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NDTV
10 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
6 Traditional Indian Drinks That Go Beyond Lassi And Nimbu Pani
More often than not, we reach for something other than water when thirst strikes. And when it comes to desi thirst-quenchers, two names immediately come to mind: sweet lassi and tangy nimbu pani. But India's drinks culture runs far deeper than that. From age-old sherbets that cool you in peak summer to festive specials brimming with nuts and spices, our country is full of traditional drinks that go beyond the obvious. Some are light and refreshing, others rich and indulgent, but all of them feel like a slice of culture in a glass. Many of these traditional beverages have moved from roadside stalls and family kitchens to menus of cafes and food delivery apps. And if you are keen to learn how to make them yourself, these recipes are a good place to begin. From Chaas To Filter Coffee: 6 Classic Indian Drinks You Need To Try 1. Masala Chaas Recipe If you enjoy lassi, masala chaas will be right up your alley. It is lighter than lassi and healthier too. Masala chaas is essentially buttermilk tempered with roasted cumin, black salt, ginger, and sometimes a little green chilli for an extra kick. Served chilled, it is refreshing, easy on the stomach, and balances out a heavy meal perfectly. In fact, many North Indian households serve chaas alongside lunch. Making it is simple and requires only a few kitchen staples. 2. Kokum Sharbat Recipe Moving from the plains of North India to the Konkan coast, kokum sharbat stands out with its sweet-sour taste. It is made from kokum fruit, sugar and cooling spices, creating a tangy and refreshing drink that locals swear by during hot and humid summers. Kokum is also known for aiding digestion, which adds a healthy edge. Its striking purple-red colour makes it look as appealing as it tastes. You can prepare it at home with a straightforward recipe, or order a ready-to-drink version for instant relief. 3. Thandai Recipe Festivals in India are incomplete without drinks that add flavour to celebrations. Thandai is one such festive classic, traditionally prepared during Holi. This drink blends milk with almonds, saffron, rose petals and a mix of spices, creating a nutty, aromatic, and cooling beverage. Served chilled, it feels indulgent yet refreshing. More than just a festive treat, it is a cultural marker that has travelled from grand family gatherings to modern kitchens with ease. 4. Jaljeera Recipe If thandai is about celebrations, jaljeera is about everyday refreshment. This tangy drink combines lemon juice with roasted cumin, black salt, mint and black pepper, often topped with soda for a fizzy twist. Slightly spicy and highly refreshing, jaljeera is a street-side staple in North India, especially after a long day of work or a plate of chaat. Served ice-cold, it is as energising as it is nostalgic. 5. Falooda Recipe India's drink culture also stretches into dessert territory, and falooda is the perfect example. This Mughlai-inspired treat layers cold milk with rose syrup, soaked basil seeds, vermicelli, jelly, and finally a scoop of ice cream. More than a drink, it feels like dessert in a tall glass. Indulgent, filling, and Instagram-worthy, falooda has moved beyond its royal origins to become a popular favourite across India. You can make it at home, or skip the hassle altogether and order it from your favourite food delivery app. 6. South Indian Filter Coffee Recipe If falooda is about indulgence, filter coffee is about ritual. South Indian filter coffee is strong, aromatic and brewed with chicory, then mixed with frothy milk and served in a steel tumbler. The result is bold yet comforting, slightly bitter yet perfectly balanced. This drink is a cornerstone of South Indian households, but its popularity now extends far beyond the region. For those who usually prefer tea, this coffee has the power to change minds. Regional Indian Drinks Beyond the Mainstream Beyond these iconic choices, India is full of regional beverages that deserve attention. In Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, sattu sharbat is made with roasted gram flour, lemon juice and salt, offering a protein-packed summer drink. Aam panna from ripe green mangoes is a tangy refresher popular in central India. In Punjab and Haryana, sugarcane juice is a roadside staple, while in parts of Rajasthan, kanji made with black carrots and mustard seeds is a festive must-have. Each region contributes a unique flavour to India's beverage culture. Modern Twists On Traditional Indian Drinks Restaurants and cafes today are reimagining these classics with a modern touch. Jaljeera mocktails with soda and herbs, rose thandai lattes, masala chaas smoothies, and falooda-inspired milkshakes have started appearing on menus across urban India. These fusions keep the essence of the drinks intact while making them more appealing to younger audiences who want something both familiar and experimental. Where To Try These Drinks Outside Home While it is always rewarding to prepare these drinks at home, many restaurants across India serve them in their authentic forms. Sweet shops in North India offer thandai and jaljeera during festivals. Cafes in South India are known for serving authentic filter coffee in steel tumblers. Mumbai's coastal eateries often feature kokum-based drinks, while falooda remains a highlight in many old Irani cafes. Food delivery apps have also made ordering these drinks at home much easier. What Is The National Drink Of India? Unofficially, chai is widely regarded as India's national drink. It is part of daily life across regions and social groups, bringing people together over countless cups every day. Are There Healthy Indian Beverages? Yes. India has a long list of healthy beverages such as coconut water, buttermilk, and herbal teas. These drinks not only refresh but also provide health benefits, making them a part of balanced diets for many families. What Are Some Popular Indian Drinks For Summer? When temperatures rise, drinks like nimbu pani, mango lassi and jaljeera become summer essentials. They hydrate, cool the body, and deliver bursts of flavour perfect for the season. Can Indian Drinks Be Gluten-Free? Absolutely. Many traditional Indian drinks such as chaas, thandai and several herbal teas are naturally gluten-free. This makes them safe for those with gluten sensitivities without the need for modifications. So, the next time you want something more exciting than lassi or nimbu pani, try these classic Indian drinks. Whether you make them at home or order them in, each sip is a reminder of just how diverse and delicious Indian beverages can be.
Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Reliance Consumer Products forays into functional beverages with Shunya JV
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on August 18, 2025, 15:43 IST Shares of Reliance Industries Ltd were in focus after its FMCG arm, Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), announced its entry into the healthy functional beverages space. The company has acquired a majority stake in a joint venture with Naturedge Beverages, the maker of herbal-infused zero-calorie brand Shunya. The move marks RCPL's next step toward building a complete beverage portfolio, expanding beyond Campa Cola, Campa Energy and Raskik. Through this JV, Reliance aims to leverage rising consumer demand for natural, herbal, and low-calorie functional drinks. Shunya, made with Ayurvedic super herbs such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Khus, Kokum and Green Tea, has already gained traction among health-conscious urban consumers. Management said the tie-up reinforces RCPL's goal of offering quality, affordable products while promoting India's Ayurvedic legacy. Ketan Mody, Executive Director of RCPL, highlighted that Shunya complements Reliance's beverage strategy and will soon see a wider rollout using Reliance's robust distribution network. Naturedge founder Siddhesh Sharma called the partnership a 'win-win,' noting that Reliance's reach will help transform Shunya into a pan-India brand at a time when demand for herbal-natural functional beverages is surging. With the addition of Shunya, RCPL plans to expand its lineup with energy shots, herb-infused water and other healthy alternatives, strengthening its positioning as a Total Beverage Company Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Taking the route of smaller QSR outlets for rapid growth
Advt Advt By , ETHospitalityWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETHospitalityWorld industry right on your smartphone! Download the ETHospitalityWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles. Established in 2019, Kokum, a Malwani and Konkani coastal cuisine restaurant in Vasai was Acapella Hospitality 's maiden venture. However, Lil Gamby , a QSR delivery-only Pizza brand , which it started post-pandemic, became its flagship brand over a period of time, expanding into different formats in Mumbai and its about Lil Gamby and the vision he had for the brand's growth, Shaan Gidwani , founder and managing director, Acapella Hospitality spoke to ET HospitalityWorld was during the second wave of the pandemic that restaurant operations in the city had come to a standstill and Gidwani took the decision to reuse their existing kitchen infrastructure at what was Cafe Panama, to launch a delivery-only pizza brand.'The most practical option for us (given that dining out was not allowed) was to use the same infrastructure, the same SKUs and the same manpower to launch a delivery-only pizza brand,' Gidwani remembered about the genesis of what is now his most successful restaurant Lil Gamby.'There was a solid response that we got from local audiences. So that instilled our confidence and conviction in pizza as a product category, and also the way we had executed the brand within that category. In 2023 we took the leap and started our first physical store under the Lil Gamby banner—a 1000 square foot, restobar in Bandra. We just felt in order to do justice to the Lil Gamby brand and unpack all the potential within that product, we needed a physical location,' he added about the brand's new outlet also allowed them to bring new elements—a beer focussed offering, extended menu, burgers, pastas and decadent desserts as well as an ice cream truck concept—a lot of which came from Gidwani's own anecdotal experiences during his Bandra outlet was a bit of an experiment, Gidwani confessed, but the response they got helped cement their conviction in the path forward for Lil Gamby was to set up smaller format QSR stores, which would be the biggest driver for the brand's growth, he felt."We've already begun that process. We have seven outlets today, including our flagship store in Lower Parel which is now a larger than life flagship for the brand from where a lot of experimental marketing, a lot of engaging activities can be done," he two restobars in Khar and Lower Parel, the brand's other outlets were all in the QSR format, he said, adding that they had stores coming up in Malad, Vashi and Kharghar."If I put everything together, include some of the other brands (the company also owns and operates Kokum and their pan Asian brand Hungry Buddha), we're at about 10 outlets today at a company level with around one to two new stores being added every month," he said about the current company will continue to focus on Mumbai till the end of the current financial year because Gidwani felt that there was enough ground left to cover.'Market research is something that is ongoing and we are looking at Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Gujarat, Hyderabad as well,' he his aim to ultimately be a $100 million company, the first milestone would be to grow to 20 stores, which he is confident of reaching by the end of this financial were still uncomfortable to go for the franchise path while expanding their reach, though Gidwani confessed once his brands have been firmly established, the franchising model would be an option as well, but only post 100 company-owned, company-operated yes, next financial year was also when Gidwani planned to look for funding, a process that he has already begun but didn't want to speak about currently.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pinto's Wine Land to become history soon
