With the onset of summer and the entire nation under lockdown, we are all craving for some soul food or drinks to spice up our mundane life. It’s natural to feel restless, and we often end up binge eating. But, keeping yourself hydrated is the key to a healthy summer. Here are a few simple summer coolers that are not only good for hydration but also super-delicious to keep your loved ones refreshingly charged up!
1. Boracay Breezer
Inspired by the Boracay Island in the Philippines, this refreshing mocktail with the taste of ginger ale, soda and orange is perfect to beat the heat. You can also add seasonal fruits like pineapple & mangoes for some tropical vibes too.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup chilled ginger ale.
- ½ cup chilled Fanta or juice of fresh grapes, apples and oranges
- ¼ tbsp. powdered sugar
Method:
- Mix the ginger ale with the Fanta, soda and sugar
To Serve:
- Place some chopped fruit at the bottom of a tall glass, and pour the mixture into the glass
- Serve chilled
2. Pudina and Boondi Butter Milk
This traditional Chaas or Tak recipe is a staple in most Indian households. Adding boondi gives that extra special touch! Healthy and tasty, this is one of those summer coolers that is an all-time favourite in my home; from the kids to adults, everyone enjoys it equally.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup curd
- ½ cup of water
- ¾ tsp chaat masala
- Salt to taste
- 2tbsp chopped mint leaves
To serve
- 2tbsp boondi
- 1tsp chopped mint leaves
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients in a processor and refrigerator
- Top with the boondi, mint leaves and serve chilled.
3. Masala Soda
If you're a fan of traditional summer coolers from your childhood, this sugar-free, masaledar mocktail is a great summer quencher! The saltiness from the chaat masala & jaljeera powder takes me back to those summer school days, sipping on a glass of Banta masala soda with my buddies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chilled soda
- 1 tsp jeera powder
- 1 tsp jaljeera salt
- ½ tsp chaat masala
- ½ tsp lemon juice
For garnishing
- ½ tsp mint leaves (pudina)
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients together
- Garnish with mint leaves
- Serve chilled
Renu Dalal, daughter of the late legendary chef and cookbook author Tarla Dalal is the author of the books Simple and Delicious Vegetarian Recipes and Modern Vegetarian Recipes.