8 Refreshing Indian Drinks from Different States to Beat the Heat

India is home to incredible culinary diversity, and that richness extends far beyond food into its traditional regional drinks. From cool summer beverages to warming seasonal sips, every region has a drink that reflects its culture, climate, and local ingredients. These drinks are more than refreshments. They carry history, community traditions, and unique flavours you will not find anywhere else. Here are eight must-try regional drinks from across India that showcase its beverage heritage and refreshing variety.

1. Lassi from Punjab

One of India’s most loved regional drinks, lassi comes from Punjab and is famous for its rich, creamy texture. Made from yogurt and water, this chilled yoghurt-based drink is perfect on hot days and pairs beautifully with spicy North Indian meals. Punjabi lassi can be sweet or salty, and sometimes even flavoured with fruit or spices like cardamom or saffron.

2. Chaas or Buttermilk Across India

Chaas, often called buttermilk in many parts of India, is another popular traditional Indian drink that keeps you cool and aids digestion. It is made by whisking yoghurt with water, spices, and salt. People in different states know it by different names like chhanch, ghol , or maar , but the essence remains the same: a light, frothy, cooling beverage ideal during summers.

3. Shikanji from North India

A staple among regional summer drinks, shikanji is India’s twist on lemonade. It is tangy and refreshing, made with lemon juice, water, and a blend of spices like roasted cumin and black salt. This chilled drink is perfect for beating the midday heat and is commonly sold at roadside stalls across the north.

4. Jigarthanda from Tamil Nadu

Down south, especially in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai city, jigarthanda is a beloved cold drink known for its cooling properties. Its name roughly translates to “cool heart”, which reflects how deeply refreshing this beverage feels. Made from milk, sugar, almond gum, and sarsaparilla syrup, this sweet drink is rich and soothing.

5. Tanka Torani from Odisha

In eastern India, tanka torani is a traditional drink from Odisha that combines rice water, curd, spices, and herbs. This unique beverage is prepared by mixing cooked rice water with yoghurt, salt, roasted cumin, and lemon or curry leaves, then chilled before serving. Tanka torani is particularly refreshing during hot months and is also part of temple food traditions in Puri.

6. Sattu Sharbat from Eastern India

Sattu sharbat is a nutritious and energising regional drink especially popular in Bihar and neighbouring states. Made from roasted gram flour mixed with water and spices, it has a slightly nutty, savory flavour and provides hydration and nourishment when served cold. Many people enjoy it during summer or as a hearty morning drink.

7. Neera from Tamil Nadu

Neera is a sweet, natural palm sap collected from palm trees in coastal and southern regions like Tamil Nadu. This natural energy drink is prized for its mild sweetness and nutrients. Neera is usually consumed fresh because it ferments quickly, and locals appreciate it as a refreshing and wholesome drink, especially during warm weather.

8. Handia: Tribal Rice Beer

To round out the list, handia is a traditional fermented rice drink with cultural roots in tribal communities in central and eastern India. The rice beer is made by fermenting rice with herbs and ranu tablets, and then keeping the mixture in earthen pots until ready. While it has a mild alcoholic content, handia remains an important ceremonial and social drink in many regions of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and neighbouring states.