![image](https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/lingo/styles/medium_crop_simple/public/images/story/202407/untitled_design_2_0.jpg)
The scorching summer heat may be well behind us, but the monsoon is not without its warmer days. Though a masala tea or hot chocolate may seem like the ideal pick for a typical rainy day, a refreshing cooler still makes for a flavourful hydrating drink. So, regardless of whether it's raining or not, these delicious coolers are sure to drive your monsoon blues away.
Raw mango panna
Ingredients
500gm raw mango, sugar as per taste, black salt as per taste, 1 tsp cumin powder, a handful of mint leaves, 2 tsp chaat masala, cold water or soda.
Method
Peel and dice the raw mangoes. Transfer it to a vessel with water and boil until the mango flesh is soft. Drain out the water and add the mango pulp to a blender with black salt, cumin, sugar, and chaat masala and blitz until smooth. Refrigerate it for a few hours. Now put a spoonful of this mixture into a tall glass and top it with fresh mint leaves and water or soda. Stir and serve chilled.
Cucumber and rosemary crush
Ingredients
2 large cucumbers, 2 tsp fresh rosemary, 1 cup cold water, juice of 2 lemons, sugar or agave nectar as per taste.
Method
Mix sugar and lemon juice in a pan and stir until the sugar dissolves. Transfer it to a bowl and allow it to chill for a few hours. Then peel and roughly chop the cucumbers and blend them into a smooth puree along with rosemary leaves. Strain this mixture and discard the molasses. Add the lemon and sugar mixture to this and stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Serve in tall glasses with lots of crushed ice.
Watermelon and orange sunshine
Ingredients
2 cups watermelon pieces, 6 oranges, 1 tsp black salt, ice.
Method
In a blender, puree watermelon and keep aside. Squeeze out the juice from the oranges and mix it with the watermelon puree. Strain this mixture using a fine mesh sieve and discard the molasses. Season with black salt and add ice to it. Serve cold.
Green tea lemonade
Ingredients
1 green tea bag, 2 tbsp sugar or honey, 1/2 cup boiling water, juice of two lemons, a jug of water.
Method
Add the green tea bag to the boiling water and allow it to seep. Add honey and mix well. Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature. Add the lemon juice to it and refrigerate for a few hours. Serve chilled.
Lead image credit: Pexels
Also read: Gourmet fritters recipes for a cosy rainy day in
Also read: How to beat the rest of summer with these fresh Asian meal ideas