As temperatures soar across India, particularly affecting states like Bihar where mercury levels frequently cross 40 degrees Celsius, celebrity chef Ranveer Brar has unveiled three traditional summer beverages that combine taste with health benefits.
The culinary expert's selection includes lassi, masala chaas, and mohabbat ka sharbat—all drinks deeply rooted in Indian tradition and known for their cooling properties. These beverages are particularly significant as health experts warn against dehydration-related illnesses that spike during summer months.
Lassi, a yoghurt-based drink rich in probiotics, aids digestion and replenishes electrolytes lost through perspiration. Masala chaas, or spiced buttermilk, contains beneficial bacteria that support gut health whilst providing instant relief from heat. The rose-based mohabbat ka sharbat offers natural cooling effects alongside vitamin C.
Dr Anil Kumar from Patna Medical College notes that traditional cooling drinks are scientifically sound for Indian summers. "These beverages provide hydration, essential minerals, and help maintain body temperature naturally," he explained. With Bihar facing acute heat stress during April and May, such easily prepared drinks offer accessible relief. The simplicity of these recipes—requiring basic kitchen ingredients—makes them particularly valuable for rural and urban households alike, supporting the government's ongoing heat action plans across vulnerable states.