Summer is here, and with it comes unbearable heat that can leave the body drained and dehydrated. The scorching sun and the hot winds (loo) make things worse, but work and daily responsibilities don’t stop. Whether it’s heading to the office, school, college, or a day out, stepping outside in such heat can be exhausting. But a simple homemade drink in your bottle can make all the difference. It keeps the body cool, refreshes the mind, and helps prevent dehydration. A refreshing summer drink not only cools the body but also keeps dehydration away. Here are some easy-to-make, healthy drinks that you can prepare at home and take with you anywhere.
One of the simplest and most refreshing drinks for summer is a cucumber mint cooler. Nutritionist Dr. Shilpa Arora suggests blending two cucumbers with a little mint, sieving the mixture, and drinking it for instant hydration. Since cucumbers are 91% water, this drink is naturally cooling and helps in digestion. It’s light, refreshing, and an easy drink to carry for work or travel. Another excellent option is bel ka sharbat, a traditional summer drink that is highly hydrating and nourishing. However, Dr. Arora advises that people with diabetes should avoid it due to its natural sugar content.
Agra ka petha is well-known as a delicious sweet, but did you know it can be turned into a cooling summer drink? Dr. Arora recommends blending the pulp of Agra ka petha (Ash gourd) with water to create a highly alkaline, refreshing, and nutrient-rich drink. It is low in calories yet packed with hydration benefits, making it a perfect summer cooler. This drink is a great alternative to sugary soft drinks and is easy to prepare before stepping out for work, college, or any outdoor activity.
If you’re looking for a drink that not only cools the body but also keeps you full for longer, a granola mix shake is a great choice. According to Dr. Nidhi Prakash, granola powder, which is made from rolled oats, dried berries, nuts, dried fruits, and jaggery powder, can be turned into a refreshing drink by adding 2-3 tablespoons to water or milk with some ice cubes. This drink provides essential nutrients and energy, making it a perfect companion for long workdays or college hours.
Nothing beats the cooling power of coconut water, fresh lime juice, aam panna, and watermelon juice, said Dr. Nidhi Prakash. These natural drinks are packed with electrolytes that help the body stay hydrated and energetic throughout the day. Coconut water is a great alternative to artificial energy drinks, fresh lime juice provides a vitamin C boost, aam panna helps prevent heatstroke, and watermelon juice is rich in water content and essential nutrients. These quick-to-make drinks are ideal for carrying with you when stepping out in the sun.
The summer heat can be brutal, leading to dehydration, fatigue, and even heatstroke. While store-bought cold drinks may seem tempting, they are often loaded with sugar and preservatives that do more harm than good. Instead, opt for homemade drinks like cucumber mint coolers, or refreshing granola shakes to keep your body cool naturally. Carrying a refreshing homemade drink when heading out can make a huge difference in how you feel throughout the day. So, don’t let the summer heat get to you—stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy your day with these easy-to-make summer coolers!