Despite knowing better, we almost always pick out things that aren’t always the best for us like aerated drinks that don’t really do much for our body. Water alone won’t do the trick, we need other summer drinks to beat the heat. That doesn’t mean you grab the nearest bottle of Coca Cola or beer.

But why settle for carbonated water when you can keep your body cool and reap the benefits of consuming something that’s actually healthy? Try these desi summer drinks to stay cool and calm in the scorching heat.

Related: Delicious, Easy Mango Recipes To Beat The Summer Blues

1. The elixir that is coconut water

Coconut water is low in carbohydrates, while still being rich in potassium. And it works like a charm when you’ve caught a bit of a fever or simply need to quench your thirst the healthy way. And its unique flavour definitely helps too.

2. Grab some nimbu pani

The classic nimbu pani (homemade lemonade) trumps artificially flavoured drinks any day and is one of our favourite summer drinks. You can come up with your own variations by adding cardamom, pepper, tulsi leaves, even jal jeera or simply keeping it sweet with plain old sugar. Try some of these recipes to pimp up your lemonade at home.

3. Refresh yourself with some watermelon juice

Pick up a bottle of cold-pressed watermelon juice from ToBeHealthy for an instant energy boost. This nutrient-dense beverage has a subtle flavour that will make you feel like you have done something really good for your body. Add a pinch of rock salt to bring out the desi flavour.

4. Shake up some sharbat

While fancy mocktails and smoothies are great, there’s nothing like old fashioned sherbets made from Kokum fruit or mint, with mint being an excellent cooling agent. You can add mint in a variety of drinks as well use it for garnishing to make your own summer drinks menu.

5. Lassi, an age old love story

Sweet lassi is another crowd favourite that you cannot go wrong with. And for those of you who don’t know what it is (and quite clearly missing one of the joys of life), it is basically a blend of yoghurt, water, and spices – a very popular drink that never disappoints on a hot summer afternoon.

6. Aam ka panna

Aam ka panna is a popular drink made from raw mangoes, renowned for its heat-resistant properties. For those who want to add a twist to it, you can whip up your own aam panna cocktail with tangy raw mango bits in it.

7. Never say no to kala khatta

With nothing more than crushed ice, black salt, lemon juice, and tangy sweet blackberry syrup, you can prepare kala khatta in the comfort of your home and keep yourself cool without the need for flavoured candy ice cream.

8. Summery sattu

This, right here, is a wholesome drink often made from roasted chickpea and barley flour. For those living in the north of India, sattu may be something you would’ve tried at least once – a certified crowd pleaser in regions such as Bihar.

9. Buttermilk love

This is equally popular in the north and south of India, commonly flavoured with mint, ginger, cumin powder or curry leaves. Some people even like their buttermilk seasoned with a drizzle of oil, herbs and spices – a satisfying drink to finish your lunch with, to beat the heat and get your dose of hydration.

10. Freshen up with falooda

This is a kids’ favourite that always has you coming back for more. A layered summer dessert-beverage, falooda is made using milk, rose syrup, sabja (basil) seeds, falooda sev, dry fruits and ice cream that packs a punch of taste and hydration.

Cheers to a breezy summer!

Related: Easy, Fruity Cocktails And Mocktails Which You Should Try This Summer