A day of rain might have provided temporary relief from the sweltering April heat, but summer is still not over. As the mercury rises, so does the number of summer coolers on offer and the search for the ultimate thirst-quencher. From fruity sodas or ice creams that are easily available at every nook and corner in the city, to sugarcane juice and ice golas that bring with them the flavour of nostalgia, there are ample options available for you to choose from.
Kokum Sharbat
The coastal classic, kokum sharbat is tangy, deep red in colour, and incredibly refreshing. Made from kokum fruit, it cools the body and is perfect for humid afternoons. Lightly sweet with a hint of spice, it's summer in a glass.
Buttermilk
Simple, salty, and spiced just right, buttermilk, aka chaas, is the everyday hero of Indian summers. It keeps you hydrated while calming the stomach. It's less indulgence, more necessity. Tip: Some added boondi will elevate the taste.
Mango Milkshake
Nothing says Indian summer like a chilled mango milkshake made with ripe mangoes. Thick, naturally sweet, and velvety, it's both a drink and a mini meal. One glass is pure seasonal bliss, and if you top it up with a scoop of mango ice cream, well, that's eternal bliss!
Kulfi
Denser and creamier than regular ice cream, kulfi is packed with flavours like pistachio, malai, or mango. Served on a stick or in earthen pots, it melts slowly, just how you want it on a hot day.
Falooda Ice Cream
A layered indulgence, falooda blends rose syrup, vermicelli, dry fruits, milk, and ice cream into one decadent treat. Every spoonful is a mix of textures. It's dessert and drink rolled into one.
Ice Gola
Street-side nostalgia in crushed ice form, that's ice gola for you! Drenched in colourful syrups like kala khatta or orange, sticky fingers are part of the experience, as is the instant cool-down. It's an unapologetically summery, messy and fun experience.
Nimbu Soda
Sharp, fizzy, and instantly cooling, nimbu soda is the ultimate heat-buster. A quick mix of fresh lime juice, soda, salt or sugar (or both), it delivers that perfect tangy punch. Whether sweet, salty, or masala-loaded, it's a street-side staple that never misses, and summer is incomplete without a glass of this cooler.
About the Author: Jignesh Mistry is a photojournalist with Pune Times and covers entertainment and lifestyle features, news and interviews.
