Best Summer Drinks to Beat the Heat
Indian summers are long, and the blazing summer heat is usually unforgiving. As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, the desperate reach for a cold drink becomes part of daily life. And in moments like these, few things feel as satisfying as that first chilled sip.
Whether you're at home or on the move, a chilled summer beverage is the perfect way to stay energised and fresh. The right beverage can turn even the warmest days into a reason to smile and savour the season. Here are some of the best summer drinks to beat the heat.
What should you look for in a perfect summer beverage
We associate summers with vacations, trips, but it is the heat we usually dread. The best drinks to sip on during the summer would have to strike a balance between flavour and actual rejuvenating benefits.
Keep the following in mind:
- Choose drinks with light ingredients.
- Go for balanced flavours, not overly sweet.
- Pick ready-to-drink bottles for easy use.
- Choose familiar, traditional tastes with a twist.
To make things easier, we’ve divided the options into two categories such as traditional homemade summer drinks and go-to summer refreshers.
4 summer beverages to have on the go
Here are some of the best summer drinks that you can try:
- Bindu Fizz Jeera Masala
The Bindu Fizz Jeera Masala brings together the classic taste of roasted cumin with a light, bubbly fizz, making it a perfect choice to refresh and revive your senses, especially during hot, tiring days. It’s got that perfect chatpata flavour that makes you go “wah!” with every sip.
Whether you're hosting a house party or need something quick after a spicy meal, this drink fits right in. It tastes best when chilled and poured into a glass with a slice of lemon on the side.
- Sipon Mango Drink
What’s summer without mango? Sipon Mango Drink brings you the essence of ripe mangoes in every sip. It’s juicy, smooth, and a great pick-me-up at any time of the day.
Kids love it, adults enjoy it, and everyone looks forward to that first chilled gulp. No peeling, no cutting, just open the bottle and enjoy pure mango magic.
- Kokum Jeera Drink
If you're someone who loves regional Indian flavours, the Bindu Kokum Jeera Drink is a must-try. Kokum, known for its tangy and cooling properties, pairs perfectly with cumin in this vibrant drink. It’s a great pick for when you're in the mood for something different. Have it on a sunny afternoon or serve it to guests, and this drink will always be a hit.
- Limonast Lemon Fresh
No list of summer drinks is complete without a zesty lemon cooler, and Limonast Lemon Fresh brings that timeless nimbu paani vibe in the most refreshing way. With its bright, citrusy taste and just the right hint of sweetness, it feels like a glass of chilled lemonade made just for hot Indian afternoons.
4 Traditional homemade summer drinks
- Aam Panna
Aam Panna is a delicious drink made from raw mangoes. It is the one drink every Indian household will prepare without missing a beat as soon as summer kicks in.
Known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavour, it’s something many of us have grown up enjoying. Served chilled, it instantly cools you down and brings instant relief, but also reminds you of long afternoons spent at home during school vacations.
Try this: Want to add more zing to your Aam Panna? Try these simple additions.
- A few mint leaves for extra freshness
- A touch of jaggery for a richer sweetness
- Lassi
You can’t talk about summer drinks without mentioning lassi. It is thick, smooth, and absolutely satisfying, lassi is the kind of drink that makes you slow down and savour the moment. It is often enjoyed sweet or flavoured with rose, cardamom, or fruit, lassi feels like a treat. It’s usually served after lunch and gives you that chilled, satisfying feeling, especially when served in traditional clay cups.
- Cold Coffee
If you can’t go without your coffee fix, cold coffee is the ultimate summer workaround. It’s smooth, energising, and chilled enough to cool you down while still giving you that mental boost.
Think of it as the ideal companion for an afternoon work session or a post-lunch mood reset. Many even blend in chocolate syrup or vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and gives you that little caffeine kick without the warmth of a hot brew. Add some ice, and you have yourself the perfect afternoon cooler.
- Chaanch
Also known as buttermilk, Chaanch is one of the simplest yet most effective summer coolers. Made from diluted curd and a pinch of spices, it’s light on the stomach and great for digestion, especially after a heavy meal.
It's a common fixture across Indian homes, especially in the afternoons, offering a cooling break from the heat without being too rich or heavy.
Try this:
Blend in a few crushed curry leaves and a pinch of hing (asafoetida) for a South Indian-style variation. You can also try a tadka of mustard seeds and ginger for an aromatic kick.
A quick guide to the best summer drinks to beat the heat
A summer drink does its job best when it meets you at the right moment. Some bring comfort after a meal, others give you a boost in the middle of the day. And the most reliable ones like fit easily into almost any part of your routine.