Beat the heat with these desi delights – naturally cooling, 100% vegetarian, and full of flavor!
When the summer sun is blazing, nothing hits the spot like a glass of icy, traditional Indian refreshment. From creamy yogurt-based drinks to tangy spiced coolers, Indian beverages are rich in flavor and perfect for staying hydrated. These 9 chilled Indian drinks are easy to make at home, vegetarian, and perfect for cooling down instantly. Whether you’re craving something sweet, tangy, or herbal—there’s a sip for every mood!
1. Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk)
Chaas is a classic North Indian summer drink made from yogurt, water, and a blend of spices like roasted cumin, black salt, ginger, and mint. It’s light, cooling, and aids digestion—perfect after a heavy meal or during scorching afternoons. Serve it chilled with a sprig of coriander or mint for a refreshing and gut-friendly beverage.
2. Aam Panna (Raw Mango Cooler)
Aam Panna is a tangy-sweet drink made from boiled raw mangoes, jaggery or sugar, roasted cumin, and black salt. Its naturally cooling properties make it a summer essential across Indian households. It’s great for preventing heatstroke and replenishing electrolytes—delicious, hydrating, and packed with Vitamin C.
3. Jaljeera
This spicy, tangy drink is made from tamarind water, mint, roasted cumin, black salt, and other digestive spices. Jaljeera is not just a thirst-quencher but also a digestive powerhouse. Serve it chilled in small glasses before a meal or as a fun party cooler. It’s bold, zesty, and utterly refreshing.
4. Nimbu Pani (Indian Lemonade)
Simple yet unbeatable, Nimbu Pani is a staple summer drink made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, a pinch of salt, and sometimes mint and cumin powder. It’s customizable—make it sweet, salty, or spiced to your liking. Quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for hydration on the go.
5. Rose Milk
This beautiful pink drink is made with chilled milk and rose syrup, often garnished with crushed ice and rose petals. Rose milk is naturally cooling, calming, and perfect as an afternoon refreshment or a sweet after-meal drink. It’s a favorite in many South Indian households and looks as good as it tastes.
6. Thandai
Traditionally served during Holi, Thandai is a chilled milk-based drink infused with a paste of almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, poppy seeds, cardamom, and saffron. It’s rich, aromatic, and very cooling for the body. You can make a lighter version for daily summer use and store the concentrate for quick mixing.
7. Bel Sharbat (Wood Apple Drink)
Made from the pulp of the bel fruit (wood apple), this sherbet is naturally sweet, cooling, and great for digestion. Blend the pulp with cold water, jaggery, and a touch of black salt. Bel is known for its medicinal properties and is a lesser-known but powerful summer drink from rural India.
8. Coconut Water with Mint & Lime
While plain coconut water is incredibly hydrating, adding a splash of lime juice and crushed mint takes it to the next level. This drink is nature’s electrolyte, keeping you refreshed without added sugar. Serve it chilled straight from the fridge or with ice cubes for instant rehydration.
9. Sattu Sharbat
A traditional cooler from Bihar and UP, this drink is made using roasted gram flour (sattu), lemon juice, water, salt, and sometimes a touch of green chili or mint. It’s protein-rich, energizing, and helps maintain body temperature during hot weather. Sattu sharbat is also very filling—great for fasting days or light lunches.
Conclusion
From the tang of raw mango to the floral aroma of rose and the earthiness of sattu, these 9 Indian summer drinks are your best allies against the sweltering heat. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also hydrate, refresh, and nourish your body naturally. So ditch the store-bought sodas and go desi—your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!