When the scorching Indian summer arrives, staying hydrated becomes more than just a necessity—it’s an art form. For centuries, households across India have relied on a vibrant array of traditional summer drinks to combat the relentless heat. These beverages are not just refreshing; they are crafted with natural ingredients that cool the body from within, replenish lost electrolytes, and provide a burst of delicious flavour. This 2026 guide introduces you to the best traditional summer drinks of India, complete with easy recipes to help you beat the heat the natural way.
Quick Answer
India’s best traditional summer drinks include Aam Panna (from raw mangoes), Jaljeera (a tangy cumin water), Nimbu Pani (classic limeade), and Lassi (a yogurt-based drink). These beverages use natural cooling ingredients like mint, cumin, and yogurt to hydrate the body, aid digestion, and provide essential nutrients to fight summer fatigue.
Why Choose Traditional Indian Coolants?
In a world flooded with sugary sodas and artificial juices, turning to traditional recipes offers a multitude of benefits. Unlike commercial drinks that provide empty calories, these homemade coolers are packed with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Ingredients like raw mango, kokum, and bael (wood apple) have natural cooling properties recognized in Ayurveda. They are specifically designed to tackle common summer problems like dehydration, indigestion, and loss of appetite. Making these drinks at home allows you to control the sugar content and use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Rediscovering these traditional summer drinks of India is a delicious way to stay healthy and refreshed throughout the season.
The Best Summer Drinks and Their Benefits
Let’s explore some of the most popular and effective traditional coolers from different parts of India.
- Aam Panna: Hailing from North India, this is a quintessential summer drink made from tangy raw green mangoes. It’s a powerhouse of Vitamin C and is excellent for preventing heatstroke and replenishing salt and iron lost through sweat.
- Jaljeera: The name translates to ‘cumin water’. This zesty drink is made with cumin, mint, ginger, and other spices. It’s a fantastic appetiser and digestive aid, perfect for combating the sluggish feeling that often comes with hot weather.
- Lassi: A popular yogurt-based drink from Punjab, Lassi comes in sweet and salty varieties. It’s a great source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. Mango Lassi is a particularly beloved sweet version.
- Chaas (Buttermilk): Lighter than lassi, Chaas is a spiced buttermilk that is incredibly cooling and hydrating. It’s often flavoured with roasted cumin powder, ginger, and coriander, aiding digestion after a heavy meal.
- Nimbu Pani (Shikanji): The humble Indian lemonade, but often with a twist. Besides lemon juice, water, and sugar, it’s frequently spiced with black salt, cumin powder, and sometimes ginger, making it an excellent electrolyte replenisher. You can find more details in our guide on Jaljeera and other digestive drinks of India.
- Kokum Sharbat: A popular drink from the Konkan coast, made from the deep purple Kokum fruit. It’s known for its cooling properties and is a great remedy for acidity and indigestion.
Is Chaas better than Lassi in summer?
Both are excellent choices, but for everyday hydration, Chaas (buttermilk) is often considered better. It is much lighter in consistency and lower in calories than Lassi. Its watery nature makes it more effective for quenching thirst, while the spices aid digestion, a common issue in summer. Lassi is more of a filling, meal-like drink.
Step-by-Step Recipes to Make at Home
Here’s how you can easily prepare these refreshing drinks in your own kitchen.
Recipe 1: Classic Aam Panna
- Boil the Mangoes: Take 2-3 medium-sized raw green mangoes. Boil or pressure cook them until they are soft and pulpy.
- Extract the Pulp: Once cooled, peel the mangoes and squeeze out all the pulp. Discard the skin and seed.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the mango pulp, 1 cup of sugar (adjust to taste), 1/2 cup of mint leaves, 1 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder, and 1 teaspoon of black salt. Blend until smooth.
- Make the Concentrate: This thick paste is your Aam Panna concentrate. You can store it in a glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Serve: To serve, mix 2-3 tablespoons of the concentrate in a glass of chilled water. Stir well, add ice cubes, and garnish with a fresh mint leaf.
Recipe 2: Refreshing Jaljeera
- Prepare the Mint Paste: In a blender, add 1 cup of fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup of coriander leaves, 1-inch piece of ginger, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add a little water and blend to a smooth paste.
