5 quick DIY cooling beverages for a hot summer day

It’s the season of mangoes, coconut water, chilled nimbupaani and some more mangoes. It’s the time to unwind with cheery tunes, an oversized white shirt and a cooling beverage in your hand. It’s also the time (especially if you live in a humid city) to spend more time indoors where the sun doesn’t seem to be after the less bit of hydration in your body! 

Experience the essence of summer with these easy and quick DIY drinks that will keep you cool and refreshed. Whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting a gathering, these delightful beverages are perfect for any occasion. Let's dive right into the recipes!

Aam Panna

It seemed entirely impossible to not include a mango drink for the summer so here we are, recommending aam panna—a sweet, sour and refreshing beverage. This concentrate, made with green or raw mangoes can be made to last the whole summer or just a few days. Aam Panna not only tastes delicious but also aids digestion, prevents heat strokes, and boosts your immunity. What’s more, the ingredients required for making it are Indian household staples and are sure to be found on your shelf in the kitchen. 

Ingredients 
2 raw green mangoes 
3 tbsp brown sugar 
1 tbsp cumin powder 
2 tbsp black salt 
1 tbsp salt 
1 tbsp mint leaves 

Method
Boil the mangoes in a sauce-pan for about ten minutes or until they become soft from the inside. Let them cool, remove the peel, and grind the pulp into a thick paste (add water if needed). Transfer the pulp to a pan and add the brown sugar. Once the sugar dissolves, turn off the heat and add the other dry ingredients to the mixture. You can add 1-2 tbsp of this paste to a glass of water. Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled. 

Very berry iced tea 

Think summer and you’re likely to think of a fruity, berry-esque drink as you take a dip in the pool. An iced tea can be rehydrating so you’re all set for your hot girl summer routine. You’re likely to have all the ingredients at home, and if you don’t, get your boo or besties to accompany you for a quick grocery run and turn it into a fun, summer activity. 

Ingredients 
4 tea bags (preferably lemon-flavoured) 
1 litre water 
1 cup sugar 
1 cup cold water 
2 cups of mixed berry juice 
2 cups of frozen mixed berries 

Method 
Brew the tea bags in boiling water for five to six minutes. Remove the tea bags and keep aside. In a separate vessel mix the cold water and sugar until the latter dissolves. Pour the tea, sugared water and juice into a jar and stir. Now, add the frozen berries, for a bounce of flavour to the drink. 

Shikanji

Here’s an Indian twist to the classic lemonade. The combination of lemon and water will do wonders to your skin, and also boost your immunity and digestive tract. Mixed with the other ingredients, shikanji is a super refreshing, hydrating, light and cooling drink to sip on. 

Ingredients 
2 tbsp lemon juice 
1 tbsp sugar
5-6 mint leaves 
¼ tsp pepper powder 
¼ tsp salt 
1 ½ cup water 
2 tbsp sabja seeds (Basil/Falooda seeds) 

Method 
In a blender, mix the lemon juice, mint leaves, salt and pepper powder. Next, add the water and sugar and mix until the sugar has dissolved. Now, add the basil seeds and top it up with a few ice cubes for a chilled drink to indulge in with your friends and family.

Icey watermelon granita

What’s better than an icey, slushy, frozen drink to help you through a hot and humid summer season? The icey watermelon granite is almost akin to the Indian ice gola. We’re also certain that this won’t need you to go for a grocery run, given that it’s a four-ingredient drink! Watermelon is said to be a cooling agent to the body and does wonders in hydrating your body and skin. 

Ingredients 
2 tbsp sugar 
1 tbsp salt 
2 large lemons 
6 slices of seedless watermelon (peel removed)

Method
First in a small sauce pan, mix the sugar, ¼ cup of water, ¼ tsp salt and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the sauce pan from the heat and allow the mixture to arrive at room temperature. Once cooled add ½ cup of lemon juice and grate some lemon zest. Stir the mixture until well-combined. Now, take the slices of watermelon and blend it until it become a puree. Add the lemon syrup to it. Pour the whole mixture into a deep pan and deep-freeze for a few hours. 

Mixed berry spritzer 

For all those who love berries, and all thing fruity and bubbly, this mixed sprizter is perfect for you. You can make this for a house-party, a sundowner, a date night or even a Sunday brunch. Go out on a grocery run to pick up the ingredients and get all set to indulge in this drink as you watch a sunset, or spend some cuddly time with your boo. 

Ingredients 
½ cup mixed berry juice 
1 cup orange juice 
2 tbsp lemon juice 
1 tbsp cinnamon syrup 
Club soda 

Method
In a large jar, mix the juices and syrup together until well combined. Top it up with some frozen berries, club soda and ice cubes.