Traditional beverages, which have humble but tasty beginnings, are one part of the Indian foodscape that is rapidly becoming extinct. We’re losing a variety of intriguing drinks that are inventive, flavorful, and in many cases, healthful as more people grow afraid to drink unpackaged, unsterilized beverages from street stalls and juice vendors. When summer arrives, there’s no reason not to try creating one of these drinks at home – and for those of you who like adult versions, we’ve included choices to sip these straight into happy hour.
Buttermilk AKA Chaachh
Although salty, spicy buttermilk served cold may seem strange as a thirst quencher, it is undoubtedly Kerala and Tamil Nadu’s most popular summer beverage. Buttermilk seasoned with crushed ginger, curry leaves, green chilies, and that magical ingredient, asafetida, may make you feel like you’re drinking a chilled curry or soup, but it rapidly grows on you. The best part is that it is really simple to make and adaptable. The spiciness of the more’ is perfectly balanced by the gin’s herby botanicals.
Sugarcane Juice AKA Ganne Ka Ras
Sugarcane juice is a popular street-side drink that has evolved with the times – the machines are now automated, and the drink comes in a variety of flavors to keep customers happy. The original, on the other hand, contained only a dash of lime juice to cut through the cane’s sugary sweetness. It’s not uncommon to find variants containing ginger, lime, or even mint these days. If you’re feeling particularly daring, you could try all three!
Soda
This fragrant water (in this case, rose water) is liberally mixed to soda and topped with ice for a cheap and delightful drink sold on street carts around India. This is one of those beverages that you can make far better in your own home if you use top quality rose water, a dash of rose essence, and a few mint leaves. You’ll have a sophisticated drink that’s also simple to make. If you use sparkling rosé instead of Coke, you’ll have the perfect brunch drink that’s far superior to a mimosa.
Thandai
Thandai is a traditional Indian beverage popular in the north. It’s produced with a combination of nuts, seeds, and spices. It’s one of the drinks served during the Holi and Mahashivratri festivals. During both of these events, bhang (cannabis) thandai is also consumed. You can also buy thandai online.
Nimbu paani
Nimbu paani comes in as many variants as there are names for it. Lime, water, or soda, with a pinch of sugar and salt, is the most basic variation. Mint, cardamom, and even condensed milk are used in the more complex versions. Shikanji, a North Indian variation of this drink, has black salt and a pinch of cumin. On sometimes, a few strands of saffron are added to it. The drink is served in Cold-neck bottles with a marble on top, which gives the drink its name. You can also shop shikanji masala online to improve a simple nimbu paani.
Aam Panna
Aam Panna is a sweet, salty, and sour dish cooked with raw mangoes, the perfect summer ingredient. The drink is produced by pureeing raw mangoes with mint, black salt, and cumin after boiling them. The black salt adds a rich, earthy flavor, while the mint adds a welcome burst of freshness amid the heat. In Maharashtra, aam panna, which is popular throughout North India, is known as kairi panha. Because the flavors of aam panna are complex on their own, pair it with a neutral but high-quality white wine.
Visit Roopak Stores today for Thandai, Aam Panna, jaljeera etc.