is bad for health. The same goes for turmeric milk too.

Drinking turmeric milk on a daily basis can lead to stomach upset, gallbladder issues, liver damage, iron deficiency and unusually thin blood.

You can have it twice or thrice a week to reap the benefits of turmeric milk.

Who should not take lassi? ​

People who suffer from Eczema and other types of skin issues should avoid lassi and buttermilk.    

These healthy Indian beverages can trigger and worsen certain skin conditions such as dryness, burning sensation and irritation of the skin.      

Is buttermilk good for health?

Buttermilk is incredibly good for health. Full of nutrients, it helps in maintaining healthy bones, aids in digestion and keeps the body hydrated.

Compared to other dairy products, buttermilk is quite low in fat and calories. Hence, it is an ideal dairy product for individuals who like to watch their weight.

What is the most unhealthy drink?

The most unhealthy drinks you can have are soft drinks. There is next to none nutritional value and a high sugar content in cold drinks.

Other than that, packaged fruit juices with tons of sugar are considered to be unhealthy as well.

So are the packaged milkshakes and cold coffees etc.