The weather is getting warmer by the day. As the temperature rises, our bodies lose water, essential minerals and salts due to excessive sweating. It is important to stay hydrated during the summer months in order to stay healthy. One way to do that is through having your favourite beverages that are not only a delight to drink, but will also naturally replenish the nutrients needed for the body. However, one should be mindful of the sugar intake in these drinks and tweak the recipes a bit to make them more healthy and nutritious, all the while helping beat the heat.
Graana.com brings you must-try summer drinks you can make at home to feel fresh and hydrated.
Rooh Afza
Rooh Afza is a household name in Pakistan, especially in Ramzan, but it can be enjoyed throughout the year. The drink is loosely translated into “soul refresher” and as the name suggests, it truly does that!
Rooh Afza will also remind you of your childhood in your grandmother’s house with your family eating food on the dinner table. Rooh Afza goes back 100 years but still continues to serve as the best summer drink. It gets its signature flavour from rose water and kewra, and when served chilled, touches the soul.
The easiest way to prepare Rooh Afza is to add lemon in a glass of water and add a pinch of salt and black salt. Then add 3 to 4 spoons of Rooh Afza syrup according to your preferred level of sweetness. Pour chilled water and add some ice cubes. Mix all the ingredients and serve it. To further enhance it, mint, soaked chia seeds or tukh malanga can be added to enjoy different variations.
Lassi
This Curd-based drink, without a doubt, is the favourite Pakistani beverage. Going back thousands of years, this drink is also beneficial for the digestive system and helps one cool down during summers.
Have you experienced a feeling of drowsiness after drinking Lassi? Oftentimes, people get drowsy after drinking this beverage and are all set to nap which makes it even more relaxing. The best part about this drink is that it can be easily created in variations by adding salt, sugar and fresh fruits like mango, peach, banana etc.
To make a Lassi, take some yogurt and add it to a blender. Next add some water and blend it. It is just that simple! Next you can add salt, sugar or any fruits or nuts according to your taste. Each time, it will turn into something truly amazing!
Lemonade
Summers are synonymous with lemonade. It surely satiates the cravings and helps stay cool during summers. It is also one of the easiest drinks to make. The drink is really refreshing and a great summer drink option.
The recipe is fairly simple. Dissolve sugar in a glass of water and squeeze in lemon juice. Add a little salt to dilute the lemon. You can also add mint leaves as a refresher. Add ice cubes and serve it chilled! If you have the time, you can also add a bit of sprite to turn it into a virgin mojito.
Cold Coffee
If you want to activate your taste buds, cold coffee is the perfect option for you. If you are working or studying, it will also give you that much needed caffeine rush and help you get through the day. It is absolutely finger-licking delicious and will help you maintain your glucose level.
The recipe for cold coffee is fairly simple.The ingredients required are 3 tsp instant coffee powder, 2 cups cold milk, 2 tbsp cream, 1/2 cup boiling water, 2 tbsp Sugar and crushed ice. Add sugar in boiling water and then add instant coffee powder in the mixture and let it cool down. Next, blend the coffee and milk. Add cream and crushed ice. Blend again for a few minutes in a blender until it becomes smooth and frothy. Serve it chilled.
