From North To South, 20 States & Their 20 Must-Try Summer Drinks!

Famous Summer Drinks Across India

1. Lassi, Punjab

Lassi is one of the most enjoyed drinks across all of India. But it originated in Punjab; there, lassi isn’t just a drink, it’s an emotion. Served in tall steel glasses or even kulhads, this creamy, thick yoghurt drink is the most satisfying summer drink. Mostly preferred on the sweeter side, a glass of lassi feels like a full reset after a heavy meal, especially with the thick layer of malai on top that enhances the taste significantly.

2. Masala Chaas, Gujarat

In Gujarat, chaas is practically a daily ritual. Often enjoyed along with lunch and drinks, this summer drink is not only refreshing but also energising. Light, salty and spiced with cumin or curry leaves, the drink balances out Gujarati meals just perfectly. One of the health benefits of chaas is that it keeps you hydrated all day long.

3. Aam Panna, Rajasthan

If there’s one drink that screams Indian summer survival like no other, then it’s aam panna. We all have had different versions of Aam Panna at least once in our lives, but the real one? It originated in Rajasthan. Made from raw mangoes, the drink hits you with tangy, sweet, and salty notes—all at once. Aam panna actually helps you prevent heatstroke, and that’s why it’s a must-have summer drink of the state.

4. Aamras, Maharashtra

Every Indian is aware of Maharashtrians and their love for Aamras. Made from fresh mangoes, aamras is considered a staple summer drink in every Maharashtrian household. This drink, known for its extra-sweet and pulpy flavour, is also a popular accompaniment to Puri.

5. Bela Panna, Odisha

Originating in Odisha, Bela Panna is made with wood apple, jaggery and spices. Not many are aware of this drink, but it is thick, rich, and deeply cooling. Not only that, Bela Panna is tied to traditions and festivals in Odisha, making it more than just a summer drink for the state.

6. Sattu Sharbat, Bihar

Sattu is a famous dish in Bihar, and what about Sattu Sharbat? It’s an emotion for Biharis. Made from roasted gram flour, the sharbat is filling and protein-rich, and it comes in both sweet and salty versions. During the summer, people usually prefer the salty one with lemons and spices; it is said to be a summer lifesaver.

7. Lugdi, Himachal Pradesh

This lesser-known local drink is quite popular in Himachal Pradesh. Lugdi is said to be slightly fermented and carries a tangy depth. It’s rustic and traditional and feels like something that will refresh you after a long trek in the hills. The drink highlights the richness of Himachal culture and local life.

8. Buransh Sharbat, Uttarakhand

Originating in Uttarakhand, Buransh Sharbat is made from rhododendron flowers. It is said to be an ideal blend of sweet and tangy and is often believed to have cooling properties. This vibrant red drink is not just delicious but also healthy and said to have heart-friendly properties.

9.  Panaka, Karnataka

Made with jaggery, ginger and cardamom, Panaka is a very delicious and comforting drink, famous in Karnataka. The drink has a warm sweetness that is finely balanced by spices. The blend makes the drink both refreshing and nourishing at the same time.

10. Mahua Drink, Jharkhand

Mahua is a famous flower, found in the state of Jharkhand. The drink is made from these flowers and is widely enjoyed in the state. The drink carries an earthy sweetness and cultural depth. It is not something that you will find everywhere in the state, but where you do, it’s a must-try.

11. Kambankoozh, Tamil Nadu

Also called Kambu Koozh, this beverage is a traditional cooling drink from Tamil Nadu, which is made using pearl millet, also called ‘Kambu’. It is also considered a meal, as it is a slightly fermented porridge made by cooking pearl millet flour in water and letting it rest overnight. The next day, it’s diluted with water or buttermilk and served chilled. The texture can range from drinkable to slightly thick, depending on its preparation. It is quite a famous drink in the state and has been part of rural life for generations.

12. Sol Kadhi, Goa

Sol Kadi is more than just a drink in Goa; it is a feeling of relief after a long, sun-soaked day by the coast. Made from kokum, a tangy, deep-purple coastal fruit, and creamy coconut milk, this pale pink drink creates a beautiful balance of sourness, mild sweetness, and gentle spice from crushed garlic and green chillies. It is traditionally served after meals as a digestive, helping to soothe the stomach and reduce acidity, thanks to kokum’s natural cooling and gut-friendly properties. At the same time, coconut milk adds hydration and a light richness without making the drink overwhelming.

