Super Summer Drinks

Beverages/Indian drinks are a popular part of our cuisine which have both refreshing and cooling effects. Since India is rich in its spices, some of the drinks do contain spices to make it an additional health benefit. Each region has its unique drink which is prepared locally using local ingredients. These drinks are also good for weight loss. Here, I’m mentioning some of the drinks prepared easily and enjoyed. You may try your variations and enjoy during this Summer.

Mint Jaljeera

Jal jeera pani is a popular Indian drink made up of herbs & spices. It helps in good digestion and also helps in heartburn. The addition of amchur powder and lime juice improves vitamin C availability and thus boosts immunity.

One can also get relieved from abdominal cramps, nausea, menstrual cramps by having this drink.  It also re-hydrates our body and acts as a detoxifying agent.  The addition of cumin seeds and mint prevents constipation which is common during summer.

Ingredients:

Cumin seeds powder- 2 tsp
Black salt/rock salt- as required
Ginger powder- ¼ tsp
Dry mango powder/Amchur- ½ tsp
Chat masala powder- 1 tsp
Coriander leaves paste- 1 tsp
Mint leaves paste- 2tsp
Lemon juice- 2 tbsp
Sugar- 1 tsp
Chilled water- 4 cups

Method of preparation:

• Rinse mint and coriander leaves; grind with salt and roasted cumin seeds to make a fine paste.
• Take chilled water and ground paste in a large bowl. Filter through a strainer.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
• Add ice cubes and serve.

Masala Chaas (Masala buttermilk)

The probiotics present in the buttermilk promote digestion and the presence of vitamin C, D & E in mint builds immunity that fights against infections and common alignments.

Buttermilk rescues from water loss and balances electrolytes. The consumption of buttermilk after food washes down the spices in the food and prevents acidity. Mint and coriander leaves calm stomach cramps, beats stress, relieve cold and cough.

The addition of ginger and cumin seeds prevents indigestion and ingredients acts as protecting agents. It is a packed nutrient with fewer calories and a good source of calcium which is good for our bones and teeth.

The Journal of Nutrition states that the consumption of buttermilk can lower blood pressure.

Ingredients:

• Low-fat curd- 1 cup
• Rock salt- as required
• Cumin powder- 1 tsp
• Ginger powder- 1 tsp
• Chopped chillies (finely)- 2 in number
• Coriander leaves- ¼ cup
• Mint leaves- ¼ cup
• Chat masala- 1 tsp
• Water- 2 cups

Method of preparation:

• Rinse mint and coriander leaves, grind with cumin seeds and salt.
• Churn the curd and water together and add all other dry and wet ingredients.
• Garnish with chopped mint leaves and serve chilled.

Mango coconut milk sabja seeds smoothie

This mouth-watering smoothie not only is a refreshing drink but also is good in nutritional aspects. The presence of coconut milk would help improving good fat thereby without altering the bad fat. The potassium and magnesium in coconut milk help reducing hypertension and build bones. 

The fiber in tulsi seeds (sabja seeds) and mango helps to treat constipation, lowers blood glucose and cholesterol level. These seeds also act as a coolant.
The presence of vitamins (A & C) antioxidants in mango scavenge free radicals. Vitamin A improves good eyesight. It is also a good source of potassium that regulates body fluids.

Ingredients:

• Mango fruit- 1 in No.
• Coconut milk- 2 cups (Do not use thick coconut milk as we add mango pulp which maintains the consistency)
• Sabja seeds- 1 tbsp (soak for 30 minutes)
• Cardamom powder- 1 tsp
• Jaggery- 2-3 tbsp

Method of preparation:

• Peel off the mango skin and cut it into pieces.
• Now, blend mango pieces, cardamom powder and jaggery in a juicer.
• Extract coconut milk and add to the blender.
• Blend the mixture again.

Pineapple lime mojito

Pineapples are good sources of vitamin C, A, potassium and magnesium. It also contains the enzymes “bromelain” which plays a major role in maintaining our health. 

Bromelain was found to be effective in helping the body absorb nutrients and healing the gastrointestinal tract. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent by improving our immune system.  

Studies show that these enzymes may improve circulation in those with narrow arteries.

Ingredients:

• Pineapple pieces- 1 cup
• Lime zest (finely grated)- 1 tsp
• Lime juice- ½ cup
• Ginger (minced)- 1 tsp
• Mint leaves (crushed)- 1/2 cup
• Chilled water- 1 cup

Method of preparation:

• Grind pineapple pieces and lime juice till they combine well.
• Add crushed mint leaves and other ingredients and mix them properly.
• Now fill glasses with ice-cubes, pour the blended mixture and serve.

Barley Water

Barley water is an excellent drink for summer that nourishes and cools the body. 
This is a rich source of fiber, regular consumption of barley water reduces blood glucose level cholesterol lowers the risk of heart diseases maintains good bowel function.

This drink is very beneficial to pregnant and lactating women. Beta-glucan in the barley helps stimulating milk production improves digestion gives satiety prevents gestational diabetes.

It is an excellent remedy for kidney stones and prevents their re-occurrences.
This is also a good source of calcium, potassium, magnesium and B-vitamins.

Ingredients:

• Barley- ¾ cup
• Water- 3 cups
• Rock salt- as required
• Lemon juice- as required

Method of preparation:

• Wash barley and soak overnight.
• Pressure cook at least 8 whistles or till becomes soft.
• Strain and add rock salt, lemon juice and serve.

Ragi ambli (Finger millet)

Millets are considered superfoods. Ragi is one of these millets and porridge/drink is popular in some parts of South India. The preparation method varies depending on the region.

It is one of the best non-dairy sources of calcium and is a good source of fiber. Ragi is also rich in iron and regular consumption may recover Anemia.

The addition of buttermilk makes it a great drink during summer. It has polyphenols and is a low glycemic index. Hence, it helps in controlling Diabetes.

Ingredients:

• Ragi flour- 4 tbsp
• Water- 3 cups
• Buttermilk- 4 cups
• Roasted cumin powder- 1/4 tsp
• Salt- as required
• Chopped onions- 1 tbsp
• Chopped coriander leaves- 1 tsp

Method of preparation:

• Boil the half portion of water and salt in a pan.
• Mix the ragi flour to the remaining quantity of water and make a paste.
• Then add this paste to the boiling water and stir continuously.
• Make sure no lumps are formed.
• Cook for about 3-4 minutes and take it out from the flame.
• Allow it to cool for some time.
• Now add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
• The proper consistency to be attained.
• Enjoy the drink.