Recipes for a refreshing drink

From our archive: two summer drinks, with the original Ayurvedic explanations kept in their traditional context rather than presented as medical effects.

Mint water

Put a few fresh mint leaves in a jug, add room-temperature water and leave to infuse for a while. The original recipe suggested that this could also be done overnight, then drunk throughout the day, refilling the jug as needed.

Make sure you drink enough on warm days. The source also described peppermint tea as cooling, and mint water as invigorating and reducing Pitta dosha. These are the traditional descriptions behind its Ayurvedic recommendation for hot summer days.

The original advice was to drink it at room temperature and avoid very cold water. Kamala also suggested adding a spoonful of amalaki powder, with the traditional aim of increasing its effect on Pitta. That is a record of the original suggestion, not a recommendation to take a preparation for a health effect.

Lassi

Ayurvedic cooking includes a wide variety of drinks. The original author described lassi as a lovely alternative to lemonade and smoothies, and a personal favourite, especially in summer.

It can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink between meals or at the end of a meal, preferably lunch in the original account. In Ayurvedic terms, the article described lassi as reducing Pitta and calming the doshas on hot days.

Ingredients for four

• 200 g plain yoghurt, 3.8% fat
• 1 litre lukewarm water
• A small pinch of ground vanilla
• 1–2 tablespoons of agave syrup or cane sugar
• A splash of rose water or a pinch of freshly ground cardamom, to taste

Method

Put all the ingredients in a food processor or a bowl and blend well. The original serving suggestion was to enjoy lassi without chilling it too much.

English translation: 24 October 2026. The original article date is shown above; historical announcements are not current offers.