Summers are at their peak with the sweltering heat taking a toll on your body. The best thing about summers is the varities of food and also coolers available to appease your palette and quench your thirst. Therefore, summer coolers come to your rescue to beat the heat.
Staying hydrated is one of the most vital things to do in summers. During Summer, your body tends to lose water and electrolytes at a rapid pace due to excessive sweating. Thus, water is undoubtedly the most important drink to quench thirst and balance your system. There are some summer beverages that can be great companions for all of us who are struggling with the hot weather. These coolers are perfect to beat the heat as well as treat the buds.
If you are looking for a drinks and also food varities that will cool you down in summer, then you have come to the right place. We have brought you the various coolers and food options that are perfect match for this hot summer.
So, let’s have a look at the coolers and other food options that are perfect match for this hot summer!
Summer foods
Gulkand:
Gulkand is an Ayurvedic preparation which is made of rose petals believed to originate in India. It is also rich in calcium and has antioxidant activity. And, also beneficial for acidity, gastritis, skin care, indigestion, ulcer and nosebleed, stress etc.
Moreover, the intake of gulkand regularly in summer can help you to prevent sun strokes, nostril bleeding and dizziness.
How to make gulkand at home?
Ingredients:
- Rose flowers/petals-1 cup
- Sugar-3 tbsp
Method of preparation:
- Firstly, collect the rose petals in a mixing bowl and wash the rose petals thoroughly.
- After washing, drain the water completely and spread them in a kitchen towel and let it dry completely.
- Once the moisture is completely gone, put the petals into the mixie. Quickly pulse the petals one or two times to shred them. You can also chop the petals or tear the petals into small pieces.
- After pulsing, spread a layer of rose petals in a dry glass jar. Now, spread a layer of sugar over the rose petals evenly. Then again spread a layer of petals over the sugar layer. Repeat the same process till all the petals are over.
- Further, close the lid of the jar and keep it in the sunlight up to 6-8 hours a day with lid open for about 7- 10 days.
- Lastly, mix the layer with the spoon everyday. After 7-10 days your gulkand will be ready.
- Finally, keep it refrigerated and use it for longer period.
How to consume gulkand in summers?
You can take gulkand in form of gulkand shake, gulkand thandai, aam-gulkand chutney, gulkand toast, etc.
Gond katira:
Gond katira is a natural gum obtained from the dried sap of several species of Middle Eastern legumes. It is a odourless and tasteless. It has numerous health benefits such as it helps to flush out toxins from your body and improves metabolism. Also, has anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties that work on fine lines and wrinkles.
Moreover, Gond katira benefits your hair health by adding more volume and strengthening it. The benefits of Gond katira for gut health and digestion include laxative effects that help in preventing constipation.
How to consume gond katira?
There are several ways to consume gond katira such as:
- You can make drinks like lemonade, chaas, sattu or traditional sharbets with gond katira.
- It can be used for salads dressing, dips, thick chutneys.
- It can be also used in making puddings, jellies, kheer or sweets.
Melons:
Watermelons and muskmelons are high in water content which helps to regulate body temperatures. Melons also help with weight loss as it is very few calories. They help you in staying hydrated and gives you a wonderful cooling and refreshing effect.
How to consume melons?
You can consume melons in fruit chaat, salads, smoothies, shakes, ice-creams, lemonades, etc.
Mangoes:
Mangoes are the perfect summer treat. As a summer fruit, it is very refreshing and can help prevent heat strokes. It is also high on vitamins A and C which help build the immune system.
How to consume mangoes?
You can slice your mango and eat it or can make ice-creams, shakes, smoothies, etc.
Cucumber:
Cucumbers are loaded with fibre and also contains high amount of water content. Additionally, the fiber boost they give you helps you to avoid constipation. It is also rich in vitamin K which helps you in blood clotting and keep your bones healthy.
How to consume cucumbers?
You can consume cucumber in your salads, raita, cucumber sushi, snacks, etc
Curd:
Curd is not only delicious but also gives you a coolant effect to the body. It gives you a cooling, soothing and light feeling. Regular consumption of curd in summer helps you cool the stomach. It is rich in calcium which helps in strengthening of your bones, teeth and nails.
How to consume curd?
You can make spicy buttermilk (masala chaas), or sweet lassi, fruit yogurt, raitas, smoothies with curd, etc.
Summer coolers:
Mint lemonade:
Mint Lemonade is one of the best options to beat the heat and keep you hydrated in this hot summer. This is our go to drink whenever we feel thirsty. Mint is really refreshing and also makes you feel fresh when you have it after you come back home from scorching hot sun.
Ingredients:
- Lemon Juice-1 tbsp
- Mint Leaves-10-12
- Water-1 cup/1 glass
- Sugar-1 tsp (optional)
- Black salt-1 tsp
Method of preparation:
- Firstly, squeeze out the juice from half lemon and remove the seeds.
- Secondly, wash the mint leaves . Next, add the lime juice, mint leaves and ¼ cup of water into a blender and blend them well.
- Now, add in the remaining water, sugar and salt to taste and strain them in a glass.
- Finally, serve it with ice cubes.
