India is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, and its beverages are no exception. From refreshing drinks like -lassi and nimbu pani to the warming comfort of masala chai, Indian beverages offer a range of flavours and health benefits.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular Indian beverages and their unique characteristics.
- Lassi
Lassi is a popular yoghurt-based drink that is commonly consumed in Northern India. It is made by blending yoghurt, water, and sometimes sugar, and flavoured with either sweet or savoury ingredients. Sweet lassi is often flavoured with fruit, such as mango or strawberry, while salty lassi is seasoned with cumin, salt, and sometimes mint. Lassi is a refreshing drink that is perfect for hot summer days and also aids digestion.
- Masala Chai
Masala chai is a spiced tea that originated in India and is now popular worldwide. The tea is made by brewing black tea with a mixture of spices, including ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and milk. Masala chai is known for its warming and comforting properties and is often consumed in the mornings and evenings.
- Nimbu Pani
Nimbu pani, also known as lemonade, is a popular summer drink in India. It is made by mixing lemon juice, sugar, and water and is often flavoured with spices such as cumin and black salt. Nimbu pani is a refreshing drink that is also rich in vitamin C and aids digestion.
- Thandai
Thandai is a popular drink in Northern India that is commonly consumed during the festival of Holi. It is made by blending milk, sugar, and a mixture of nuts and spices, including almonds, cashews, pistachios, fennel seeds, and cardamom. Thandai is a cooling and energizing drink that is perfect for hot summer days.
- Aam Panna
Aam Panna is a popular drink in Northern India that is made from raw mangoes. It is made by boiling raw mangoes and blending them with sugar, salt, and spices, such as cumin and mint. Aam Panna is a cooling and refreshing drink that is rich in vitamin C and aids digestion.
- Jaljeera
Jaljeera is a popular drink in India that is known for its digestive properties. It is made by mixing water with a mixture of spices, including cumin, black salt, mint, ginger, and sometimes lemon juice. Jaljeera is a refreshing drink that is perfect for hot summer days and aids digestion.
- Sol Kadi
Sol kadi is a popular drink from the coastal region of Maharashtra and Goa. It is made with kokum, a fruit that is native to India, and coconut milk. The drink is tangy and refreshing and is often served with spicy seafood dishes.
- Badam Milk
Badam milk is a popular drink from the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. It is made with almonds, milk, sugar, and sometimes saffron and cardamom. Badam milk is a rich and creamy drink that is often consumed as a dessert.
- Sattu Sherbet
Sattu sherbet is a popular drink from the state of Bihar in East India. It is made with sattu, which is roasted gram flour, mixed with water, lemon juice, and spices, such as cumin and black salt. Sattu sherbet is a refreshing and nutritious drink that is often consumed during the hot summer months.
- Phalsa Sherbet
Phalsa sherbet is a popular drink in summer. It is made with phalsa berries, which are small purple fruits that grow in India. The berries are crushed and mixed with water, sugar, black salt and sometimes lemon juice. Phalsa sherbet is a tangy and refreshing drink that is often consumed during the summer months.
- Filter Coffee
Filter coffee is a popular beverage from South India that is known for its strong flavour and aroma. It is made with dark-roasted coffee beans that are finely ground and brewed in a metal coffee filter called a "dabara" and "tumbler." The coffee is then mixed with hot milk and sugar to taste. Filter coffee is often consumed with breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up and is a staple beverage in South Indian households.
- Buttermilk
Buttermilk, also known as "moru" or "majjige," is a popular traditional beverage in South India. It is made by mixing curd with water and adding spices such as cumin, ginger, and curry leaves. Buttermilk is a refreshing and cooling drink that is often consumed after a meal or during hot weather.
- Panakam
Panakam is a traditional sweet beverage from the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. It is made with jaggery, and water flavoured with cardamom, ginger, and lemon juice. Panakam is often consumed during the festival of Rama Navami and is believed to have cooling properties that help to combat heat.
- Neer Mor
Neer Mor is a popular beverage from the state of Karnataka in South India. It is similar to buttermilk but is made with diluted curd and flavoured with coriander leaves, green chillies, and ginger. Neer Mor is a refreshing and tangy drink that is often consumed during the summer months.
- Jigarthanda
Jigarthanda is a popular beverage from the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. It is made with milk, almond gum, nannari syrup, and ice cream. Jigarthanda is a rich and creamy drink that is often consumed as a dessert.
- Apong (Rice Beer)
Apong, also known as rice beer, is a popular alcoholic beverage from the state of Assam in North East India. It is made with fermented rice and has a slightly sweet and sour taste. Apong is traditionally consumed during festivals and social gatherings and is considered an important part of the Assamese culture. The brewing process of Apong involves the use of traditional techniques and equipment and is often a community effort. Apong is also known for its medicinal properties and is believed to aid digestion and boost the immune system.
- Chaang
Chaang is a traditional fermented beverage from the state of Sikkim in North East India. It is made with millet, rice, or barley, and is served in a bamboo container called a "tongba." The drink is heated with hot water and sipped through a bamboo straw. Chaang is a popular beverage during festivals and social gatherings and is often consumed with meat dishes.
- Thukpa
Thukpa is a traditional soup from the state of Arunachal Pradesh in North East India. It is made with noodles, vegetables, and meat or fish, and is flavoured with spices such as ginger and garlic. Thukpa is a hearty and nutritious soup that is often consumed during the cold winter months.
- Tea
Tea is a popular beverage in the North Eastern region of India, particularly in the state of Assam. The region is known for producing some of the best quality tea in the world, with the Assam tea variety being particularly famous. The tea is grown in the lush green tea estates of the region and is known for its strong and robust flavour. Tea is often consumed with breakfast and is an important part of the daily routine for many people in the region.
These are just a few examples of the diverse range of beverages that are enjoyed in the North Eastern region of India. The region is known for its unique culinary traditions and ingredients, which are reflected in the local beverages as well.
Conclusion
Indian beverages offer a range of flavours and health benefits, from the refreshing and digestive properties of lassi and nimbu pani to the warming and comforting properties of masala chai. These beverages are not only delicious but also reflect the rich cultural heritage of India. So, the next time you want to quench your thirst, try one of these popular Indian beverages, and savour the unique flavours and health benefits they offer.
This post is part of the #BlogchatterA2Zchallenge.
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