Beat the Heat with these 3 Refreshing Summer Drink Recipes.

As the sun shines high in the sky and the temperatures rise, nothing beats sipping on a pleasant beverage to cool off and rejuvenate. In India, where summers may be especially hot, a wide variety of traditional drinks provide not just relief from the heat but also a blast of flavour and nourishment. From fruity cocktails to spicy coolers, here are my Top 3 delicious home made summer drink ideas to keep you hydrated and rejuvenated throughout the season.

Jaljeera

Jaljeera, a traditional Indian beverage, is a delectable blend of spices and herbs that is served first when it comes to beating the heat. It has a revitalizing blast of flavor that have both sweet as well as sour complexity. Aside from its exquisite taste, jaljeera is renowned for its digestive characteristics and cooling benefits, making it a popular choice for both refreshment and wellness in hot regions.

Ingredients:

Jaljeera owes its unique flavor and blend to following spices and herbs:

• Cumin Seeds
• Mint Leaves
• Coriander Leaves
• Dry Mango Powder (Amchur)
• Black Salt
• Black Pepper
• Fresh Ginger
• Asafoetida (Hing)
• Tamarind Pulp

How to Make Jaljeera:

• Crafting this delightful elixir is surprisingly straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:
• Combine cumin seeds, mint leaves, coriander leaves, dry mango powder, black salt, black pepper, fresh ginger, asafoetida, and tamarind pulp in a blender.
• Blend until the ingredients form a smooth paste-like consistency.
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solid particles.
• Transfer the strained liquid to a pitcher and dilute with cold water.
• Stir well to combine all the flavors.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Chill the Jaljeera in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve chilled over ice cubes for an extra refreshing touch.

Benefits of Jaljeera:

Jaljeera provides numerous health benefits in addition to its delicious flavor. Spices such as cumin, ginger, and asafoetida help digestion and reduce stomach discomfort. With its high water content, Jaljeera keeps the body hydrated, making it an excellent choice for hot summer days. Mint and coriander have cooling properties, which provide relief from heat and promote a sense of freshness. Ingredients like mint, coriander, and tamarind are high in antioxidants, which assist to battle oxidative stress and boost general health.

Bel Juice

A delicious beverage from South Asia's tropical regions, bel juice is prepared from bel fruit. Bel fruit is often referred to as wood apple or stone fruit. Bel Juice is unlike any other beverage when it comes to its great flavour and wide range of health benefits.

Ingredients:

• Bel fruit (Wood Apple)
• Water

How to Make Bel Juice:

• Crack open the tough outer shell of the Bel fruit.
• Scoop out the fragrant pulp from the fruit.
• Blend the Bel fruit pulp with water until smooth.
• Strain the mixture to remove seeds and fibrous bits.
• Chill the juice in the refrigerator for a refreshing taste.
• Serve cold and enjoy the rejuvenating essence of Bel Juice.

Benefits of Bel Juice:

Bel Juice is not only a wonderful thirst quencher, but it also has a wealth of nutrients and health advantages. It is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help to increase immunity, and detoxify the body. Bael contains compounds that help in improving liver function and promoting the elimination of toxins from the body. These properties of Bael may support the recovery from jaundice and help in restoring normal liver function. According to studies the bel fruit might help to lower blood glucose and haemoglobin-bound glucose levels. Bel fruit is also known for its anti-inflammatory characteristics and is a natural medicine for a variety of diseases, including digestive and respiratory disorders.

Kokum Sherbet

Kokum Sherbet, a popular summer beverage from the sun-kissed coasts of India, is known for its tangy sweetness and cooling effects. Made from the exotic kokum fruit, also called Goa butter tree or kokum butter tree, this refreshing elixir has been treasured for generations.

Ingredients:

• Kokum fruit
• Water
• Sugar
• Salt

How to Make Kokum Sherbet:

• Soak kokum fruit in water for a few hours until softened.
• Mix soaked kokum with water to create a smooth paste.
• Strain the mixture to extract kokum juice.
• Add sugar and salt to taste, stirring until dissolved.
• Chill the sherbet in the refrigerator.
• Serve cold over ice for a refreshing tropical treat.

Its benefits:

Kokum Sherbet high in antioxidants and vitamins, which improve digestion, boost metabolism, and support general health. It is effective in preventing dehydration and heatstroke during the hot tropical summers.

Kokum Sherbet is more than just a beverage, as it also contains a wealth of health advantages. It possesses natural antacid properties. It is also good for digestive health and gut-related problems and may help with the appetite. Its potential antioxidant property might aid in conserving proteins that prevent the sagging of skin and the development of wrinkles.