Punjab in summers can be survived if you got a Doodhwala right next door. Owing to the highest consumption of dairy products all over India, you haven’t done it right if you haven’t got your upper lip or moustache soaked in buttermilk or cream, in this heat.
- Chaas – The popular non-sweetened diluted version of lassi is “Chaas” or Buttermilk. A drink that can help the body be cool internally and can also help cure stomach related infections. A healthy natural drink that can be consumed in a good quantity without having to get fat.
- Lassi – As soon as you step in Punjab, the smell of Lassi wafts through the air. The original version is one, which is sweet and loaded with cream and butter and is thick in consistency. Now, the locals have been more innovative and are serving Lassi with seasonal favourites like Mango, mint and rose flavor. Being the most popular drink in Punjab, at some places it is still blended and churned the traditional way – in washing machines.
- Mango Milkshake – Mango tastes best when blended with a glass of milk into a thick sweet shake, which will absolutely satiate your taste buds and kill those hunger pangs. A drink that totally awakens your sweet tooth, if it was fast asleep all these months.
- Doodh Soda (Milk Soda) – When you see a long queue of people slurping their way through this one, be rest assured they’ve all lined up for Doodh Soda. A drink unique to Punjab not only is it refreshing, but also can totally uplift your mood.
- Banta (Local Soda Drink) – A concoction of Soda, lemon water and some Masala this one is usually made with the Kanche Wali Bottle which gave birth to this drink. Be in total awe of Punjab and its food, as you have a Banta with all those finger-licking dishes to help digest them easily.
- Shikanjvi – A desi version of the lemonade, this one’s a popular drink between meals. Known to provide instant relief from the scorching heat, this drink is made with water, lemon, sugar and sometimes the local masalas to add to the flavor.
- Imli Ka Pani – Tamarind water or Imli ka Pani is not readily available, but is great to help you fight the heat if you can possibly get your hands on it.
- Jal Jeera – A mix of spices, added in the water along with some pudina (mint) makes for a flavourful glass of Jal Jeera. A popular drink from the street, this is usually consumed with Chaat (Street Food).
- Sattu – Give your day a great start with a glass of Barley water or Sattu. This is made in a typical fashion by adding turmeric, which keeps the body away from diseases and maintains the temperature inside your system. It also helps in digestion.
- Water Melon Shake – This one is sure to please your taste buds, skin and your entire body with its taste, fragrance and its cooling effect. Usually consumed as a juice, Punjabis have it as a shake to complete their cravings of milk and dairy.
