Refreshing Alternatives to Water This Summer

Water keeps us going through summer. It cools us down, keeps us hydrated, and is the most reliable choice when the heat sets in. But there are times we crave something different. Maybe it’s the craving for something tangy after a heavy lunch. Or something chilled and slightly sweet when you’re taking a break. 

On days like these, a refreshing, fun and flavourful drink feels just right. From traditional coolers to fruit-based refreshers, plenty of options go beyond water and keep you energised and comfortable.

Here’s a look at some easy-to-enjoy summer drinks that help you stay cool, awake, and ready to enjoy the summer in full swing.

Categories of Refreshing Summer Drinks to Try

Once you’ve had your fill of plain water for the day, the next drink often depends on your mood, the time, or even what’s on your plate. Some drinks are bold and punchy, meant to perk you up. Others are light and simple, easy to sip without a second thought. And some bring back the comfort of what we’ve grown up with — made in home kitchens, shared across generations.

To make your choice easier, we’ve divided this list into three types:

• Sweet and Tangy Twists
  These are flavour-heavy drinks with a bit of spice, fizz, or tartness. Great for late afternoons or snack-time breaks when you're in the mood for something playful.
  
  
• Fruity and Fresh Coolers
  Built around everyday fruits and herbs, these drinks are easy on the stomach and work well for longer, slower hours of the day.
  
  
• Traditional Indian Summer Favourites
  These are drinks you might already know: Aam Panna, chaas, and jaljeera. Each one is designed for the Indian summer, with ingredients that cool, soothe, and often help digestion, too.

Sweet and tangy sips

For days when you want something a little more playful, these sweet-tart drinks hit just the right spot. They’re a mix of fun flavours, colour and tradition, great for casual get-togethers or when you're simply unwinding.

1. Bindu Fizz Jeera Masala

Remember those summer afternoons when nimbu soda and chaat were a mood? Bindu Fizz Jeera Masala brings back that same vibe with a spin on our beloved jeera masala. The cumin gives it that warm, homely taste, while the fizzy sparkle adds a burst of fun. Perfect for sipping with samosas or while chatting with friends on the balcony. The gentle fizz brings out the jeera even more, making each sip feel light yet flavourful.

Serving Tip: Add a few ice cubes and a pinch of kala namak to bring out its chatpata taste even more.

2. Kokum Jeera Drink

If you’ve grown up in the Konkan region or spent summers in Goa, kokum is probably close to your heart. The Bindu Kokum Jeera Drink captures that tangy-salty-spicy magic beautifully. It’s deep, naturally cool, and instantly reminds you of grandma’s summer kitchen. Best enjoyed chilled after a spicy lunch or while lazing in the verandah.

Did you know: Kokum is rich in antioxidants and contains a compound called garcinol, which is believed to support digestion and metabolism.

‍

3. Bindu Ginger Masala Drink

If you enjoy bold, spiced flavours with a kick, Bindu Ginger Masala is the drink to reach for. It blends the sharp warmth of ginger with a masala base that feels both familiar and exciting. This one’s perfect for early evenings when you want something zesty and grounding — a drink that wakes up the palate and settles the stomach.

‍

4. Bindu Green Apple Drink

Crisp, tart, and full of flavour, Bindu Green Apple is a playful option that brings a candy-like sharpness without feeling too heavy. It’s the kind of drink that lifts your mood on a hot afternoon and pairs well with salty snacks or even as a standalone cooler when you’re craving something a little different.

Fruity and Fresh sweet coolers

Summer fruits are not just juicy and colourful, they’re perfect for light, refreshing drinks that leave you feeling energised and content.

1. Sipon Mango Drink

There’s something magical about mango season, right? Sipon Mango Drink is like that first bite of a mango straight from the fruitwala’s cart. It’s full of flavour and super satisfying, like having aamras in a bottle. You can have it after lunch, during a movie, or just when you need a sweet escape.

Try this: Pop it in the freezer for a short while and enjoy it like a chilled mango slush. This will taste so good

2. Sip On Pink Guava Drink

Guava's unique sweet and tangy profile makes it a refreshing choice. The Bindu Sip On Pink Guava Drink offers this tropical flavour, making it a delightful alternative to conventional fruit juices. It's a great companion during afternoon relaxation or as a flavorful addition to your lunch.

3. Bindu Litchi Drink

Litchis bring a delicate sweetness that's both refreshing and satisfying. The Bindu Litchi Drink encapsulates this flavour, offering a light and fragrant beverage option. Perfect for those seeking a gentle, fruity drink to cool down.

4. Bindu Fizzy Apple Drink

Combining the crispness of apples with a fizzy twist, the Bindu Fizzy Apple Drink offers a refreshing and slightly effervescent experience. It's an excellent choice for those who enjoy a sparkling beverage with a fruity base.

5. Bindu Fizzy Strawberry Drink

Strawberries bring a sweet and slightly tart flavor that's beloved by many. The Bindu Fizzy Strawberry Drink combines this with a fizzy base, creating a playful and refreshing beverage. Ideal for those looking to indulge in a fruity, sparkling drink.

6. Sip On Apple Drink

Apples offer a familiar and comforting flavour. The Bindu Sip On Apple Drink delivers this in a convenient format, making it a go-to choice for a quick, refreshing sip during the day.

7. Limonast Lemon Fresh

Lemon-based drinks are classic summer staples. The Bindu Limonast Lemon Fresh provides a zesty and invigorating lemon flavour that's both hydrating and revitalising. It's perfect for quenching thirst on hot days.

Traditional Indian summer favourites

These age-old drinks aren’t just delicious — they’re deeply rooted in Indian culture and made for our kind of heat. Each one offers a different personality, yet they all bring comfort and coolness.

1. Aam Panna

Made from raw mangoes, aam panna has a tangy-sweet flavour that instantly cools you down. Often spiced with cumin, black salt, and mint, it’s a crowd-pleaser during peak summer. This drink also reminds you of mango trees, school holidays, and quiet afternoons at home.

Give this a try: Boil raw mangoes, blend the pulp with mint, spices and jaggery, and dilute with water.

2. Jaljeera

This one is for those who like bold flavours. Jaljeera combines cumin, mint, black salt and lemon juice, giving it a chatpata taste that’s almost addictive. It’s best served chilled and works well as a starter drink before meals.

Suggestion: Mix jaljeera powder with chilled water and garnish with mint and lemon wedges.

3. Chaas (Buttermilk)

Simple and satisfying, chaas is a traditional cooler made by diluting curd with water and adding gentle spices like roasted jeera, curry leaves and a hint of ginger. It’s the perfect digestive drink for summer lunches.

Try this: Blend curd with water, add a tempering of jeera, hing and curry leaves, and serve cold.

A Season of Flavourful Sips Awaits

With so many options available, it’s easy to enjoy hydration in new and creative ways. Whether you're in the mood for something tangy, something light, or a blend of both, there’s a refreshing drink for every kind of day. So go ahead, explore, experiment and keep the chill going, one sip at a time.