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15 min
07/06/202615 min07/06/2026
Iced coffee is often the go-to drink during summer because it feels refreshing, but it often contributes little to hydrating your body during peak summer. Traditional Indian drinks, on the other hand, are designed to cool the body from within. These beverages use ingredients like curd, kokum, bael, herbs, and spices that help restore electrolytes, improve digestion, and reduce body heat. From Bengal’s gondhoraj ghol to the Konkan’s solkadhi, this guide looks at seven such regional coolers that are refreshing, functional, and perfect for Indian summers. Dive deeper to know more.
During summer, your body loses water as well as essential salts through sweating. While iced coffee or fizzy drinks may feel cooling for a short time, they do not replenish these lost nutrients effectively.
Traditional Indian drinks, on the other hand, are different. They combine hydration with digestion-friendly ingredients like cumin, ginger, and curd. Many of these drinks are also probiotic or electrolyte-rich, which helps maintain balance in the body.
Another important factor is temperature. Extremely cold drinks can sometimes slow digestion. Traditional coolers are usually served slightly chilled or at room temperature, making them easier on the system. Here’s a list of these drinks, which are not just beverages; they are part of regional food traditions that have evolved to suit the climate.
This is a refreshing buttermilk-based drink with a strong citrus aroma.
What Goes Into It
Thick curd
Cold water
A pinch of black salt
Gondhoraj lime juice and zest
Why It Works
The combination of probiotics from curd and the fragrant citrus oils helps refresh both body and mind. It is light, cooling, and easy to digest.
How To Make
Whisk the curd with water until it turns smooth.
Add salt, squeeze in gondhoraj lime, and mix well.
Serve slightly chilled.
Solkadhi is a beautiful pink drink made using kokum and coconut milk.
What Goes Into It
Kokum extract
Coconut milk
Garlic, cumin, and green chilli
Why It Works
Kokum helps reduce acidity and cool the body, while coconut milk adds richness and hydration.
How To Make
Soak kokum in warm water.
Mix the extract with coconut milk.
Add crushed garlic and cumin.
Chill the mixture lightly before serving.
Jigarthanda is a rich, dessert-like drink that is both cooling and satisfying.
What Goes Into It
Reduced milk
Nannari syrup
Almond gum (badam pisin)
Why It Works
Badam pisin acts as a natural coolant and provides long-lasting hydration. The drink also offers a mild energy boost.
How To Make
Mix chilled milk with nannari syrup.
Add soaked almond gum and serve cold.
A traditional drink made during festivals, known for its cooling properties.
What Goes Into It
Bael fruit pulp
Water
Jaggery
Black pepper and ginger
Why It Works
Bael supports gut health and helps prevent heat-related digestive issues. It also provides steady energy.
How To Make
Mix bael pulp with water and jaggery.
Add spices and stir well.
Serve chilled.
A savoury buttermilk drink that is light and refreshing.
What Goes Into It
Thin buttermilk
Ginger
Green chillies
Curry leaves
Why It Works
This drink replenishes salts lost through sweat and aids digestion. It is especially useful after meals.
How To Make
Blend buttermilk with crushed ginger and chillies.
Add curry leaves and salt.
Serve cool.
A herbal drink made from sarsaparilla root syrup.
What Goes Into It
Nannari syrup
Lemon juice
Water
Why It Works
Nannari is known for its cooling and detoxifying properties. It helps manage heat-related discomfort.
How To Make
Mix the syrup with water and lemon juice.
Stir well and serve chilled.
A rich and creamy drink made using shrikhand.
What Goes Into It
Shrikhand
Buttermilk
Cardamom, nutmeg, saffron
Why It Works
Despite being rich, the spices in piyush help balance digestion and provide a calming effect.
How To Make
Whisk shrikhand with buttermilk.
Add spices and mix until smooth.
Serve slightly chilled.
Drink |
Base |
Key Benefit |
Gondhraj Ghol |
Curd |
Refreshing and probiotic |
Solkhadi |
Kokum+ coconut |
Cooling and digestive |
Jigarthanda |
Milk |
Long-lasting hydration |
Bela Pana |
Bael |
Gut support |
Sambharam |
Buttermilk |
Electrolyte balance |
Nannari Sarbath |
Herbal syrup |
Detoxifying |
Piyush |
Shrikhand |
Calming and nourishing |
Replace iced coffee with solkadhi for better digestion
Swap fizzy drinks with nannari sarbath
Choose buttermilk-based drinks instead of sugary beverages
Opt for bael or kokum drinks during peak heat
Drink these beverages mid-morning or afternoon
Avoid adding too much sugar
Use earthen pots (matka) to keep drinks naturally cool
Pair drinks with light meals for better digestion
Even with modern beverages available everywhere, traditional Indian coolers remain highly effective. They are made with simple, local ingredients and are designed specifically for hot climates. They also offer a balance of taste and function. While they refresh you, they also support digestion, hydration, and overall well-being. These drinks are easy to prepare at home and can be adapted based on available ingredients.
Choosing the right drinks can make a big difference in how you feel during summer. Instead of relying on iced coffee or sugary beverages, switching to traditional Indian coolers can help you stay hydrated and energised for longer. These drinks are not just alternatives; they are time-tested solutions that combine flavour with health benefits. Whether it is the tanginess of kokum, the richness of coconut milk, or the freshness of buttermilk, each drink offers something unique. Including these beverages in your daily routine can help you stay refreshed, improve digestion, and handle the heat more comfortably.
Yes, they provide hydration and electrolytes, unlike caffeinated drinks.