12 Traditional Indian Summer Drinks to Beat the Heat

7. Sattu Sharbat (Roasted Gram Drink)

Sattu Sharbat is a traditional energy drink common in parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, made from roasted gram (chana) flour mixed with water, lemon, salt, and a pinch of roasted cumin. The method is straightforward: whisk sattu into chilled water until smooth, then add lemon juice, salt, and sugar or jaggery to taste. Some families add finely chopped mint or a splash of buttermilk for tang. Because sattu is made from roasted pulses, it brings high protein and fiber, making this drink filling and sustaining on long, hot days. Sattu serves both as a thirst-quencher and as a light meal on sweltering afternoons when appetite is low but energy is needed. It’s an excellent option for students or workers looking for plant-protein hydration without heavy cooking. In North America, roasted gram flour is available at South Asian grocers; if you can’t find it, roasted chickpea flour (besan) can work but the flavor will differ. Keep the mixture chilled and stir again before serving, as some settling naturally occurs.