New Delhi: As the sun blazes and temperatures soar, staying hydrated becomes essential. But drinking just plain cold water can get a bit boring. That’s where traditional Indian sharbats come in. These flavorful drinks not only quench your thirst but also refresh the body and uplift the senses. These age-old summer beverages, made using natural ingredients like herbs, fruits, roots, and flowers, offer much more than just a sweet sip. Packed with cooling properties, they help maintain your body temperature, replenish lost electrolytes, and aid digestion during scorching days.
Whether it’s the rosy nostalgia of Rooh Afza, the earthy calm of khus, or the zing of lemon and mint, sharbats are deeply rooted in Indian summer traditions. These drinks help to balance the body’s internal heat and energy levels. From tangy tamarind to the power-packed sattu, there’s a sharbat for every taste preference—sweet, sour, or savoury.
Here are 7 refreshing sharbats perfect for beating the summer season:
1. ROOH AFZA SHARBAT
A classic rose-flavoured drink prepared with herbs, fruits, and floral extracts. Rooh Afza is loved in many households in the hot, scorching heat. Mix it with chilled water or milk, and you get instant relief from heat as it helps in cooling and helps balance body heat. It also replenishes lost electrolytes on hot days. Serve with ice for instant refreshment.
2. khus ka sharbat
Khus is prepared from vetiver grass roots, known for their natural cooling properties. Its deep green colour and earthy aroma are soothing and grounding. This sharbat helps calm the nerves and keeps the body hydrated. Best enjoyed cold, with a hint of lemon.
3. Bel (wood apple) Sharbat
This is a great beverage during the summer season that helps prevent heatstroke. Made from the pulp of ripe bel, this sharbat is both nutritious and a powerful coolant. It aids digestion and is rich in fibre, making it excellent during hot, sluggish days. Slightly tangy and sweet, it’s usually blended with jaggery or sugar and chilled water.
4. sattu sharbat
It is a traditional drink from Bihar and UP. Sattu is roasted gram flour mixed with water, salt, lemon juice, and sometimes cumin. High in protein and fibre, it’s both cooling and energising. This savoury sharbat is a great natural body coolant. It’s also filling and ideal during fasting or long days in the summer season.
5. Mint-Lemon Sharbat
It is a zesty combination of lemon juice, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and black salt. This sharbat is incredibly refreshing. It helps in cooling the body, refreshes the palate, and aids digestion. Mint provides a blast of freshness, while lemon gives it a tangy punch. It tastes best when served chilled.
6. Phalse (Indian Sherbet Berry) Sharbat
Phalsa ka sharbat is a tangy, antioxidant-rich drink that is a great coolant during the summer season. Blended with sugar, black salt, and water, this sharbat is a natural coolant. It’s great for digestion and has a unique sweet-sour flavour. A rare but delightful treat in the hotter months.
Easy to make, refreshing, and naturally cooling, these sharbats are a must-have during your summer hydration routine. These refreshing sharbat options can help you beat the heat in the most delicious way possible.