Hubballi: Pinto's Wine Land, a liquor outlet over 125 years old, is set to shut down by the end of this month as the family running in it was upset with rise in alcohol-related incidents. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The family is moving to manufacturing Kokum juice, in a bid to promote a healthy drink. The Pinto family, who migrated from Goa, established this shop mainly to cater to the needs of British Railway officers and others. Due to their establishment, the nearby circle was fondly called Pintos, serving as a gateway for people coming from Gadag Road. It became a landmark with Pinto Road as well. Its reputation was sustained with original liquor when second-quality liquor from Kamaripet dominated the Hubballi market. Five generations of the family engaged in the business. Mohan Pinto, the current owner of the outlet, told TOI that after 2-3 years of discussion, the decision is being implemented now. "Though we adopted honesty and ethics in this business, alcohol is negative on a larger scale. We felt bad when youngsters came to buy liquor. Recent incidents like the Pune hit-and-run case disturbed us a lot. We also observed misbehaviour by some customers with our lady staff," he said. Lona Mohan Pinto, a psychologist, said she worked in a de-addiction centre in Bengaluru before marrying Mohan. "Everyone joked that we could run contrasting businesses of a wine shop and a de-addiction centre together. However, my mother-in-law Julia often made Kokum juice at home, and we had the habit of distributing it to all our friends and customers at no cost, sensitising them about health benefits of Kokum juice. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As it became popular, our well-wishers suggested not to distribute it for free but collecting a nominal charge. Later, we researched it and purchased machinery six years ago," she said. Neetu (name changed) said she was one of the few female customers of the shop. "We bought without any fear as lady staff were appointed at this shop. It was secure enough. Now we are worried about where we should buy liquor for our family members," she said. The Pinto family was closely associated with the Mysuru royal family, as a son-in-law of Isabella Albuquerque (great grand mother of Mohan Pinto) was an assistant to the Mysuru queen. A Bluthner, a European model piano gifted by the Mysuru family, is still with the Pinto family. During her visit to Hubballi, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Pinto's home. Though it's a Christian family, it has been generous enough to choose names like Mohan, Arjun, and Aditya for children.
NDTV
28-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Trying To Get Rid Of Inflammation? Nutritionist Shares A Unique Recipe Of Kokum
All we need during summer is something refreshing to drink. And what if there is a soothing drink that can also help reduce one of the most common problems in today's world – inflammation? Nutritionist Palak Nagpal shared a unique but very easy-to-prepare recipe for a summer special drink that supports all of these needs. In the video she shared on Instagram, Palak says, 'This isn't just a pink drink, but your new summer hack to reduce inflammation, keep you cool and support a happy gut,' revealing its benefits. Sharing a piece from her experience, she mentions, 'I still remember the first time I had soul curry at my friend's place in Goa. Sitting at the beach, sipping on this pink beauty, was just so perfect. Her mom introduced me to Kokum and little did I know about the health benefits or what it even was being a Delhi girl.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palak Nagpal - Clinical Nutritionist (@nutritionwithpalaknagpal) Palak writes in the caption, 'Here's a Refreshing Kokum Cooler Solkadi which is a great summer drink to reduce inflammation.' The ingredients to prepare the summer drink are Dried kokum Water (as needed) Fresh coconut - chopped 1 small piece of ginger 2 cloves of garlic Salt, to taste Roasted cumin seeds Optional: a few pieces of beetroot (for vibrant colour) Fresh coriander - chopped Ice Method 1. Soak a few chopped pieces of kokum in water and set aside for a few hours. 2. Once soaked, strain the kokum water. 3. Blend the strained kokum water with coconut, ginger, garlic, salt, cumin and beetroot (if using) until smooth. 4. Strain the smooth paste over a bed of ice. 5. Garnish with chopped coriander. 6. Reuse the leftover pulp by blending it again with more water. 7. Mix both extracts well, and serve chilled. 'I've been obsessed ever since, so I had to share it with you all. Trust me, you need this on the table every summer. Try it and tell me you're not hooked,' the nutritionist added. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
