From Kokum Sharbat to Rhubarb Lemonade: Want to beat the summer heat? Try these unique juice recipes

Drinking fluids is important but more often than not many of us take it for granted. Unfortunately, the blazing sun isn't kind and that stresses the need to carry a bottle of water to sip on regularly. Yes, the best way to do that is consuming water but that may often seem like a daunting task and overwhelming, especially if you are not used to it. The easiest way to deal with that is by substituting water with juices of different kinds. Some of them are among the more popular ones, but others can add a little zing to your refreshing cold drink on a summer day, say Indian chefs.

With the abundance of fruits and vegetables during this time of the year, one mustn't hesitate to make use of them in different combinations that are best suited to your tastes. Relying on the classics is always a good option. Imagine the kokum sharbat or a rhubarb lemonade, a version of the classic summer drink. These Indian chefs share different kinds of recipes for summer coolers that will help you drink fluids all summer long.

If you want to skip the bottle of water and carry some juices instead, Indian chefs share easy recipes that don't take long and can be made easily without any trouble, even before you head out for the day. Beyond the kokum sharbat and rhubarb lemonade, you can also make a cucumber mint cooler, an Apple, Strawberry and Watermelon Cooler, or a Virgin Apple & Grape Julep mocktail too.

Kokum sharbat
When you talk about hydrating during the summer season, it is impossible to miss out on the classic kokum sharbat, that has been enjoyed for generations in homes in India. So, it is no surprise when Dr Derek Monteiro, who is the manager of guest relations at Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa in Goa's Candolim says it is the first thing they serve guests during the season. He explains, "This is a healthy alternative to sugary drinks. It is refreshing with anti-inflammatory properties, rich in antioxidants, helps immensely in digestion and is a natural coolant in keeping the body hydrated during the hot weather."

Ingredients:
Dry kokum fruit peels 5- 6 nos
Salt to taste
Green chillies, chopped as per requirement
Coriander leaves handful
Garlic pods 2 nos
Water as per requirement

Method:
1. Soak the kokum fruit peels in a glass of water along with chillies, coriander leaves and garlic.
2. Set it aside till water soaks in the colour pink from the kokum. It should take about couple of hours.
3. Strain it in a glass. Add salt and serve it cool (not refrigerated).
4. Do not discard the fruit peels or the chillies and coriander, soak it again in a glass of water for your next use.

Rhubarb Lemonade
Giving a unique take to the classic lemonade that almost all of us have grown up drinking during summer, Goa-based chef Tushar Malkani, says you can make a Rhubarb Lemonade. Malkani, who is the executive chef at The Yellow House in Anjuna, explains, "Packed with Vitamin C, this drink has that little extra we all can benefit from. Plus, the lemonade helps bring that spring into your steps - that boost of energy to the body and your immunity. It is very refreshing and hydrating in this scorching heat and high humidity levels."

Ingredients:
Lemons 6 nos
Rhubarb stalks 2 nos
Sugar 1 tsp
Water 4 cups

Method:
1. Using a vegetable peeler, peel zest from 4 lemons. Squeeze juice from peeled and remaining lemons to measure 1 cup.
2. Combine rhubarb, lemon zest, sugar and water in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved, and the rhubarb is very tender. Strain mixture through a sieve; add lemon juice, then chill thoroughly. When ready to serve, pour the mixture into a pitcher. Add the remaining 2 cups water.
3. Pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices.

Cucumber Mint Cooler
While the kokum sharbat and lemonade are summer classics, Stanley Fernandes, corporate bar manager at Kyma in Bandra Kurla Complex, says if you want to make something beyond them, then the Cucumber Mint Cooler is an option. "You can stay hydrated and refreshed with this innovative mix of cucumber lemon, mint and honey melon dew as it is the perfect summer drink due to its ingredients," he adds.

Ingredients:
Cucumber 1 no
Mint leaves 5-6 nos
Melon dew syrup 5 ml
Lime juice 10 ml
Honey 5 ml
Cucumber and mint sprig for garnish

Method:
1. Take the cucumber and blend it with the mint leaves.
2. Take a lime and extract its juice.
3. In a glass, pour the blended mixture with the lime juice, and add melon dew syrup and honey to it.
4. Shake and serve cool with a garnish of cucumber and mint sprig.

Apple, Strawberry and Watermelon Cooler
A classic fruit juice with seasonal fruits is always a no-brainer, but Chef Pawan Kumar at The Park in Navi Mumbai wants you to take it up a notch by making an interesting mix for an Apple, Strawberry and Watermelon cooler.

Kumar explains, "It can be a part of a detox diet, as it contains several ingredients that are beneficial for cleansing and promoting overall health. Watermelon is high in water content and contains essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants. It is also known for its diuretic properties, which can help flush out toxins from the body. Apples are rich in fibre, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. They also contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that help detoxify the body and support liver function."

The fact that strawberries are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre make it even better because they can help support the immune system and promote healthy digestion, contributing to the detox process. "When combined with coconut water these ingredients create a refreshing and nutritious drink that can be a part of a detox diet or simply enjoyed for its health benefits," he adds.

Ingredients:
Seedless watermelon 2 cups
Apple, cored and sliced 1 cup
Strawberries 4 nos
Coconut water 100 ml
Sparkling water or lemonade 2 cups
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Lime wedges for garnish
Crushed ice 100 gm

Method:
1. In a blender, combine the watermelon, apple, and strawberries.
2. Blend the fruits until smooth.
3. Fill four glasses with ice.
4. Pour the fruit mixture evenly into each glass.
5. Top off the glass with coconut water.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing cooler mix.

Virgin Apple & Grape Julep
Beyond the juices, if you want to try sipping on a mocktail for a weekend party at home, then Manoj Alphonse, who is the beverage head and master mixologist says you can make a Virgin Apple and Grape Julep. Alphonse shares, "The julep is a delightful blend of frozen raspberry, strawberry puree, fresh seedless grapes, cold brew black tea, and ginger honey syrup. Perfect for any occasion, this non-alcoholic beverage is a harmonious mix of sweet and tangy flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. You can enjoy the crispness of apple and the juiciness of grapes in every sip, making it a truly satisfying drink for all to enjoy."

Ingredients:
Frozen Raspberry 2 tbsp
Strawberry puree 20 ml
Fresh grape seedless 3 nos
Cold brew black tea 120 ml
Ginger honey syrup 30 ml

Method:
1. In a cocktail shaker, add all the ingredients together without ice in the shaker.
2. Shake well and strain into the glasses with ice cubes and serve with a straw.