“Water is the elixir of life.”
“There’s nothing like a glass of buttermilk on a hot summer day.”
A Cool Drink
During our visits to our paternal village, we would often hear a familiar call—“Thayir! Thayir!” (curd). We would dash out excitedly to call the man balancing a huge mud pot on his head. It was always a thrill to see the thick, creamy curd he carried.
Our grandmother would serve us hot idlis, and later churn that curd into buttermilk with a dash of salt and curry leaves. What a refreshing drink it was—perfect to beat the sweltering summer heat. We’d sip it slowly, savoring the comfort in every gulp.
And how could I forget the ever-so-delicious Curd Rice? With chopped green chillies, ginger, and a flavorful tadka of mustard seeds and curry leaves, it was the ultimate comfort food. Sometimes, Grandma would serve it straight into our palms as we sat in a circle—love being the most important ingredient.
Coconut Water
One of our favorite sights was watching men climb tall coconut trees. We’d shout, “Uncle, be careful!” only to have our grandfather laugh and say, “Don’t worry children, he knows the trick.”
We enjoyed the sweet coconut water and soft tender coconut flesh—it felt like a natural energy drink straight from Mother Earth.
Cold Drinks Take Over
Over time, traditional drinks were replaced by bottled sodas like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, and Limca. Though refreshing, these fizzy drinks lack the natural goodness of traditional ones. Still, fridges began overflowing with them.
We also remember the craze for Rasna, a flavored drink mix, and now there’s Aam Panna in pouches. But back then, fresh mango drinks were made at home with love and care.
Bael Sharbat – A Forgotten Summer Delight
One summer specialty that many miss out on is Bael (Wood Apple) Sharbat. The process of breaking the hard shell and extracting the pulp may seem tedious, but the result? Pure joy in a glass.
Mixed with water and sweetened to taste, Bael Sharbat is not just delicious but also incredibly thirst-quenching. It leaves your heart full—“Dil khush ho jata hai.”
Fruits of the Season – Eaten or Drunk!
Before summer fully sets in, roadside stalls overflow with watermelons and muskmelons. Bargaining becomes an art as everyone tries to grab the juiciest deals. These fruits are often sliced fresh or blended into sharbats and smoothies.
And then, there’s the King of Fruits – Mango. The arrival of mangoes drives people crazy! From the premium Alphonso to the local favorites, there’s a mango for every mood and budget. Whether it’s mango juice, kulfi, or ice cream, summer is synonymous with mango mania.
Image Courtesy: By WhiskAffair via Pinterest
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– Poornima Sivaraman
About the Author:
Poornima Sivaraman, a vibrant 74-year-young retired teacher, embodies a love for life and creativity. With a passion for connecting with people of all ages, she channels her energy into writing across various platforms, contributing to anthologies, and sharing her unique perspectives with readers.
Beyond her literary pursuits, Poornima enjoys singing and has recorded numerous songs on Star Maker, showcasing her melodious voice. A culinary enthusiast, she finds joy in cooking and believes in living a simple, meaningful life. Dedicated to helping others whenever possible, Poornima is a true advocate of kindness and positivity.
Very nicely penned about all the drinks with little anecdotes! I love coconut water and lassi. Aam panna is another of favourite in summer by trying to avoid sugar so have to leave it Great to read and get our memories refreshed.