Summer is here, and how! You know what that means, right? Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more! And if you’re one of those people who forget to drink water, then same pinch! Back in the day, post a long day out in the sun, our daily summer activity was punctuated with juice breaks that included quenchers like aamras, sharbat, panna, and other desi favs. Should you crave those, this is just the list for you! Here’s where you can get classic favs that bring up fond childhood memories.
Your Childhood Favourite Drinks With A Twist! Syrups, Mixes & Powders For Them
Gulab's
One of our favorite brands for desi snacks and beverages, Gulab’s has a whole range of concentrates, pre-mixes, and syrups to make juices that will bring childhood memories flooding back. Their Rose Sharbat syrup is a great additive to any juice or cooler, or enjoy it by itself. Feel free to make a modern take on Roohafza, and let us know how you like it
Swa Artisanal Syrups
We love Swa for their all-natural taste and flavours. What’s cool is that they make great mixers and bases for cocktails, and if you’re looking for good ol’ fashioned nostalgic summer coolers, it works beautifully for that too! The Jaggery syrup, and the Orange & Mint syrups (freely combine them too!) are refreshing in this heat, and if you’re an OJ in the morning kinda person, this will start your day off with zing.
The Date House
Now the name might say date, but they offer so much more! One of their many offerings include flavoured essences. Their Zeera-E-Khaas, is tangy, good for digestion, and is inherently cooling for the body. Another cooling option is the Brahmi Badam Sharbat Essence For something sweeter, try their Litchi Squash. Should you want dates, though, here's what they have.
Dryfii
If juice is more your jam, and you enjoy it the fresh kind but don’t have access to the fruit in question, try Dryfii. Definitely an upgrade from Rasna (no shade though), these powders make instant juices, and taste pretty much like the real thing. All organic, what we’re truly loving is their Tender Coconut mix, especially if your local tender coconut vendor isn’t around. They also have sugarcane and lemonade mixes if you want the whole experience.
Nattfru
Another Rasna/Tang upgrade, Nattfru has a whole range of instant juice powders of both fruit and veggies. Bring back childhood summer memories with their Aam Panna mix. You can also re-live having a blue tongue with their Jamun mix (this is also great for those with diabetes FYI). Other desi favs they have are Bael (wood apple), Phalsa (Indian Black Currant), and Amla among others.
Vistevia
Using Stevia in all their products, Vistevia is great for those cutting down on sugar, but can’t deny their sweet tooth. Though their concentrate options are limited, we recommend their Kaala Khatta, for when you want to make a sugarfree gola or icy cooler at the end of a long day.
Want to pair these desi drinks with desi snacks? Check this list out for some of our favs!
