Clink to these Indian vegan summer drinks!

India is home to such versatility when it comes to food. Be it any season or weather, we have the perfect healthy recipe to beat the weather woes, and to enjoy it wholeheartedly. Indian Summer drinks are no different and most of them are plant-based delights we have been savoring for years now. 

Here are my favorite recipes: 

1. The nostalgic Jaljeera 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped mint leaves

• 1 cup chopped coriander leaves

• 1 inch ginger, peeled and chopped

• 2 green chilies, chopped (adjust for spice preference)

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon black salt

• 1/4 teaspoon mango powder (amchur)

• 1-liter chilled water

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend together mint leaves, coriander leaves, ginger, green chilies, cumin seeds, black salt, and mango powder.

2. Strain the mixture into a large pitcher.

3. Add chilled water and salt to taste.

4. Serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can add a teaspoon of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.

• For a more intense flavor, roast the cumin seeds in a dry pan for a few seconds before grinding.

• Chill the jaljeera in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing drink.

2) For the love of aam panna

Ingredients:

• 2 raw mangoes (unripe)

• 1 - 1.5 cups water

• 3/4 cup coconut sugar (or to taste)

• 10-12 fresh mint leaves

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp black salt (or regular salt)

Instructions:

1. Wash and roughly chop the mangoes. Pressure cook them with 1 cup of water for 2 whistles, or until soft. Alternatively, boil them in a pot until soft.

2. Let the mangoes cool completely. Once cool, blend the mango pulp with remaining water, coconut sugar, mint leaves, cumin, and black salt.

3. Adjust the consistency of the drink by adding more water if desired. Strain the mixture to remove any fibers.

4. Serve chilled with ice cubes and a sprig of mint for garnish.

Tips:

• For a stronger mango flavor, use slightly more mangoes.

• You can substitute coconut sugar with dates or maple syrup for a different sweetness.

3) You can never have enough of this plant-based mango lassi

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened plain vegan yogurt

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped

• ½ cup chilled water or plant-based milk (like almond milk or coconut milk)

• ¼ tsp ground cardamom (optional)

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth and creamy.

2. Taste and adjust consistency by adding more water or plant-based milk if too thick.

3. For a colder lassi, add a few ice cubes while blending.

4. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cardamom or a mint leaf (optional).

Tips:

• Use the ripest mangoes for the sweetest flavor without adding sugar.

• Frozen mangoes can be used instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before blending.

• For a thicker lassi, use less water or plant-based milk.

• You can adjust the amount of cardamom to your taste preference.

4) Nothing is cooler than an apple cooler

Ingredients:

• 2 large green apples, cored and chopped

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber

• 1/4 cup chopped celery

• 1 inch knob of ginger, peeled and grated

• Juice from 1/2 lemon

• Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except mint in a blender and blend until smooth.

2. Taste and adjust consistency by adding more almond milk if desired.

3. Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Tips:

• For an extra chilled drink, use chilled apples and almond milk.

• If you don't mind a little sweetness, add a few dates to the blender with the other ingredients.

• You can substitute other fruits like pears or grapes for the apples. 

Which of the above four would you have in a beat? Let us know!