Aam panna:
Aam panna is everyone’s favorite drink in summers. There’s nothing better than a glass full of tangy Aam Panna to refresh your body. It not only quenches your thirst but is also considered beneficial for a good digestive system.
Ingredients:
- Green mangoes-500 g
- Sugar-2-3 tbsp
- Black salt -2 tsp
- Cumin seeds, roasted and powdered-2 tsp
- Mint leaves, finely chopped-2 tbsp
- Water-2 cups
Method of preparation:
- Firstly, boil the mangoes till they become soft inside, and the skin gets discolored.
- Secondly, remove the skin when it cools down and squeeze the pulp out of the mangoes.
- Next, mix all the ingredients together, blend and add 2 cups of water.
- Finally, put some ice in the glasses and pour the panna over it.
Sattu sharbat:
Sattu sharbat is native to Bihar but has its own variations in states like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This cooler recipe is considered a detox drink that cleanses the system properly and aids in weight loss. It also gives you a very refreshing taste.
Ingredients:
- Chana sattu – 1/4 cup
- Water, chilled – 4 cups
- Lemon juice – 2 teaspoons
- Cumin powder, roasted and powdered – 1 teaspoon
- Mint leaves, chopped – 2 teaspoons
- Black salt to taste
- Raw Mango, grated- 2 teaspoons
Method of preparation:
- Firstly, add all ingredients such as sattu, lemon juice, cumin powder, mint leaves, black salt, raw mango and water in a jug and mix well.
- Next, serve the drink in glasses along with some ice cubes.
- Finally, garnish it with more mint leaves.
Masala chaas:
Masala chaas is the most favourite amongst the famous Indian traditional drinks. It is a salty drink, mainly for summers to energize the body in the heat. It is one of the easiest drinks that can be prepared in no time.
Ingredients:
- Buttermilk-1 glass
- Mint leaves, chopped-6-7
- Chilli, chopped-1/2 tsp
- Black salt, to taste
- A pinch of chaat masala
Method of preparation:
- Firstly, in a bowl, add the buttermilk, chopped mint leaves, chilli, and black salt.
- Next, mix it thoroughly.
- Now, pour it in a glass and add a pinch of chaat masala.
- Finally, garnish it with coriander leaves and serve.
Mango lemonade:
Mango Lemonade recipe for a fruity, citrusy, and refreshing drink. Perfect for bringing you sunshine any time of the year! Made with sugar, water, lemon, and mangoes. You are mere moments away from sipping this dangerously easy drink. This easy and simple refreshing mango lemonade or limeade is made with ripe mangoes, lemon or lime juice, sugar/honey, water, and ice.
Ingredients:
- Mango pulp or chunks- 1 cup
- Lemon juice-2 tbsp
- Sugar-1 tbsp
- Water-2 cups
- Mint leaves (for garnishing)
Method of preparation:
- Firstly, add the mango chunks, lemon, sugar, 1 cup of water and a few ice cubes in a blender and blend until you have a smooth mix. You can also strain if you want to.
- Secondly, mix in the rest of the water and mix thoroughly.
- Finally, serve and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Coconut water with lemon and mint:
A quick summer drink to quench your thirst and soothe your soul. Coconut is loaded with electrolytes. So, when it comes to staying hydrated while replenishing nutrients, then there is nothing better than a glass of refreshing and breezy coconut water.
Ingredients:
- Coconut-1
- Mint leaves-7-8
- Honey-1 tbsp (optional)
- Lemon juice-1 tbsp
Method of preparation:
- Firstly, break a coconut and empty the water in a jug.
- Secondly, scrape off white coconut using a spoon and chop it finely and add it to coconut water.
- Next, add mint, honey and lemon juice as well as lemon peel.
- Lastly, mix well and serve with ice cubes.
Watermelon-coconut cooler:
Summer is a watermelon season. And, the watermelon coconut cooler is one of the drinks which is perfect to soothe your thirst on a hot summer day. It is not only delicious but also refreshing.
Ingredients:
- Watermelon, chilled and cubed-1 cup (seed free)
- Coconut water – 1 cup
- Lemon juice-1 tbsp
Method of preparation:
- Firstly, place watermelon cubes, coconut water, and lemon juice in blender and blend until it becomes smooth.
- Next, serve it with some ice cubes and enjoy!
Sabja lemonade:
Sabja lemonade is a very delicious, refreshing and healthy summer drink. It helps you to hydrate yourself and and boost your immunity.
Pro tip: Sabja seeds are very hard and that is why you cannot consume them raw. So, they are best consumed after soaking in water which makes them more gelatinous.
Ingredients:
- Sabja seeds-1 tsp
- Mishri, powdered-1 tbsp
- Lime juice-2 tbsp
- Lime, sliced-1
- Mint leaves-8-10
Method of preparation:
- Firstly, sabja for 15 minutes and let it form a gelatinous structure.
- Next, in a jar. add soaked sabja, lime juice, powdered mishri and mint leaves. Also, crush some mint leaves better flavour.
- Now, add 2 glasses of chilled water to the jar and stir everything well.
- Lastly, you can add few ice cubes and serve this sabja drink to cool yourself down from this summer.
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