Seeing the bright sun in the UK is a rare event, but when it is indeed out, temperatures can soar and that is certainly expected this week.
Now, with the summer season stepping in and predictions of temperatures soaring up above the 30-degree mark, it becomes increasingly important to stay hydrated. To help you, we’ve put together our list of top 10 drinks, that will help you beat the British heat the desi way.
Of course, these desi drinks are tried and tested from the sub-continent where temperatures can cross 40-45 degree Celsius. Do try them and tell us which one is your favourite.
Roohafza
Roohafza is a hugely popular and sweet drink in South Asia, particularly India and Pakistan. Traditionally a favourite drink during the period of Ramadan, the red sherbet is widely consumed during the peak summer months of April and May. There are various ways to have this drink made of rose petals. You can freeze it, and have it as an ice-cream, you can have it with cold water, or you can mix it with milk. There’s a great deal of debate between team water and team milk. Try them both and decide for yourself!
Lassi
Another drink, which is widely consumed in the Indian subcontinent is the Lassi. A thick, sweet yoghurt-based thirst quencher is a commonly spotted drink at street stalls across the region during hot summers. Best drunk in its original form, there are other flavours of the drink too, ranging from strawberry and mango to chocolate and vanilla.
Fruit based lassis, like strawberry and mango have also found their way to the common desi diet, to beat the heat.
Nimbu Shikanji
A lemon-based drink, Nimbu Shikanji, which is sweet and garnished with chaat masala and mint leaves. This easy to make drink, is a must have for any hot summer evening or afternoon. You will need just a lemon, ice, water, sugar and chaat masala to make one.
Chaanch or Mattha
Chaanch, also known as buttermilk and Mattha, is another drink that originates from South Asia. This, like lassi, is a yogurt-based drink, but sans sugar. Mildly spiced, this drink is not only helpful in cooling down the body from within, but also helpful in digestion.
Falsa
Falsa, this drink from Pakistan, is a sherbet made of black currant. This sugary drink not only beats the heats but is also proven to be beneficial for liver and stomach. This drink, like all other desi drinks, is easy to make. You just need to blend the blackcurrant, sugar and water together. If you are a fan of spice, go on to add a tinge of black salt.
Aaloo Bukhara sherbet
Aaloo Bukhara sherbet, is a sweet drink made from plum fruit, this Pakistani drink is best served cold and sweet. This drink is made by boiling the plum and straining all the liquids out of it and mixing a part of syrup with sugar and water.
Doodh Soda
As the name suggests Doodh Soda, is a mixture of milk and soda water, garnished with ice. Easy to make, this is yet another dairy gift from South Asia to the world. Not only is it filling and refreshing but it is also a go to drink in South Asia to beat the heat.
Faluda
Faluda is a thick milk-based drink, with a load of vermicelli and ice-cream. You can both, eat and drink a faluda. This filling desert is also popular across South Asia. It’s a South Asian form of thick ice-cream milkshakes.
Enjoy the sun and a yummy desi drink!