8 cool local beverages

 

 

1. Ambli:  Think of this drink as chocolate malt, except it’s millet-based. Made with ragi, this drink can be sweet or spicy, and is best drunk when chilled. It is healthy and ideal for summer.  As a savoury drink, it’s made with buttermilk, ragi flour, curry leaves and onion. In its sweetened avatar, it’s made with jaggery; for some added texture, one can add nuts like almonds or walnuts for some crunch, but it’s optional.

Watch how it's made: 
 

2. JigarThanda: Madurai and Jigar Thanda are synonymous with each other.  This drink is loved by kids and adults alike, and is said to be a natural cooling agent.  It is said that it is made from the resin of almond and sarsaparilla.

 

 

3. Goli Soda: if you’re not squeamish about hygiene, then you must try this popular roadside beverage. This fresh lime soda is great on a hot day. The novelty of this drink is that it’s the before you drink this beverage, you must pop the marble inside the bottle.

 

4. Sol or Kokum Kadhi: Don’t let this gelusil-coloured beverage put you off.  A popular Goan drink made from Kokum, it is often accompanied as a side dish or as a standalone drink. What’s fascinating about this drink is refreshing with a hit of spice courtesy green chillies, and the tartness that is kokum. 

 

5. Buttermilk: This humble and no-frills-and-fancy-drink is easy to make at home with a handful of everyday ingredients. It is also considered to be very healthy.

 

 

 

6. Lassi: The thicker version of buttermilk, this can be had in its original – sweet or salty flavours. If sweet and salty flavours aren’t your thing, then you can opt for a myriad of flavoured and seasonal varieties like mango or strawberry.
 

 

7. Flavoured Milk:  Cold, saffron-coloured badam or almond milk is terribly satisfying and hits the sweet spot during summer.

 

 

8. Water:  Yes, nothing is as satisfying as a glass of cold water on a scorching summer’s day.