Beat the Navratri Heat: 7 Hydrating & Delicious Drinks

Navratri is a vibrant celebration, a time for dazzling dance, delicious food, and spiritual reflection. But amidst the गरबा (garba) and the गरम (garam, hot) weather, dehydration can quickly steal your festive spirit. Worry not, revelers! We’ve curated a selection of 7 flavourful drinks, perfect for combating the Navratri heat and keeping you energised throughout the festivities. So, ditch the lackluster water and get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these delightful hydrators!

The Classic Coolant: Refreshing Mint Lassi

Lassi, a quintessential Indian beverage, is our first contender. This creamy concoction, traditionally made with yogurt, water, and spices, is a fantastic way to stay cool and replenish electrolytes. For Navratri, we’ll embrace a vrat-friendly version using skimmed milk or curd. Here’s a twist: add a generous helping of fresh mint leaves for a burst of coolness and a touch of digestive magic.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled skimmed milk or curd
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin (optional)
• Pinch of pink salt (to taste)
• Honey or chopped dates (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Blend the milk/curd, mint leaves, cumin (if using), and salt in a blender until smooth and frothy.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey or chopped dates.
3. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a mint sprig.
   • Pro-Tip: For an extra cooling effect, add a few ice cubes while blending.

Floral and Fabulous: Chamomile Apple and Mint Iced Tea

Looking for a calming and refreshing drink? Look no further than this delightful iced tea. Chamomile flowers, known for their soothing properties, combine with the crispness of apple and the coolness of mint to create a truly unique beverage. It’s perfect for unwinding after a day of festivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup chopped apple (peeled)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
• Honey or chopped dates (to taste)
• Chilled water (to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

1. Steep the chamomile tea bag in boiling water for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bag and add the chopped apple and mint leaves. Let it cool slightly.
3. Strain the mixture into a pitcher and add honey/dates for sweetness.
4. Top up with chilled water to your desired consistency.
5. Serve over ice with a mint sprig garnish.

Nature’s Electrolyte Powerhouse: Coconut Water With Lemon and Mint Recipe

Coconut water, nature’s sports drink, is a natural hydrator packed with electrolytes. To elevate this wonder drink, we’ll add a squeeze of lemon for a touch of vitamin C and a dash of mint for an invigorating aroma.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh coconut water
• 1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1-2 sprigs of mint leaves

Instructions:

1. In a chilled glass, combine the coconut water, lemon juice, and mint leaves.
2. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy!

The King of Lassi: Creamy Mango Lassi

Lassi makes another appearance, this time in a vibrant mango avatar. Perfect for the summer season, this sweet and creamy drink is a delightful way to stay hydrated and cool.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled skimmed milk or curd
• 1/2 cup chopped ripe mango
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
• Pinch of pink salt (to taste)
• Honey or chopped dates (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Blend the milk/curd, chopped mango, cardamom (if using), and salt in a blender until smooth and frothy.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey or chopped dates.
3. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a slice of mango.

The tangy Tradition: Spiced Buttermilk (Chaas)

There’s a reason why buttermilk, or chaas, is a staple across India. This creamy concoction is not only light on the stomach but also a powerhouse of electrolytes and hydration. The tangy flavour is a welcome change from plain water, and the probiotics in buttermilk can even aid digestion – a welcome benefit after indulging in festive feasts!

Here’s a quick recipe to whip up some refreshing chaas:

• 2 cups chilled curd (yogurt)
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 tsp roasted jeera (cumin seeds)
• A pinch of hing (asafoetida) for a touch of smokiness (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Whisk the curd and water together until smooth. Add the cumin seeds, hing (if using), and salt. Taste and adjust as needed. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve chilled.

Orange Juice

Let’s start with a crowd-pleaser! Orange juice is a well-known source of Vitamin C, perfect for keeping your immune system strong during the festivities. But to take it up a notch, let’s add a touch of ginger. This wonder root not only boasts anti-inflammatory properties but also adds a delightful zing to your drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 juicy oranges
• 1 inch knob of ginger, peeled and grated
• A pinch of black salt (optional)
• Honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Squeeze the oranges to extract fresh juice.
2. Grate the ginger using a fine grater.
3. In a jug, combine the orange juice, grated ginger, and a pinch of black salt (if using).
4. Taste the mixture and add honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness, if desired.
5. Serve chilled with ice cubes for a refreshing burst of flavour.

Zingy and Zesty: Ginger Lemonade

Feeling a tickle in your throat? This invigorating ginger lemonade is the perfect pick-me-up! The tangy lemons provide essential electrolytes, while the ginger soothes a sore throat and aids digestion – perfect for those festive indulgences.

Ingredients:

• 3 lemons, juiced
• 1 inch knob of ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 4 cups water
• Honey or maple syrup to taste
• A few mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the chopped ginger and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Strain the ginger water into a jug, discarding the ginger solids.
3. Add the lemon juice, honey or maple syrup to taste, and stir well.
4. Chill the lemonade thoroughly.
5. Serve in glasses filled with ice cubes and garnish with a few mint leaves for an extra refreshing touch.