Tender Coconut water
Coconut water is a 100 per cent natural drink and nature's very own bounty packed into a single green shell. A rich source of vitamins and nutrients and is effective in cleansing the body and digestive tract as well as keeping you rehydrated during the exceptionally hot days. Despite the many pre-packaged version available on super market shelves, there is no better way than to grab your own coconut from your neighbourhood coconut seller omnipresent in nearly every street corner in Bengaluru and sip away. An added plus: scooping out the sweet malai with a makeshift husk-spoon
Chilled Rasam
This one is a twist on the traditional South Indian soup and a new favourite from Paperboat, the company which specialises in traditional Indian drinks packaged in a trendy manner. This tangy spicy soup-drink is a crossover like no other, treading the fine line between a gazpacho and your mum's tried and tested recipe and is perfect for those tired of guzzling sugary soft drinks.
Sol Kadhi
A Konkani special, the Sol Kadhi is as delightful to look at as it is to taste. This light pink, spiced and cooling brew is an unusual mix of kokum, fresh coconut milk and a dash of spice. An aperitif consumed before or as part of most Konkan meals, this drink is versatile enough to be had as a soup with rice and fried fish as well as a chilled drink in a glass.
Jigarthanda
An unusual South Indian special, this drink is in fact a Madurai
special. Meaning cool heart, this drink is prepared on street carts and dispensed by the litres in the hot months. A cross between a shake and a dessert, the jigarthanda combines milk with china grass, nannari syrup (a local plant whose roots are steeped in hot water to create a strong flavouring agent) or rose essence and vanilla ice cream to create a concoction which is unique and delicious.
Chaas
Chaas or mattha or buttermilk is a North Indian staple during the summer months and is a combination of the buttermilk gleaned from whipping curds. To this is added roasted cumin seeds, salt and some asafoetida. Everyone has their own version of chaas and a spice blend which varies from household to household. What remains constant is its cooling properties and ability to settle your stomach.
Aam Panna
Summer also brings with it a rich harvest of mangoes and when you are not feasting on the sweet pulpy fruit, you can partake of this delicious drink. Made by combining boiled or roasted raw mango pulp with sugar, spices and ice, aam panna is the stuff of childhood memories and summer afternoons.