- Mix the Spices: In a large jug, add the mint-coriander paste. To this, add 4 cups of chilled water.
- Add Flavour: Stir in 2 teaspoons of roasted cumin powder, 1 teaspoon of black salt (kala namak), 1/2 teaspoon of amchur (dry mango powder), and a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
- Sweeten and Garnish: Add sugar or jaggery if you prefer a hint of sweetness. For a traditional touch, add a few ‘boondis’ (tiny fried gram flour balls) just before serving. Serve chilled.
A Comparison of Popular Summer Coolants
| Drink | Main Ingredient | Primary Benefit | Taste Profile |
| Aam Panna | Raw Mango | Prevents Heatstroke, Vitamin C | Sweet and Tangy |
| Jaljeera | Cumin and Mint | Aids Digestion, Appetiser | Spicy and Tangy |
| Chaas | Yogurt/Buttermilk | Hydrating, Probiotic | Salty and Spiced |
| Lassi | Yogurt | Cooling, Probiotic, Filling | Sweet or Salty |
| Kokum Sharbat | Kokum Fruit | Reduces Acidity, Cooling | Sweet and Sour |
| Nimbu Pani | Lemon | Replenishes Electrolytes | Salty, Sweet, and Tangy |
Mistakes to Avoid for the Perfect Summer Drink
- Using Refined Sugar: While convenient, refined white sugar adds empty calories. Opt for healthier alternatives like jaggery (gud), rock sugar (mishri), or honey to sweeten your drinks.
- Serving at Room Temperature: These drinks are meant to be served chilled. Always use cold water and add plenty of ice cubes for the most refreshing experience.
- Not Using Fresh Herbs: The flavour of drinks like Jaljeera and Aam Panna depends heavily on fresh mint and coriander. Avoid using wilted or old herbs.
- Ignoring the Balance of Flavours: The magic of these drinks lies in the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy. Always taste and adjust the seasonings (salt, sugar, lemon juice) before serving.
Can I make these drinks without sugar?
Yes, absolutely. Most of these drinks can be made without any sweetener. For example, a salty Lassi (with just yogurt, water, salt, and cumin) or a plain Chaas is extremely popular and healthy. For sweet drinks, you can use natural sweeteners like dates or a little bit of honey, or simply enjoy the natural tang of the ingredients.
Conclusion
As the temperatures rise in 2026, let your kitchen become a source of cool, healthy refreshment. These traditional summer drinks of India are a delicious link to our heritage, offering a perfect blend of taste and health. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, they are the ideal way to stay hydrated, cool, and energised through the hottest months of the year. So, ditch the packaged drinks and embrace the goodness of homemade Indian coolers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best drink for dehydration in summer in India?
Nimbu Pani (Shikanji) and coconut water are two of the best drinks for dehydration. Nimbu Pani, especially when made with black salt and a pinch of sugar, quickly replenishes lost salts and electrolytes. Coconut water is a natural isotonic drink, rich in potassium and other essential minerals.
Are these drinks suitable for children?
Yes, most of these traditional drinks are excellent for children. They are natural, free from artificial colours and preservatives, and provide essential nutrients. You might want to adjust the spice levels in drinks like Jaljeera for younger kids. Sweet Lassi is often a big hit with children.
How long can I store these drinks?
It’s best to consume these drinks fresh. However, you can prepare concentrates. Aam Panna concentrate can be stored in the fridge for about two weeks. For drinks like Jaljeera, you can make the spice mix powder and store it for months in an airtight container.
Can I use packaged yogurt to make Lassi or Chaas?
Yes, you can use packaged plain yogurt (dahi). For the best taste and probiotic benefits, choose a good quality, full-fat yogurt for Lassi and a low-fat one for Chaas. Homemade yogurt is, of course, the most traditional and often the best option if available.
What is the difference between Sharbat and Shikanji?
Shikanji is a specific type of lemonade, typically from North India, spiced with ingredients like cumin and black salt. Sharbat is a more general term for a sweet drink, usually made from a syrup of fruits, flowers, or herbs mixed with water, like Kokum Sharbat or Rose Sharbat.