Remember the TV Ad where the sun straws into us and sucks us out? Yeah well, it’s that time of the year. Summer. Which is synonymous to sweaty, hot days. Days where no matter how many showers you take, they will feel less. When sunscreen bottles will be emptied most. When mangoes and pickles will be welcomed in our houses. But which will also, sadly mean, we will welcome pimples, acne and heat boils among other things! While it is the most natural thing to make water (for most, straight from the fridge even) your best friend while the sun scorches and dries your throats out, some variety never hurt anybody! Besides, one drink only - sounds like such a stretch.
The emphasis on keeping the body cool in summers has been passed on to us and honestly, no amount of it can be enough. May be in the form of reminders to drink water, or summer ‘staples’ every household has, or in whatever form. The body needs to cool itself down and regulate the temperature for itself, no matter what! Much like how our laptops and other devices have their own cooling systems to process the heat out to keep the device running smoothly. Failing to do so, may have severe repercussions.
Similarly, too much heat can lead to damage in the brain, heart - causing hyperthermia, and even in other organs. This kind of stress in the body due to heat occurs when our body becomes incapable of maintaining homeostasis. Many also experience heat cramps, exhaustions and strokes. It is this heat that prevents our organs from working at their optimal best. The most normal or common way the body keeps its cool is by sweating it out. Sweat is our body’s natural cooling system. Which is why every time the body heats up because of exercise, we sweat. However, this sweat - when it dries up, lowers the body’s temperature by carrying away the heat from our body’s surfaces.
One of the ways to keep our bodies away from the painful tightening of muscles due to heat cramps in the summer season, is by keeping ourselves hydrated. By constantly keeping ourselves on fluids. It also happens to be the solution for heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is the state where your body can no longer cool itself down. This might lead to a weak, nauseous, dizzy feeling with clampy and cold hands, and a thirsty body. If this is what progresses, it will lead to a heart stroke - which of course is a medical emergency, besides being life-threatening. However, it is this consumption of cooling drinks and fluids that keeps our bodies hydrated and cool. Especially internally.
No, we don’t mean to scare you! Much like all problems and challenges, we have our own list of solutions. We know it’s summer time and undoubtedly, we are looking forward to the coldest drinks to keep our chills! By cold, we do not mean the extra ice cubes - but the kind of cold that keeps your body cool in totality. Not to forget, they must add to overall wellness. So here is our list of summer cooling drinks that keeps your gut and your tongue, both happy!
All Time Cooling Drinks For Summer
1.Buttermilk
An all time staple. There is no season for some chhaas. Or shall we call it “white beer,” its famous second name. This curd-based drink, excellent for the gut, hence the body - because of its fermentation and microbial levels is great for the summers. The best for digestion, it is consumed differently across the country. Curry leaves, ginger, mint leaves, cumin - the experimentation is all on you!
2. Lassi
As Punjabi as it gets, every region has its own rendition of a thick tasty lassi. From nuts to syrups to fruits, the innovations have us startled. So if you are not one who sneers at the smell, look or taste of curd - go for this tasty drinks and get started with your own version of it this summer.
3. Coconut Water
Pretty little umbrella straws popping out of the green (perhaps, yellow) shell of goodness. Ah, the chills the thought of it gives. A natural electrolyte is great to keep you energised. This clear fluid is high in potassium levels which is great in processing extra sodium out of our bodies, in the form of urination. Its antimicrobial properties prevent acne in the hot summers - isn’t that a good enough reason to grab one of them!
4. Kokum Juice
High in antioxidant and anti-diabetic levels, kokum juice helps to reduce heat, indigestion and acidity. It manages blood sugar levels by pumping up insulin levels. Its low cholesterol levels make it extremely great for people with blood pressure issues.
5. Cucumber Honey Limeade
Lemon and cucumber, two of the most easily available ingredients in summer, are here to be your favourite thirst quencher. Blend cucumber pieces, strain it out and extract the juice. Add two teaspoons of honey and two teaspoons of lemon juice, mix them all together. Here you go - now you have a summer drink that will take care of your body!
