Feeling hot hot hot. Feeling hot hot hot. I am sure you are. After all its that time of the year again when the sun is scorching hot and it is going to be worse next month. Whether you are spending most of your time indoors or are going out for the most part of the day the greatest challenge is to keep yourself refreshed and energised. Hydration is the key to doing so.
Here we recommend some drinks to keep yourself hydrated during the summer months.
1. Water
Water is the best and the most easily available of all drinks. Drink enough water throughout the day to quench your thirst and meet your body’s fluid requirements. You should preferably carry a bottle of water with you whenever you step out of your home. If you are bored with the bland taste of water chop lemon or any seasonal fruits and put it in your glass of water. It will give the much-needed twist to the taste of regular water.
2. Milk
Milk is a wholesome beverage for all age groups and contains most of the nutrients necessary for growth and development. Apart from gulping down plain milk try out various milkshakes, smoothies, buttermilk (commonly known as chaach) or lassi. (plain, dry fruits, mango whatever be your choice). Add honey to your drinks for additional benefits. However, people with lactose intolerance need to check for their intake of milk and milk products with their dietician.
3. Punjabi Mango Lassi
Talking about lassis, Socially foodie put their own twist on it. A lassi may be the perfect summer drink you need, but it’s wayyyyy better when coupled with mango ! Rush to their website to get the recipe – here!
4. Fruit and vegetable based beverages
Freshly prepared fruit and vegetable-based juices are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Aampanna, lemonade, sugar cane or kokum juice are some common names that spring up in our minds to beat the heat. However, one cannot but forget our very own coconut water. Tender coconut water is a natural coolant and will refresh you like nothing on a hot summer day. Although coconut prices shoot up a bit during this time of the year they are easily available and you can of course shell out some extra bucks to keep yourself fit and energised.
5. Jal jeera
A chilled glass of jal jeera with its sour-tangy taste is sure to refresh you for the day. Its digestive properties also cannot be ignored. You can simply make it with readymade jal jeera powder mix that is available in your next door grocery shop or even walk into a cafe, order and relaxes. I am sure your mouth is already watering at the very thought of it.
6. Sattu sherbet
Sattu is a healthy flour made from a mixture of ground pulses and cereal. It is widely used in many parts of India particularly Bihar and Jharkhand. Sattu Sherbet is sold in roadside stalls during summer and bring the much-needed relief to tired and perspiring passersby. This traditional drink gives an instant cooling effect to the body and is a hit with the young and old alike.
7. Virgin Mojito
Talking about summer sippers, we cannot miss sugarcane juices, lemonades and… Mojitos! Not only is it healthy but also extremely refreshing! Check out an entire video recipe!
8. Tea and coffee
Tea and coffee are as good for keeping you hydrated as water but of course if you drink in moderate amounts. By that I mean you should keep a watchful eye on the caffeine intake as they have a mild diuretic effect. However, they will not dehydrate you. So you can still enjoy your daily cup of tea or coffee along with water, of course, to stay hydrated.
9. Cran’Ka
Wondering what you just read? Well, a brainchild of Mister Tikku, Cran’ka = Cranberry & Vodka. Goodness overload? Maybe 
Go, read the entire recipe here.
Ranjita is a recruiter by profession and a writer by passion. Do feel free to reach her on ranjitachat@yahoo.co.uk
So drink water as well as other healthy alternatives and refresh yourself in these sweltering days !
