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.
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