Explore India’s Best Summer Drinks: From the Himalayas to the Southern Coast
As summer heat creeps into India around March, people across the country turn to time-tested beverages to cool off. From curd-based buttermilks to fruit-infused sherbets, these age-old recipes are more than just thirst-quenchers—they’re packed with heritage, flavor, and health benefits.
While sharbat has Persian and Mughal roots, its legacy lives on in countless regional Indian drinks. Stories even suggest that Mughal emperor Babur fetched ice from the Himalayas for his favorite sharbat! Whether myth or truth, one thing’s clear—India’s local coolers are here to stay.
7 Must-Try Traditional Summer Drinks of India
1. Babri Beol (Jammu & Kashmir)
Also known as Kan Sharbat, this cooling milk drink is made with basil seeds (sabja), cardamom, coconut, and dry fruits. The swollen seeds resemble pearls, offering both visual delight and natural body-cooling benefits.
2. Sol Kadi (Maharashtra / Konkan Coast)
This vibrant pink drink from the Konkan coast blends kokum and coconut milk with a dash of cumin and green chilies. Despite being served warm or at room temperature, its tangy, spiced flavor makes it a refreshing digestive—especially after a hearty summer meal.
3. Gondhoraj Ghol (West Bengal)
An aromatic take on traditional buttermilk, this drink uses Gondhoraj lime, curd, black salt, and sugar. Light, tangy, and incredibly fragrant.
4. Chuak (Tripura)
Chuak is a traditional rice-based fermented drink from Tripura in Northeast India, deeply rooted in tribal culture. Crafted during festivals and special ceremonies, this homemade rice beer is a symbol of unity and shared celebration, often prepared by elders and offered to guests as a mark of respect and hospitality.
5. Tikhur Sherbat (Chhattisgarh)
Made from East Indian Arrowroot (Curcuma Angustifolia), this starch-rich drink helps regulate body temperature and is considered good for bone health.
6. Nongu Sherbat (Tamil Nadu, Bengal, Maharashtra)
Made from ice apple (palmyra fruit), this naturally hydrating sherbat is often mixed with sugar, rosewater, lime, or mango for added flavor.
7. Nannari Sharbat (South India)
Prepared with sarsaparilla root, this cooling drink is a natural detoxifier and is typically mixed with lime juice and soda.
Summer Drink Recipes: Make It at Home
Babri Beol Recipe
Ingredients: Freshly boiled milk, soaked basil (sabja) seeds, grated coconut or creamy coconut milk, aromatic cardamom powder, strands of saffron, chopped almonds and pistachios, and natural sweetener like sugar.
Method Summary: Soak the basil seeds until they swell, then gently mix them with cooled milk, a touch of cardamom, and either grated coconut or coconut milk for a refreshing, aromatic drink.
Tikhur Sherbat Recipe
Ingredients: Tikhur globules, rock sugar (mishri), water
Method Summary: Dissolve tikhur in water, add cleaned rock sugar, strain, and serve with ice for a naturally cooling and energizing drink.
Faq About Explore India’s Best Summer Drinks: From the Himalayas to the Southern Coast
Q1. What are some traditional Indian summer drinks people enjoy during hot months?
Ans: India offers a rich variety of summer drinks like Babri Beol, Sol Kadi, Gondhoraj Ghol, Chuak, Tikhur Sherbat, Nongu Sherbat, and Nannari Sharbat—each with cultural roots and health benefits.
Q2. What is Babri Beol and where does it come from?
Ans: Babri Beol, also known as Kan Sharbat, is a cooling milk-based drink from Jammu & Kashmir made with basil seeds, dry fruits, coconut, and cardamom.
Q3. What makes Sol Kadi a popular summer drink?
Ans: Sol Kadi from the Konkan coast combines kokum and coconut milk with spices like cumin and chilies, offering a tangy, digestive-friendly beverage even when served warm.
Q4. What’s unique about Gondhoraj Ghol from West Bengal?
Ans: It’s a fragrant buttermilk variation made using Gondhoraj lime, curd, black salt, and sugar—known for its aroma and refreshing taste.
Q5. What is Chuak and what is its cultural significance?
Ans: Chuak is a traditional fermented rice beer from Tripura, served during festivals as a symbol of community bonding and respect for guests.
Q6. How is Tikhur Sherbat beneficial for health?
Ans: Made from East Indian arrowroot, this Chhattisgarhi drink cools the body and supports bone health due to its starch-rich content.
Q7. What is Nongu Sherbat and where is it popular?
Ans: Nongu Sherbat, made with ice apple or palmyra fruit, is a naturally hydrating drink enjoyed in Tamil Nadu, Bengal, and Maharashtra, often flavored with rosewater or mango.
Q8. Why is Nannari Sharbat considered a detox drink?
Ans: Prepared with sarsaparilla root, Nannari Sharbat is a traditional South Indian drink known for cooling the body and cleansing toxins, often mixed with lime and soda.
Q9. Can I make Babri Beol at home?
Ans: Yes! Soak basil seeds, mix with cooled milk, cardamom, coconut, saffron, and nuts for a refreshing homemade Babri Beol.
Q10. How can I prepare Tikhur Sherbat at home?
Ans: Dissolve tikhur in water, add rock sugar (mishri), strain it, and serve chilled for a naturally energizing summer cooler.
Comments (1)
hi
May 17, 2025