The city burns, literally. Mercury levels have risen to unimaginable levels and the electricity is almost non-existent. In such times, when even the air-conditioning is not a friend, one has to find alternatives that can provide the calm coolness one is in dire need of. Thankfully, home remedies, recipes and magical concoctions of organic thirst-quenchers -shared one generation after another -offer fabulous respite!

Instep explores 5 desi summer drinks that are designed to douse the flames that lap up at you as you attempt to drag through the day. With Ramzan coming up, these are also ideal iftari coolants!

Aam Panna

Famous throughout Pakistan and India, aampanna is undoubtedly the true marking of summer’s arrival. From its natural green colour to its sweet and aromatic scent, the drink is the ultimate heat-buster! One sip of this tangy delight, and one is hooked forever.  Just think of it as a healthier alternative to that mango milkshake everyone craves as soon the king of fruits arrives.

Health Fact: The sour taste of the drink indicates a high level of vitamin C, which the body direly needs in the heat of summer when one loses most body nutrients through excessive sweating. Most people consider it to be an effective tonic, which works in fighting gastrointestinal disorders.

Truly the king of summer drinks, lassi is often a meal in itself for most people! Originating from the Punjab, the drink is a simple concoction of blended yogurt and icy water or milk; it comes with a choice of sweet, salty or any flavour one desires. People have been known to blend mint or summer fruit into their lassi, which makes it closer to being a smoothie. Just keep in mind the hefty calories the drink contains and enjoy it inmoderation. After all, an excess of anything never helps, does it?

Health Fact: Lassi contains a high amount of protein, calcium and fats thanks to the yogurt used. Thus, on those dreadful hot summer days, go for an ice-cold glass of salty lassi that will keep you energized and hydrated for the rest of the day!

Thadal finds its name from the Sindhi word ‘thaddo’ that literally translates to ‘something cold’.  Known for its cooling abilities, the captivatingly aromatic drink is a godsend to the hot, scathing soils of Sindh and Balochistan. Made by grinding dried fruits, dried rose petals, cumin, almonds, black pepper and a mixture of spices called char maghazinto a thick paste that is later mixed with chilled water, thadal is a true summer’s delight that is sure to make one ask for more.

Health Fact:  All those almonds and dried fruits will not only satiate you but will pack a punch of energy as well. Just think of it as a literal air-conditioner in a bottle!

Perhaps the most renowned drink of all and the easiest to make, shikanjabeen is known by its many names. Be it shikanji, limoopani, nimbupani or just plain old lemonade, the drink is an utterly refreshing concoction of lemon (in our case lime), mint and ice that is sure to cool even the hottest heads in town! High in vitamin C and equally low in calories, one can truly make it a companion during the hot summer day, or that day in the gym when water is simply not enough!

Health Fact:Thanks to the high amounts of citric acid in lemons and limes, one can benefit from drinking shikanjabeen for losing weight (as long as it’s not heavily sweetened) as well as maintaining a healthy immune system.

If there’s one drink that is surely seen being sold by vendors all around the streets and corners of Pakistan, it is rohor what one has grown accustomed to calling ganneykaras. Made from raw sugarcane, which is pressed through a mill machine, the juice is as fresh as it can be. The sweet nectar is usually spiced by adding a tad of black rock salt and mint for garnish, while some even go for a bolder taste with the addition of ginger and lime!

Health Fact: While the juice has numerous benefits in regards to providing rejuvenation and energy due to the high sugar levels of fructose and sucrose, one has to be extremely careful of the machine and utensils used to press the juice out, as unhygienic conditions can lead to lethal situations. The best bet is always to provide the vendor with one’s own glass or simply find cleaner alternatives.