For decades, home-made drinks have provided Indians with hydration, helped them cope with the summer heat, and even served as health tonics at appropriate seasons. Chaas, sattu sharbat and kanji etc were all made in homes using locally available produce and age-old recipes.

But today, as packaged beverages and soft drinks have largely replaced traditional drinks, we see a renewed popularity of these traditional beverages in homes. Here are some reasons for their growing popularity:

Reasons for the Popularity of Traditional Indian Drinks

1. Health consciousness

People are becoming more conscious about their health and the importance of natural products in their diet. Traditional drinks are primarily based on natural products like curd, roasted gram flour, raw mango, herbs and spices, etc. So, people prefer them over commercially available processed drinks.

2. Revival of Regional Recipes

India’s rich regional diversity is reflected in its variety of traditional drinks. People from one region are discovering recipes from other regions. People from outside the Konkan belt are discovering kokum sherbet, while people from Bihar are relishing sattu sharbat. Similarly, sol kadhi is being enjoyed in Maharashtra and Goa, while kahwa is savoured in Kashmir.

3. Role of Social Media

Social media has played a big role in popularizing traditional drinks by showcasing creative adaptations. Food bloggers and social media influencers play a big role by sharing their own unique recipes, which encourage people to try out these traditional drinks.

4. Traditional Drinks Have a Story

Traditional recipes are largely passed on within families and each recipe has a story related to it. Stories could be related to local produce or even regional history and folklore. Traditional drinks thus have a certain charm that other commercial beverages lack.

Traditional Indian Drinks That Are Making a Comeback

Here are some traditional drinks that are being rediscovered.

  • Chaas: A spiced buttermilk that is usually a staple in most Indian homes, especially during summer.
  • Sattu Sharbat: Mostly consumed in eastern India, it is a healthy drink made from roasted gram flour.
  • Kokum Sherbet: Beloved in the coastal Konkan region, it is a sour drink made from kokum fruit.
  • Sol Kaddhi: A traditional drink made with coconut milk and kokum, which is loved in the western coastal region.
  • Kanji: This tangy drink is mostly made in winter with black carrots and mustard seeds.
  • Aam Panna: It’s a popular raw mango drink, especially during summer.

Conclusion

The popularity of traditional Indian drinks reflects people’s growing interest in regional cuisine and seasonal recipes. Traditional recipes use natural produce and have a unique charm and history associated with it. These traditional beverages will always hold a special place in Indian cuisine.

image credits: Freepik

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