As several parts of India continue to battle intense heatwave conditions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat on May 31 to shine a spotlight on traditional Indian summer beverages.
Speaking about the country's rich culinary heritage, Modi highlighted a variety of regional drinks that help people stay refreshed during the scorching summer months. From Aam Panna in North India to Kokum Sharbat in the Konkan region, the Prime Minister said these beverages reflect India's diversity and the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat".
Here's how you can make some of the traditional summer drinks mentioned by PM Modi at home.
Aam Panna Recipe: A Classic Summer Cooler
Aam Panna is one of the most popular drinks during the summer season, especially in northern India.
Ingredients
- 2 raw mangoes
- 3 tablespoons sugar or jaggery
- ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- A pinch of black salt
- 3 cups chilled water
- Boil or pressure-cook the raw mangoes until soft.
- Peel and extract the pulp.
- Blend the pulp with sugar, cumin powder and black salt.
- Add chilled water and mix well.
- Serve cold with ice cubes.
Lassi Recipe: Punjab's Favourite Summer Drink
Lassi remains a staple in Punjab and Haryana, particularly during hot weather.
Ingredients
- 1 cup curd
- ½ cup chilled water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Ice cubes
- Blend curd, sugar and water until smooth.
- Pour into a tall glass.
- Add ice cubes and serve chilled.
How to Make Traditional Buttermilk (Chaas)
Buttermilk is widely consumed in Rajasthan and Gujarat and is often served with meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup curd
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of roasted cumin powder
- Whisk curd and water together.
- Add salt and cumin powder.
- Mix well and serve chilled.
Sattu Sharbat Recipe for Instant Energy
Popular in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, Sattu Sharbat is known for being both filling and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons sattu flour
- 1 glass cold water
- Black salt
- Roasted cumin powder
- Lemon juice
- Mix sattu with a little water to avoid lumps.
- Add the remaining water.
- Stir in black salt, cumin powder and lemon juice.
- Serve immediately.
Kokum Sharbat Recipe
A favourite in the Konkan region and Goa, Kokum Sharbat offers a tangy taste and cooling effect.
Ingredients
- 8–10 dried kokum petals
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 glass chilled water
- Soak kokum in warm water for 30 minutes.
- Strain and mix the liquid with sugar.
- Add chilled water and stir well.
- Serve cold.
Sol Kadhi Recipe
Sol Kadhi is a traditional coastal drink made using kokum and coconut milk.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 5–6 kokum petals
- Salt to taste
- Chopped coriander
- Soak kokum in warm water for 20 minutes.
- Mix the kokum extract with coconut milk.
- Add salt and coriander.
- Chill before serving.
Panakam Recipe: A Traditional South Indian Drink
Panakam is commonly prepared during festivals and summer months in southern India.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons jaggery
- 1 glass water
- A pinch of dry ginger powder
- A few drops of lemon juice
- Dissolve jaggery in water.
- Add dry ginger powder and lemon juice.
- Stir well and serve chilled.
Neer Mor and Sambaram: South India's Cooling Buttermilk Drinks
Both Neer Mor and Sambaram are spiced buttermilk drinks popular across southern India.
Ingredients
- 1 cup curd
- 2 cups water
- Curry leaves
- Ginger
- Salt
- Blend curd and water.
- Add finely chopped ginger, curry leaves and salt.
- Mix thoroughly and chill before serving.
Bela Panna: Odisha's Traditional Summer Beverage
Made from wood apple, Bela Panna is a refreshing drink commonly enjoyed in Odisha during summer.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe wood apple
- 2 tablespoons jaggery
- 2 cups water
- Scoop out the pulp from the wood apple.
- Mix with jaggery and water.
- Strain if required and serve chilled.
PM Modi Highlights India's Traditional Summer Drinks
During Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said that traditional drinks from different regions showcase India's cultural richness and diversity. He encouraged people to enjoy these local beverages during the summer season.
With temperatures soaring across many states, these traditional drinks not only help beat the heat but also offer a taste of India's regional food heritage. Whether it is Aam Panna, Lassi, Sattu Sharbat or Sol Kadhi, each drink carries a unique story and flavour from its part of the country.
