Summer Drinks of Pakistan

By Uzma Khateeb Nawaz

Summers in Pakistan is an enjoyable time for many; rain, sunny afternoons and chilled drinks to beat the heat. During this season, some of the traditional drinks takes center-stage and consumed to the hilt. These drinks have plenty of health benefits compared to the fizzy drinks. Equally popular among old and young, some of the traditional drinks are served on special occasions too including weddings, Eid and parties.

So, next time you get to enjoy summer season in Pakistan, try out these delicious drinks.

Sattu Sherbat

Made from roasted grams, sattu is a flour-like powder commonly available in Punjab and can also be found in other provinces. It has been a summer drink since ancient times but today it has come under the spotlight because of its health benefits. It is probably one of the easiest drinks to make in which you only have to mix roasted gram flour in cold water, add sugar and mix it with a spoon. There is, however, a small trick to drink it. Due to its weight, sattu will sit at the bottom of the glass if not continuously stirred so you will need to use a spoon to take care of it. Sattu is largely consumed in rural areas and is fast becoming a popular summer drink.

Lassi

The history of buttermilk, commonly known as lassi in Pakistan, is as old as the history of milk. Made from yogurt, which is made from milk, lassi can be consumed by adding either sugar or salt depending on the preferred taste. Mostly consumed at the breakfast time during summers, there are many variations of this traditional drink including mango lassi or date lassi. Equally popular among adults and children, Lassi is often paired with parathas.

Shikanjabeen

Commonly known as ‘limbo pani’, this lemon juice drink is hot favourite during summers. Addition of sugar, salt, black pepper makes this chilled drink a must. It is readily sold on roadside carts, especially in Lahore where a throng of people can be seen sipping this drink with delight. Topped with crushed ice, limbo pani is equally popular among young and old. Another recent trendy version of limbo pani is mint lemonade which is also served at cafes.

Sugar cane juice

Available all around street stalls, Ganne ka ras is popularly known as the national roadside drink of Pakistan. Freshly pressed from raw sugarcane, through a mill machine, this drink has a fresh invigorating taste that satisfies the summer thirst. Infused with a blend of black rock salt, ginger and lemon, this sweet splash can be spiced up for a bolder taste. Sugar cane juice does not require any addition of sugar and can be enjoyed on a hot sunny day.

Falsa Sherbet

Falsa is a small dark purple coloured berry fruit, which grows in Pakistan, readily available during summers. Neither too sweet nor tangy, its juice has a taste beyond description. Falsa sherbet is prepared by soaking these small berries in water with sugar and blending the pulp to get a richly infused flavour. Its fresh flavours are garnished with mint leaves and a sprinkle of black salt and sugar. With its medicinal uses, it is often advised for asthma and chest infections. Given this advantage, it can do well for the respiratory system. These tiny fruits host to relieve heat conditions, reduce colds and coughs. Equally important, falsa is rich in Vitamin C and low in sodium and fat. Packed with nutritional values, you will enjoy falsa juice to the very last drop! With no bitter aftertaste, it’s a must try on your visit to Pakistan.

Aam Panna

Aam Panna is a drink renowned for its cooling properties. It is made from unripe mangoes and is yellow to light green in colour, and is consumed to fight against the intense summer heat. Mint leaves are often added to the drink, enhancing its green color.

Aam panna is prepared using raw mangoes, cumin, and an assortment of other spices. It quenches thirst and prevents the excessive loss of sodium chloride during summer. The drink is mainly consumed in the desert and dry areas of Pakistan.

Coconut Water

The natural sweet water of coconut is often enjoyed during summers in its natural flavor without adding anything. The rock-hard coconut is grilled at the top to pierce a hole. The water inside can then be enjoyed.

Thadal

Thadal is a cooling and energizing drink, mostly consumed in Sindh. It is an energizing drink prepared by using ground dry fruits, almonds and pepper along with cardamom, sugar, milk, watermelon seeds, fennel, poppy seeds and fresh rose petals. This drink makes the body so cool that a pinch of black pepper is added to balance it out. When prepared, it looks like a milky, creamy drink.

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