Indian Summer Drinks: 12 Easy and Delicious Recipes

Introduction

Indian summers can be scorching, with temperatures soaring beyond comfort. Staying hydrated isn’t just a necessity it’s survival. But instead of reaching for sugary sodas or artificial juices, why not enjoy refreshing, homemade Indian summer drinks that are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits?

I have grown up watching my family prepare these cooling drinks every summer, and trust me, nothing beats the joy of sipping on a chilled Aam Panna or Nimbu Pani on a hot day. Here, I’m sharing 12 easy Indian summer drinks that I swear by simple to make, healthy, and bursting with flavors.

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1. Aam Panna (Raw Mango Drink)

Whenever summer arrives, raw mangoes start appearing in local markets, and that’s the signal to make Aam Panna .This tangy and sweet drink is not just delicious, it’s a natural heatstroke remedy.

Why You Should Try It:

• Aids digestion and prevents bloating.
• Prevents dehydration and protects against heatstroke.
• Rich in Vitamin C, boosting immunity.

How To Make Aam Panna:

Ingredients:

• 2–3 raw mangoes
• 3 tbsp jaggery or sugar
• 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
• ½ tsp black salt
• 5–6 fresh mint leaves
• 2 cups chilled water
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the raw mangoes until soft, then let them cool.
2. Peel and scoop out the pulp.
3. Blend the pulp with jaggery, black salt, cumin, and mint.
4. Add chilled water and stir well.
5. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Pro Tip:

• Add a pinch of black salt for better digestion and extra flavor.
• Store the concentrated pulp in the fridge and mix with water whenever needed!

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2. Jaljeera (Spiced Cumin Drink)

Jaljeera is not just a summer drink; it’s a cooling digestive tonic that many people drink before meals. The combination of cumin, mint, and tamarind gives this drink a bold, tangy flavor while keeping your stomach cool.

Why You Should Try It:

• Aids digestion and prevents acidity.
• Cools the body after eating spicy or oily food.
• Improves appetite and refreshes the senses.

How To Make Jaljeera:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 tbsp roasted cumin powder
• 1 tsp black salt
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 2 cups chilled water
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend mint leaves, cumin powder, black salt, tamarind pulp, and chaat masala into a smooth paste.
2. Mix the paste with chilled water.
3. Strain and serve over ice.

Pro Tip:

Drinking Jaljeera before meals improves digestion.

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3. Nimbu Pani (Indian Lemonade)

A timeless summer classic. Every Indian household has its version of Nimbu Pani, and it’s my go to when I need a quick hydration fix.

Why You Should Try It:

• Instantly refreshes and boosts energy.
• Packed with Vitamin C, great for skin and immunity.
• Prevents dehydration and fatigue in extreme heat.

How To Make Nimbu Pani :

Ingredients:

• 2 fresh lemons
• 2 tbsp sugar or honey
• ½ tsp black salt
• ¼ tsp roasted cumin powder
• 2 cups chilled water
• Mint leaves for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a glass.
2. Add sugar (or honey), black salt, and cumin powder.
3. Pour in chilled water and stir well.
4. Garnish with mint leaves and serve over ice.

Pro Tip:

• Swap sugar with honey for a healthier twist.

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4. Lassi (Sweet and Salty Yogurt Drink)

A thick, creamy Punjabi Lassi is an absolute treat in summer. Whether you prefer it sweet or salty, it’s a fantastic way to keep your stomach cool.

Why You Should Try It:

• Probiotic-rich, supporting gut health.
• Cooling and hydrating, preventing heat exhaustion.
• Boosts energy and helps digestion.

How To Make Lassi:

Ingredients (Sweet Lassi):

• 1 cup fresh yogurt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• Ice cubes

Ingredients (Salty Lassi):

• 1 cup fresh yogurt
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend yogurt with sugar (for sweet) or salt and cumin (for salty).
2. Pour into a glass and serve chilled.

Pro Tip:

• Always use homemade yogurt for a richer taste.

