Beat the heat with natural summer beverages

We are in the midst of a relentless heatwave and there is little we can do. All our good intentions and efforts to stop globalwarming, grow more trees, reduce plastic, switch to eco friendly means of transport are going to benefit the next generations.

However, what we can do immediately is reach out for a cold natural summer beverage to get through the day. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to cold beverages. The easily available ones are the sodas and colas that are hawked across stores at this time. I know a cold beer can also be refreshing but I am going to refrain from that and introduce you to what I’d like to call alternate beverages

A growing awareness on health and wellness has given rise to a slew of enterprising vendors offering a range of natural beverages. While there are just too many to list out let’s focus on the unknown ones from the South in this blog.

Tender coconut with nanari ( Elaneer with nannari syrup)

Tender coconut with nanari is the most popular natural beverage in the Deep South of Tamilnadu in the Kanyakumari- Nagercoil region and one can see many vendors lining the highway leading to Nagercoil. It is common to see vehicles parked with families taking a break to savour this treat. Tender coconut water with the malai is sweetened with nanari syrup. Nanari is body coolant and hence does wonders when added to a tender coconut. A word of caution here. Do watch out for the hygiene in these places. While some take extra care some can be outright dirty.

Nungu with nanari

Nungu, also known as ice apple is the fruit from the palm tree and is available only in summer. You may hence find this only in season and in areas where the palm grows in abundance. The Nungu is a soft fleshy translucent and of a jelly textured fruit found inside the larger palm nut. Usually three fruits inside the one palm nut. Cutting the palm nut to reveal the Nungu itself is an art and a sight to behold.

The Nungu has a sweet nectar inside it and when all of this is mixed in with the nanari syrup and served cold can be great refresher.

This natural summer beverage drink can be quite filling and works as a hunger buster or even a meal replacer. You know how lethargic one feels after a large helping of mutton biryani on hot summer afternoon.

Nungu with Pathneer

The palm tree is perhaps the most useful tree in the whole world with nothing going to waste. The dried leaf is used to make baskets/ handicrafts/ Mt hatched roofs while the trunk is up to good use in boat making and as rafters for roofs. 

The palm sap that is collected gives the Pathneer. The arrival of the Pathneer vendors signifies the arrival of summer and i can remember having enjoyed this from the time I was 4 years until now. The same vendor still visits us every year in the summer to serve me my morning dose of pathneer. 

The Pathneer with nungu added is nourishing and refreshing at the same time. The best way to enjoy this natural summer beverages is when served in a handy cup made quickly by the vendor using the palm leaf and having a few ninjas chopped and added in along with a serving of Pathneer. Good Pathneer can be enjoyed in Virudhunagar., Srivilliputhur, Vembar, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin, Ramnad and a few more places located on the southern districts of Tamilnadu.

Lemon Soda

Lemon soda is a blend of lemon juice with icecubes, salt, sugar and chilled soda. It is a carbonated soft drink made with lemon juice. This natural summer beverage drink is very famous in street sideshops especially during summers. Just with few ingredients you can make lemon soda in no time. This drink is popularly called as Nimbu soda in North.

Masala buttermilk

Masala buttermilk is one of the most refreshing drinks popular in India. A natural coolant for the body, it also prevents dehydration. It is a rich source of protein and calcium.It is loaded with vitamins, which helps boost our energy and immunity. A cup of masala buttermilk is ideal after a heavy meal which improves digestion and thus reduces the chance of acidity. It is due to the presence of lactic acid in the beverage.

Panagam

This is a Ram Navami staple but can be made easily at home to beat the summer heat. It is easy to make at home, natural, tastes yum and is refreshing. This has now even been made available as a ready to drink by paperboat that makes such nostalgic beverages.

                                  

There is also another brand called ICY SPICY PANAGAM MIX that I thought is pretty cool. The product is only available online on for now. It contains palm jaggery crystals, ginger, cardamom powder, tamarind powder and only requires the addition of fresh lime juice and a sprig of mint with ice cold water to make a drink that is Icy spicy. Now that I have listed my favourite natural summer beverages you know what to do! Head out and look for them. There’s always one around the corner. Be creative and do not hesitate to mix and match these ingredients.

Nungu with tender coconut water with added sapcha (basil seeds) or added tree gum can make your beverage more exciting. Do you still need a mojito?

Author Name: Jaisinh Vaerkar