India offers many delightful beverages that tantalise the taste buds and give a refreshing feeling. From the aromatic spices in masala chai to the cooling sweetness of mango lassi, Indian beverages reflect the country’s vibrant flavours. Let’s dive into the flavours of the ten must-try beverages that capture the essence of India’s culinary richness.
Creamy Bliss of Lassi
It is a beloved yoghurt-based drink with two main variations: sweet and salty. Sweet lassi blends yoghurt with sugar, fruit, or flavoured syrups, while salty lassi incorporates salt and spices like cumin or mint. This creamy concoction is not only delicious but also aids digestion and cools the body, making it a popular choice during the scorching Indian summers.Refreshment of Nimbu Pani
Popular as Nimbu pani or lemonade, it is a simple yet refreshing beverage made from freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This tangy thirst-quencher is a staple in Indian households, offering instant relief from the heat and a burst of citrusy goodness. Nimbu pani is often garnished with mint leaves or flavoured with spices like cumin for an extra kick of flavour.
Festive Special Thandai
It is a traditional Indian drink associated with the festival of Holi, celebrated with much zeal and enthusiasm across the country. This creamy concoction is made with milk, nuts, saffron, and aromatic spices like cardamom, fennel, and peppercorns. Thandai is often served chilled and sometimes spiked with bhang (cannabis paste) during Holi festivities, adding an extra layer of merriment to the celebrations.Famous Filter Coffee
It is known as South Indian filter kaapi, a solid and aromatic brew made by mixing frothy milk with finely ground coffee beans brewed in a traditional metal filter. It is served in stainless steel tumblers. Filtered coffee is a staple morning ritual for many South Indians, offering a bold and refreshing start to the day.
Tangy Twist of Aam Panna
It is a refreshing summer drink from raw mangoes, sugar, and spices like roasted cumin and black salt. It is known for its cooling properties; aam panna not only quenches thirst but also replenishes electrolytes and aids digestion, making it a popular choice during the sweltering Indian summers.Nature’s Sugarcane Nectar
It is a popular street drink in India, especially during the hot summer. This refreshing beverage is extracted by crushing sugarcane stalks and is often served with a splash of lime juice or flavoured with ginger for an extra zing. Sugarcane juice is delicious and rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an alternative to sugary sodas.
Jaljeera the Digestive Cooler
It is a flavorful and tangy drink made from cumin, mint, tamarind, and other spices, mixed with water and served chilled. This cooling beverage is known for its digestive properties and is often enjoyed as an appetiser or palate cleanser before meals.Summer Favourite Kokum Sherbet
Kokum sherbet is a refreshing summer drink from kokum fruit, sugar, and water. This tangy and slightly sour beverage is popular in the coastal regions of India, where kokum is abundant. Kokum sherbet is delicious and known for its cooling effects on the body, making it a favourite choice during the hot summer.
Spicy Delight of Masala Chai
It is one of the most famous Indian beverages, cherished for its comforting warmth and aromatic blend of spices. This traditional tea is brewed with black tea leaves, milk, sugar, and a medley of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Served hot in small cups or glasses, masala chai is the perfect pick-me-up any time of the day, offering a harmonious balance of sweetness, spice, and richness.Hydrating Coconut Water
Coconut water is nature’s perfect hydration drink, packed with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. Sipped straight from the coconut shell or served in bottles, coconut water is a refreshing and nutritious beverage enjoyed across India, especially in coastal regions with plentiful coconuts.Delve in the Delightful Drinks
India’s array of vibrant beverages reflects the country’s rich culinary traditions. From the warmth of masala chai to the refreshing tang of nimbu pani, each beverage offers a unique sensory experience that nourishes the soul. Whether enjoyed during festive celebrations, leisurely gatherings, or everyday refreshments, these popular Indian drinks leave a lasting impression. So, the next time you crave a taste of India, be sure to sip on one of these iconic Indian beverages and savour the essence of this flavorful land.FAQs or Frequently Asked Questions
Chai means “tea” in Hindi, while masala chai refers to spiced tea brewed with spices.
Yes, lassi, especially salty lassi, is believed to aid digestion due to the probiotics present in yoghurt and the digestive properties of spices like cumin.
Bhang is a cannabis paste made from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. It is added to thandai during Holi as part of the traditional festivities and is believed to enhance the celebratory mood.
While authentic South Indian filter coffee requires a special metal filter, you can still make a similar brew using a French press or drip coffee maker.
Yes, sugarcane juice is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a refreshing choice, especially when consumed in moderation.
Coconut water is rich in electrolytes, making it an apt natural hydration drink. It also contains antioxidants and cytokines, which may have anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Yes, jaljeera is a versatile drink, and you can adjust the amount and type of spices according to your taste preferences. Typical spices used in jaljeera include cumin, mint, tamarind, black salt, and chaat masala.
Kokum is a fruit native to the Western Ghats region of India. It is known for its tangy flavour and cooling properties. Kokum sherbet is typically made from kokum concentrate or dried kokum rinds, which can be found in Indian grocery stores or online.
While traditionally made with raw green mangoes, you can also make aam panna with ripe mangoes for a sweeter flavour. Adjust the amount of sugar to balance the sweetness.
Yes, nimbu pani is similar to lemonade but often includes additional ingredients like salt and spices, giving it a unique Indian twist.