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5. Watermelon Juice

Nothing screams summer like a glass of fresh watermelon juice. It’s hydrating, naturally sweet, and full of essential nutrients.

Why You Should Try It:

• 90% water content, perfect for hydration.
• Rich in antioxidants that promote glowing skin.
• Aids weight loss and digestion.

How To Make Watermelon Juice:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups watermelon cubes (seedless)
• ½ tsp black salt
• 4–5 mint leaves
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend watermelon cubes until smooth.
2. Add black salt and mint leaves.
3. Serve over ice.

Pro Tip:

• A fitness trainer I know drinks watermelon juice post-workout to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes.

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6. Mango Shake – Creamy and Irresistible

Mango lovers, this one’s for you. A Mango Shake is a sweet, creamy, and nutrient-packed summer favorite that instantly cools you down. It’s my go to treat when I crave something refreshing yet filling.

Why You Should Try It:

• Rich in Vitamins & Fiber – Mangoes are packed with Vitamin A, C, and fiber, making this shake both nutritious and delicious.
• Instant Energy Booster – A perfect blend of mango and milk gives you a quick energy boost.
• Creamy & Delicious – Smooth texture and naturally sweet taste make it a summer delight.

How to Make Mango Shake:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ripe mango pulp
• 1 cup chilled milk
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend fresh mango pulp with chilled milk until smooth.
2. Add honey or sugar for extra sweetness.
3. Pour into a glass and top with chopped nuts.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Pro Tip:

• Use chilled milk instead of adding ice cubes to maintain a creamy texture.

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7. Bel Sharbat (Wood Apple Drink) – The Natural Body Cooler

Bel fruit is known for its cooling and digestive benefits, making it a must have summer drink. It has been used in Ayurveda for centuries to prevent heatstroke and aid digestion.

Why You Should Try It:

• Cools the body naturally – Prevents heat exhaustion.
• Aids digestion – Helps with bloating and constipation.
• Rich in Nutrients – Packed with vitamins and minerals.

How to Make Bel Sharbat:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized ripe bel fruit
• 2 cups cold water
• 2 tbsp jaggery or sugar
• ½ tsp black salt

Instructions:

1. Break the bel fruit and scoop out the pulp.
2. Soak the pulp in water for 10 minutes.
3. Mash it well and strain the mixture.
4. Add jaggery, black salt, and mix well.
5. Serve chilled for a refreshing taste.

Pro Tip:

• Let the pulp soak for a few minutes before straining for better flavor.

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8. Sattu Drink – The Protein Powerhouse

A staple summer drink in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal, Sattu Drink is known for its high protein content and excellent hydration benefits.

Why You Should Try It:

• Rich in protein & fiber – Keeps you full for long hours.
• Excellent for hydration – Prevents dehydration in extreme heat.
• Natural energy booster – Perfect for hot summer afternoons.

How to Make Sattu Drink:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp sattu (roasted gram flour)
• 1 glass cold water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp black salt
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder

Instructions:

1. Mix sattu flour with cold water until smooth.
2. Add lemon juice, black salt, and cumin powder.
3. Stir well and serve chilled.

Real-Life Example:

• Many laborers in Bihar rely on Sattu Drink to stay full and hydrated while working in extreme heat.

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9. Thandai – The Festive Delight

A traditional Indian drink, Thandai is rich in nuts, spices, and milk, making it a perfect summer coolant. It’s popularly consumed during Holi and Mahashivratri.

Why You Should Try It:

• Rich in nuts & spices – Packed with almonds, cashews, and fennel.
• Energizing & cooling – Helps the body stay hydrated.
• Boosts digestion – Spices like fennel and cardamom aid digestion.

How to Make Thandai:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled milk
• 10 almonds
• 5 cashews
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp sugar or honey
• 3-4 saffron strands

Instructions:

1. Soak almonds, cashews, and fennel seeds for a few hours.
2. Blend them into a fine paste with a little milk.
3. Mix the paste with chilled milk, sugar, and cardamom powder.
4. Stir well and garnish with saffron strands.
5. Serve chilled.

