15 Iconic Indian Summer Coolers and Comforts to Keep You Chilled & Full
Indian summers aren’t kind. The sun’s out like it owns the place and even the thought of turning on the stove makes you want to lie down. But, summer isn’t all bad… not when you’ve got these beauties.
These are the drinks and dishes we all grew up with—or wish we had. They're cooling, nostalgic, and honestly, they just hit different when the mercury’s rising.
If you're someone who cooks, creates recipes, or just loves feeding people—consider this your summer inspiration board.
What people want in this heat: No-fuss. No-cook, Feels nostalgic. Gut-friendly. Instagram-worthy. And, maybe most importantly… cold & Cool-down foods.
1. Fuljar Soda – The Viral Coastal Fizz
Ever had a drink explode in your mouth? That’s fuljar for you. It’s fizzy, spicy and all about that ‘whoa’ moment. Originally from coastal India, this little shot glass of fun is going viral for a reason.
2. Curd Rice
Curd rice isn’t just food. It’s comfort. Especially on those days when even chewing feels like effort. Cold rice, creamy curd, and a little tadka—it’s the food version of shade under a neem tree.
Little twist: Add chopped mango or pomegranate. Feels fancy but still simple.
More curd rice recipes
3. Solkadhi
A Konkan classic made with kokum and coconut milk. Tangy, cooling, and honestly underrated. Plus, it’s so Instagrammable.
Hack: Can’t find fresh kokum? Use dried ones or syrup.
More solkadhi recipes
4. Jaljeera – Chatpata in a Glass
Hot outside? One sip of jaljeera and boom—instant wake-up. It’s spicy, sour, salty, and super refreshing. Plus, it helps with digestion after all that summer snacking.
Fun idea: Try freezing it into popsicles.
5. Panakam
Panakam is the OG electrolyte drink. Naturally sweet, super hydrating.
6. Shikanji – Lemonade, But With Swag
North India’s classic. It’s lemon juice, but with jeera, kala namak, and sometimes soda. It doesn’t just quench thirst—it slaps the heat away.
7. Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
Milk + rose syrup + watermelon = Delhi’s most romantic drink. It’s pretty, sweet, and super cooling.
More recipes of Mohabbat ka sharbat
Try this: Add soaked sabja seeds or chia for extra cooling and texture. Looks dreamy.
8. Aamras
Thick, golden mango pulp that you slurp with puris or just straight from a bowl. It doesn’t get better than this.
Small tip: Add cardamom or a pinch of ginger powder to keep it from turning brown.
9. Aam Panna – Sweet, Sour, and Soothing
Made from raw mangoes, this drink is practically summer medicine. It's tangy, sweet, and saves you from heat exhaustion.
Fun spin: Freeze it into cubes and drop in soda or water or create popsicles
10. Wood Apple Sharbat (Bael)
Not the prettiest fruit, but wow—it works wonders in the heat. Bael is gut-friendly and crazy hydrating. You scoop it out, mix it with jaggery, and chill.
11. Falooda – The Dessert You Can Sip
It’s sweet, messy, and perfect for a heatwave day.
12. Neer Mor – Buttermilk with a South Indian Twist
This isn’t plain chaas. It’s spiced with curry leaves, mustard, green chilli. It’s refreshing and somehow wakes up your brain too.
13. Kakdi Koshimbir – Cucumber salad from Maharashtra
Cucumber, coconut, peanut, and a tiny tempering. This is a crunchy, cold side dish that quietly saves you from the heat. It’s no-cook, quick, and a great meal-prep option.
14. Sabja Lemon Cooler – Desi Detox in a Glass
Sabja (basil) seeds are like tiny jelly balls that cool you from the inside. Mix them with lemon juice, rose syrup, or even thandai.
Make it pop: Pre-soak them and store in the fridge. Ready anytime.
15. Raita – The One That Goes with Everything
Cucumber, boondi, mint, or pineapple—raita doesn’t get enough love. It cools your stomach, pairs with parathas or pulao, and makes spicy food less angry.
These summer recipes have been loved for generations—but there’s still so much room to play.
So the next time the heat makes you want to hide under a fan all day, remember—your kitchen has the answer. A chilled drink, a comforting bowl, or something tangy and nostalgic... it doesn’t take much to feel better. 😉