India is a country of diverse culture, traditions, and cuisine. Each state in India has its own unique regional and traditional cuisine that offers a vast array of culinary delights. One of the most significant challenges that people in India face during the summer is beating the scorching heat. A refreshing drink can help quench thirst, cool down the body, and provide nutrition at the same time.
These days we have chilled soft drinks to help us cool off in India’s unforgiving summer heat, but we didn’t always rely on refrigerated drinks. Many regions across India came up with their own summer beverages that helped the body cool down even as the temperature and humidity soared upwards. Let’s have a look at some of these drinks from southern India - Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana - and how they help combat sweltering summers.
Here are the most popular summer coolers from each region:
Karnataka
Karnataka is a state located in the south-western region of India that shares its borders with Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The state has a rich tradition of beverages made from various fruits, vegetables, and spices. Some of the popular drinks that are consumed during the summer are buttermilk, coconut water, mango lassi, sol kadhi, and ambuli juice.
Neer Majjige
You may make a delicious beverage called buttermilk (or neer majjige) by combining curd with water, salt, and spices like cumin, ginger, and coriander. It aids digestion and can make you feel cooler overall.
Coconut Water
Another popular drink that can be found in Karnataka at any time of year is coconut water. Electrolytes, including potassium, sodium, and magnesium, are naturally present in this isotonic beverage.
Mango Lassi
Ripe mangoes, curd, and sugar combine to create a thick and creamy drink known as mango lassi. It's a refreshing drink that does double duty by delivering energy and nourishing the body.
Ambuli Juice
Raw mangoes, jaggery, and spices go into making ambuli juice. The combination of sour and sweet flavours in this drink makes it an excellent source of hydration and nourishment for your body.
Sol Kadhi
Sol Kadhi is a refreshing drink popular in Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, made using kokum, a sour fruit. The kokum is soaked in water and then mixed with coconut milk, ginger, garlic, green chillies, and cumin to make a tangy and spicy drink. It is known for its digestive properties and helps reduce body heat.
Kerala
Kerala is a state located on the Malabar coast of India and is known for its backwaters, beaches, and natural beauty. The state has a rich tradition of Ayurveda, and there are various Ayurvedic drinks that are popular during the summer. In the heat of the summer, locals and visitors alike enjoy cooling beverages like karkidaka kanji, nannari sherbet, and tender coconut water.
Karkidaka Kanji
The monsoon season in Kerala is perfect for drinking the traditional ayurvedic drink Karkidaka Kanji. Rice, coconut milk, and a variety of spices like cumin, coriander, and curry leaves are the main ingredients. It's a healthy beverage that can do wonders for your immune system and general well-being.
Nannari
The roots of the Indian sarsaparilla plant are used to create a delightful drink known as nannari sherbet. It's a healthy way to unwind in nature while providing your body with essential nutrients.
Elaneer
Another popular drink that may be enjoyed in Kerala at any time of year is tender coconut water (or elaneer). This isotonic drink contains naturally occurring electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is a state located on the southeastern coast of India and is known for its Dravidian-style temples, beaches, and natural beauty. The state has a rich tradition of culinary art, and various drinks are popular during the summer. Panakam, neer mor, nannari sherbet, and jigarthanda are some of the most commonly drunk beverages in Tamil Nadu during the summer months.
Panakam
Jaggery, water, ginger, and cardamom come together to create a classic drink called panakam. Aside from helping you relax, it also provides essential nutrients for your body.
Neer Mor
The curd, water, and spices (such as cumin and coriander) that go into making Neer Mor make for a deliciously refreshing beverage. It aids digestion and the body's natural cooling mechanisms.
Jigathanda
The traditional recipe for Jigarthanda calls for milk, ice cream, and a syrup flavored with almonds, cashews, and other nuts. It's a delicious treat that can help you feel cooler while also supplying some much-needed nutrients.
Nannari Sherbet
Another summertime beverage in Tamil Nadu is Nannari Sherbet, which is produced by boiling Sarsaparilla roots in water and then adding sugar, lemon juice, and ice. Its purported cooling and cleansing effects have led to its widespread use.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are states located in the southern region of India and are known for their rich traditions of cuisine and culture. Different states have different summertime drinks. In the heat of summer, people in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana often drink panakam, panna, and soda rasam.
Panakam
Jaggery, water, ginger, and cardamom come together to create a classic drink called panakam. It's a healthy and relaxing way to replenish your body's reserves.
Panna
Raw mangoes, sugar, and spices are blended together to create a refreshing beverage known as panna. The combination of sour and sweet flavors in this drink makes it an excellent source of hydration and nourishment for your body.
Soda Rasam
An exotic beverage, soda rasam, is concocted with soda, mango pulp, and spices. It's a handy way to satisfy your thirst and give your system a boost of nutrients at the same time.