Pro Tip:

• Best served during festivals for a traditional touch.

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10. Pudina Sharbat (Mint Cooler) – The Instant Refresher

Mint (Pudina) is a natural coolant, making this sharbat a perfect way to beat the summer heat. It’s super easy to make and instantly refreshes you.

Why You Should Try It:

• Cooling effect – Keeps the body fresh and hydrated.
• Aids digestion – Helps with bloating and acidity.
• Super refreshing – Mint and lemon create a perfect summer combo.

How to Make Pudina Sharbat:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp sugar or honey
• ½ tsp black salt
• 1 cup chilled water

Instructions:

1. Blend fresh mint leaves with lemon juice and sugar.
2. Add chilled water and black salt.
3. Stir well and serve over ice.

Pro Tip:

• Serve with ice cubes for extra refreshment.

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11. Kokum Sharbat – The Maharashtrian Favorite

A tangy, deep-purple summer drink, Kokum Sharbat is widely consumed in Maharashtra and Goa for its cooling and digestive properties.

Why You Should Try It:

• Prevents dehydration – Keeps the body cool.
• Helps with acidity – Balances stomach acids.
• Rich in antioxidants – Boosts overall health.

How to Make Kokum Sharbat:

Ingredients:

• 5-6 dried kokum petals
• 2 cups cold water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder

Instructions:

1. Soak kokum petals in water for 30 minutes.
2. Blend them with sugar and cumin powder.
3. Strain and mix with chilled water.
4. Serve over ice.

Real-Life Example:

• Many Maharashtrian households prepare Kokum Sharbat daily during summer to stay hydrated and aid digestion.

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12. Sugarcane Juice – Nature’s Energy Drink

Fresh Sugarcane Juice is one of the best natural energy drinks. You’ll often see roadside stalls selling it, and for a good reason-it’s refreshing, nutritious, and incredibly hydrating.

Why You Should Try It:

• Instant energy booster – Packed with natural sugars.
• Detoxifies the body – Helps cleanse the liver.
• Rich in electrolytes – Prevents dehydration.

How to Make Sugarcane Juice:

Ingredients:

• Fresh sugarcane stalks
• ½ tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp grated ginger
• A few mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Extract fresh sugarcane juice using a juicer.
2. Add lemon juice and grated ginger for extra flavor.
3. Serve chilled with mint leaves.

Pro Tip:

• Always drink it fresh to get the best taste and health benefits.

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Quick Recap of the 12 Easy Indian Summer Drink Recipes

So, we’ve covered 12 amazing summer drinks that not only quench your thirst but also keep you cool and healthy. Just to jog your memory:

• Aam Panna — fight heatstroke.
• Jaljeera — digestion and a zesty kick.
• Nimbu Pani — instant refreshment.
• Lassi — creamy, delicious, and gut-friendly.
• Watermelon Juice — nature’s ultimate hydrator.
• Mango Shake — a summer indulgence you don’t want to miss.
• Bel Sharbat — cooling and great for digestion.
• Sattu Drink — the protein powerhouse.
• Thandai — a festive drink that’s rich in flavors.
• Pudina Sharbat — super fresh and soothing.
• Kokum Sharbat — tangy, refreshing, and full of benefits.
• Sugarcane Juice — pure energy in a glass.

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FAQ

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Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a homemade summer drink to beat the heat. When you make it yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients no artificial flavors, no preservatives, just pure, refreshing goodness. The best part is most of these drinks come together in just 5–10 minutes using everyday kitchen staples. Simple, quick, and healthier than store-bought options.

Personally, I love playing around with flavors. A little extra mint here, a drizzle of honey instead of sugar, or even a fun mashup like mixing Jaljeera with Nimbu Pani for an extra tangy twist. The beauty of homemade drinks is that you can adjust them to your liking, whether you want something sweeter, spicier, or more cooling.

Tried any of these summer drinks? Which one is your favorite? Or do you have a secret family recipe for beating the heat? Drop a comment below I’d love to hear your summer drink hacks.