Hot summer is back and we are beating this scorching hot summer with some of our traditional drinks (पेय – Pey). India, being on the equator, usually has a hot and humid summer season. Problem of heat strokes and wave are common during peak summer. To keep our body hydrated during hot and humid summer, we tend to resort to our beloved traditional drinks.

Let me show you these traditional drinks, which are prepared by Indians since centuries.

जल जीरा  – Jal Jeera
In Hindi, “Jal” means water and “Jeera” means cumin. Jal Jeera is a traditional drink of north India which usually consists of cumin, ginger, black pepper, mint, black salt, some fruit powder, and chili or hot pepper powder. It is sometimes served as an appetizer. During summer (गर्मी – Garmi), many roadside shops (दुकान – Dukan) could be seen selling Jal Jeera drinks.

आम पन्ना – Aam Panna
Aam Panna is an traditional drink of south India. It is very popular (लोक-प्रिय – Lok Priya) because it is prepared from mango which is favorite fruit of most of Indians and abundantly available during summer season.  This drink is prepared with raw mango pulp, sugar and traditional spices.

ठंडाई  – Thandai
Thandai, which comes from the word “Thanda” meaning cold, is a cold drink prepared with a mixture (मिश्रण – Misran) of almonds, fennel seeds, watermelon kernel, rose petals, pepper, vetiver seeds, cardamom, saffron, milk, and sugar.

लस्सी  – Lassi
Lassi is a very popular traditional drink of north India. It is a prepared usually from yogurt, water and spices. People are now adding fruits sometimes so you may find mango lassi, banana lassi etc. Not only it keeps the body hydrated in intense heat, but also reduces the feeling of hunger.