6. Khus Juice
Poppy seeds have been well known for its calming effects. More precisely, its anti-stressing properties. Great for cardiovascular, bone and digestive issues - poppy seeds are a winner when it comes to treating mouth ulcers. I mean, what’s there to not like in it? Add some lemon to your khus sherbet and enjoy your summers.
7. Bael Sherbet
Widely known as wood apple, bael is a coolant. It has high antioxidant levels making it a great solution for digestion, skin infections, diarrhoea even. It is a blood purifier and is a club house for various vitamins like A, B1, B2, C.
8. Aam Panna
The grandma favourite. Aam Panna - as the name gives it away, it is made of the summer king, everyone's favourite and our very own - Mangoes. Mango pulp squished and blended with some cumin and mint leaves, this is one drink you can stack up your fridges to sip on to anytime. You can add to its sweetness or flavour as preferred. The drink is not only a refreshing one, but also keeps you energised in the heated days!
9. Sugarcane Juice
Found at every corner, this sugarcane juice screams summer! Crushed out of the long rises of sweet sugarcanes, it needs no additional flavouring. However, a tinge of lemon or mint leaves are a brilliant match too. Full of anti oxidants, sugarcane juice is great for the liver and kidney health. Helps cure acne and keep bad breath at bay. Additionally, it is a great digestive, making it a must for your summers.
10. Barley Water
An elixir passed on over generations, this simple drink has been part of several civilizations like the Greek, South East Asians, Britain and so on. Leading the way for the solutions for excretory issues, Ayurveda holds barley water to a great standard.
11. Watermelon Juice
Composed of three fourth parts water, watermelon juice is an upgraded substitute of water. Great for hydration, with fair amounts of potassium and amino acids watermelon juice boosts energy levels, restores electrolytes and reduces body fat.
Drinks Inspired By The West?
1. Ginger Beer
Sounds much like an alcoholic drink - off limits? Don’t worry - this non-alcoholic drink is nothing but a mix of fermented water, ginger and sugar. It is said to be great for the release of dopamine and serotonin.
2. Iced Green Tea -
Once you’ve dipped your favourite tea bag in hot water, let it cool down for a few minutes. Once cooled, add some ice, lemon and mint leaves to garnish. Sip onto your brew and enjoy the summer chills.
3. Sparkling Pineapple Ginger Ale
As simple as it sounds, a combination of pineapple juice and ginger ale. That is all it is. Now you have yourself a simple, two-step cooling drink for the summer!
4. Boozy Dole Whip
Most famously sold at Disney’s across the world, a dole whip is nothing but a pineapple-orange juice with a blob of vanilla on top of it. So pretty much a pineapple-orange float. All you’ve to do is blend some frozen pineapple, pineapple juice, orange juice and some vanilla ice cream together. Blend, stir and relish.
3. FAQs
Q. What is the best cooling drink?
A. Each region has its own local seasonal fruits. It is best to consume it fresh. But otherwise, nothing beats coconut water to beat the heat.
Q. What are the types of cool drinks?
A. There are different types of cool drinks. Fresh fruit juices, vegetable juices, nectar - mixture of juice and water, punch - sugar and flavoured water, lemonades, iced drinks and of course, there’s the famous soda, carbonated drinks.
Q. Which drink is good for a cold body?
A. As “boring” as it may sound - water. It regulates the body temperature and lubricates the mucous membranes. It supports digestion, making it a suitable drink for a ‘cold body’
Q. What can I drink for a burning stomach?
A. A burning stomach most often occurs due to indigestion. Something like Chamomile or Peppermint tea may help a great deal to ease that out.
Q. How can I reduce internal heat immediately?
A. The best way to regulate and reduce internal heat in the hot summers are two easily available drinks - Buttermilk and Coconut Water. Keeps the body hydrated and cool, both at once.
