India’s culinary landscape is renowned for its bold flavors and aromas, but the country’s drinks scene often takes a backseat. That’s why we’re excited to share this selection of traditional Indian beverages that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
From rich and indulgent treats to refreshing pick-me-ups, our roundup features some of the most popular and flavorful Indian drink recipes out there.
So, if you’re ready to explore a new world of flavors, keep reading to discover the perfect drink to complement your favorite dishes or simply enjoy on its own.
Mango Lassi Traditional Yogurt Drink
Mangoes are renowned for their succulent texture and delectable flavor, earning the reputation as India’s fruit of choice. One popular Indian beverage is mango lassi, a refreshing concoction born from blending sweet mango puree with creamy yogurt, cardamom powder, and sugar. The rich and velvety texture courtesy of the yogurt creates a delightful contrast with its thirst-quenching quality. For those who prefer a lighter drink, feel free to adjust the thickness by adding milk.
As an added tip, refrigerate this beverage beforehand to allow the flavors to meld together, ultimately resulting in a taste experience that’s best savored when chilled.
Aam Panna Recipe – With Boiled and Roasted Mangos
Indulge in the tangy and savory delight of Aam Panna, a refreshing mango-based beverage. This Indian-inspired recipe combines the sweetness of sugar with an array of spices, including cardamom, black salt, pepper, and cumin, to create a unique flavor profile. To achieve the perfect balance of sweet and sour, it’s essential that your mangos are not yet ripe, allowing the drink to retain its signature tanginess.
Jal Jeera
In the world of Ayurvedic medicine, Jal Jeera is a treasured beverage that not only soothes digestive woes but also tantalizes the taste buds with its unique blend of spices. By combining the fresh flavors of coriander and mint into a puree, then adding cumin, black salt, lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper, this recipe yields a savory drink that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful.
The secret to Jal Jeera’s digestive benefits lies in the fiber-rich properties of cumin, which can be particularly beneficial after a rich meal or indulgent snack. So, next time you’re seeking relief from digestive discomfort, give Jal Jeera a try and experience the difference for yourself.
Assam Tea
Assam tea, a beloved beverage across India, is renowned globally for its distinctive characteristics. This robust black tea boasts a rich malty flavor profile, earning it a special place in the hearts of tea enthusiasts. Interestingly, Assam tea’s namesake stems from its origin – the Indian district of Assam, which happens to be the world’s largest tea-producing region.
Preparing this tea is a breeze; simply steep the leaves in hot water and sweeten to taste.
Optional additions like date syrup and honey can elevate the flavor experience, though Assam tea also shines on its own. For those sweltering days, consider brewing an iced version to quench your thirst.
Strawberry Coconut Lassi
In this sweet twist on traditional Indian Lassi, we’re swapping out regular yogurt for Greek yogurt to give it an extra creamy kick. The addition of strawberries and honey provides a natural sweetness that’s balanced by the tanginess of the Greek yogurt. For an even creamier texture, use light coconut milk in place of heavy versions. And if you just can’t get enough sweetness, feel free to add a little more honey at the end to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The combination of these ingredients creates a refreshing and indulgent drink that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a pick-me-up any time of year.
Panakam – South Indian Summer Drink
In South India, a timeless favorite is Panakam, a revitalizing drink that harmoniously fuses spices and citrusy goodness. Its refreshing essence makes it an ideal companion for hot tropical days. The sweetness of jaggery, a prized ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, adds a distinct flavor dimension to the beverage. Not only does jaggery contribute to Panakam’s unique taste, but it also holds revered status in traditional healing practices.
To create this zesty drink, you’ll need a mortar and pestle to pulverize cardamom and peppercorns; if you’re without these tools, simply opt for the powdered alternative instead. Crucially, refrain from substituting jaggery with sugar, as the two flavors are intricately designed to complement one another.
Sattu Drink Recipe
Sattu, a popular drink in Indian culture, is made from roasted chickpea flour. Its unique properties make it an ideal beverage for individuals with diabetes, as it has a low glycemic index and rich nutritional profile. This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring only two ingredients: water and sattu flour. Simply mix the two together, add your preferred seasonings, and you’re done!
For those who prefer their drinks sweeter, you can add natural sweeteners like raw sugar, honey, or jaggery to create a ‘meetha’ flavor. Jaggery, in particular, imparts a distinct molasses-like taste that adds depth and complexity to the drink. As the sattu flour may settle at the bottom of the glass over time, a quick stir will ensure everything remains well combined. Go ahead and give this refreshing recipe a try!
Masala Chaas
Masala Chaas is a tantalizing yogurt-based drink infused with an aromatic blend of spices. This Indian-inspired beverage is perfect for sipping on a warm day, but the harmonious balance of spices also makes it delightful to enjoy during the colder months. The combination of cumin, chaat masala, and black salt adds a depth of flavor that’s heightened by the creaminess of yogurt and the subtle heat from green chili.
While the drink does pack a spicy punch, the cilantro or mint garnish provides a cooling contrast that rounds out the experience.
Nimbu Pani – Indian Lemonade
The first refreshing beverage on our list is Nimbu Pani, a unique lemonade-like drink that’s perfect for hot summer days. Unlike traditional lemonade, Nimbu Pani incorporates black salt, cumin powder, and lime juice to create a flavorful and revitalizing drink that’s commonly enjoyed in North India as a way to beat the heat.
The simplicity of this recipe makes it easy to try at home, where you’ll appreciate how the spices harmoniously balance with the tartness of the limes, adding depth to each sip.
Indian Chai
Indian chai is more than just a cup of tea – it’s an integral part of the country’s culture and tradition. The word ‘chai’ itself means tea, but what sets Indian chai apart from its Western counterparts is its rich and milky flavor profile, which is expertly balanced by the addition of aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness.
While you can customize your chai to suit your personal taste preferences, some popular spice options include cinnamon, cardamom pods, whole cloves, and ginger, the latter of which adds a lovely warmth to the brew.
Salted Cucumber Mint Lassi
Indulge in a revitalizing beverage by combining three simple ingredients: yogurt, mint, and cucumber. Blend these together to create a creamy drink that’s perfect for hot summer days. For an added layer of depth, sprinkle some pepper, salt, and cumin into the mix. If you prefer your drinks with a kick, throw in some green chili before blending. Serve over ice and garnish with cilantro leaves for a refreshing treat.
Homemade Paneer Soda
Looking for a refreshing alternative to lemonade that’s perfect for events? Paneer soda is an excellent choice! This unique drink involves creating a sweet rose-flavored syrup, which is then combined with fizzy soda water. While preparing the sugar syrup takes some time upfront, once you’ve got it ready, each glass of paneer soda can be prepared in just minutes. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or gathering with friends and family, paneer soda is an ideal choice for serving at any occasion.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve covered some iconic Indian beverages, let’s dive into the world of these refreshing drinks. Not only do they provide a delightful way to beat the heat during warmer months, but certain spices and flavors also offer a cozy warmth perfect for colder seasons. We’re thrilled you enjoyed this culinary journey and encourage you to get creative with these recipes – who knows, you might stumble upon a new obsession!
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.