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13. Majjiga, Andhra Pradesh

Majjiga is one of those drinks that quietly defines summer in Andhra Pradesh. It is made by diluting curd whisked into a light buttermilk, but the additional spices are what make the drink special. The drink is topped with oil-cracked mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies. Unlike other sugary beverages, it hydrates without feeling heavy and restores energy in a simple way. You will find it served in steel tumblers at home, offered to guests, and even shared during gatherings in peak summer.

14. Nannari Sharbat, Telangana & Tamil Nadu

Nannari Sharbat is one of those traditional drinks from Tamil Nadu and Telangana that feels both refreshing and quietly medicinal. Made from the roots of the nannari plant, also known as Indian sarsaparilla, this drink is prepared by mixing nannari syrup with cold water and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The flavour is distinct, slightly earthy, mildly sweet, and gently tangy, making it stand apart from typical sugary coolers. What makes Nannari Sharbat especially popular in summer is its natural cooling effect on the body.

15. Aam Porar Sharbat, West Bengal

Aam Porar Sharbat is one of the most distinctive summer drinks that originated from West Bengal. It is known for its bold, smoky flavour, which sets it apart from typical fruit coolers. The name itself tells the story; ‘aam pora‘ means ‘burnt mango’. Raw mangoes are roasted over an open flame until their skin is charred and the pulp inside turns soft and smoky. This pulp is then mixed with cold water, sugar, black salt, and roasted cumin powder to create a drink that is tangy, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic. The smoky undertone adds a layer of comfort and nostalgia, often reminding people of traditional cooking methods and home kitchens. It is commonly prepared in households rather than sold at shops.

16.  Tenga Pani, Assam

Tenga Pani is a simple yet deeply refreshing summer drink from Assam. The word ‘tenga’ means ‘sour’, and true to its name, this drink is made by mixing fresh lemon juice with water, a bit of jaggery or sugar, and a pinch of black salt. The result is a light, zesty drink that instantly cools the body and wakes up the senses. In Assam’s humid and often exhausting summer heat, Tenga Pani works as a natural hydrator, restoring energy without feeling heavy or overly sweet.

17. Kyat, Sikkam

Kyat is a traditional fermented drink from Sikkim, made primarily from millet, and it is often related to cultural and social gatherings. The preparation involves fermenting millet grains, which are then mixed with water and sometimes served in bamboo containers, giving it a rustic and earthy character. What makes Kyat intriguing in the context of summer is its mild, cooling effect and low alcohol content, which makes it feel more like a gentle refresher than a strong drink. It is not a commercial or widely marketed summer cooler, but rather a drink rooted in tradition and community, often shared among locals.

18. Chakhao Drink, Manipur

The Chakhao Drink is a distinctive and culturally rich beverage from Manipur, made using chakhao, the region’s famous black rice. Known for its deep purple colour and naturally aromatic flavour, this rice is usually associated with desserts, but in its drink form, it transforms into something both refreshing and nourishing. The preparation typically involves cooking the black rice until soft and then blending or infusing it with milk or water, lightly sweetened with sugar or jaggery. The result is a mildly thick, fragrant drink with a beautiful colour and a subtle nutty taste.

19. Chhaang, Himachal Pradesh

Chhaang is a popular traditional drink in Himachal Pradesh, especially in the hills, where it has been part of local life for generations. Made by fermenting barley or sometimes rice, this drink has a mild alcohol content and a slightly tangy, earthy flavour. It is usually prepared at home and often served in wooden or metal mugs, giving it a rustic, cultural charm.

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20. Banta Soda, Delhi

Last but not least, we have Banta Sod, often called ‘goli soda’, which is one of the most recognisable summer drinks across North India, especially in Delhi. Instantly identifiable by its iconic glass bottle sealed with a marble, this drink is as much about the experience as it is about the taste. Banta Soda is a simple combination of carbonated water, lemon juice, salt, and spices. But in the peak of summer, that fizzy, tangy burst feels incredibly refreshing. The mix of citrus and black salt not only cools you down but also helps replenish salts lost due to heat and sweating, making it both enjoyable and functional.

Which is your favourite drink? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons