Top 5 chaas variations that you should swap with sugary cold drinks this summer

There comes a point every Indian summer when water no longer feels enough, and the lure of an ice-cold fizzy drink becomes difficult to resist. But before you reach for that sugary soda or packaged juice, it may be worth revisiting a drink that has been helping generations beat the heat long before refrigeration and soft drink giants entered the picture.

Chaas, or buttermilk, has long been a staple in Indian households, especially during the summer months. Light, refreshing and easy on the stomach, it offers a welcome respite from the sweltering heat while delivering the goodness of curd and spices. And if you think chaas is just plain yoghurt diluted with water, think again. Across India, different regions have created their own delicious takes on this humble drink.

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Here are five chaas variations that deserve a spot in your summer rotation.

Masala Chaas: The timeless classic

If there is one version that instantly evokes memories of family lunches and summer holidays, it is masala chaas.

Made with buttermilk, roasted cumin powder, black salt and fresh coriander, this is perhaps the most widely consumed version across India. The roasted cumin adds an earthy depth, while the tanginess of the curd makes it exceptionally refreshing on hot afternoons.

It is the kind of drink that somehow manages to feel both comforting and revitalising at the same time. One glass alongside a heavy lunch, and suddenly the heat feels a little more manageable.

Pudina Chaas: Like a cool breeze in a glass

Mint has always been one of summer's most trusted ingredients, and for good reason. Pudina chaas combines fresh mint leaves with buttermilk to create a drink that feels tailor-made for scorching afternoons. The mint lends a cooling freshness that instantly uplifts the senses, while the buttermilk keeps things light and satisfying.

Many households also add coriander and roasted cumin, turning a simple drink into something far more flavourful. It's easy to see why this variation remains a favourite during peak summer.

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Gujarati Chaas: The everyday essential

In many Gujarati homes, chaas is not just a beverage but a daily ritual. Unlike thicker versions, Gujarati chaas is typically lighter and more fluid, making it incredibly easy to sip throughout the day. A subtle balance of curd, water and spices gives it a clean, refreshing taste that pairs effortlessly with meals.

Its simplicity is precisely what makes it so appealing. There are no elaborate ingredients or complicated techniques, just a drink that does exactly what it is supposed to do: keep you refreshed.

Neer Mor: South India's answer to the heat

Travel to Tamil Nadu during summer and chances are you'll come across Neer Mor. This traditional South Indian buttermilk drink takes chaas in a more aromatic direction. Curry leaves, ginger, mustard seeds and asafoetida are often added, creating layers of flavour that make every sip interesting.

Despite its bold seasoning, Neer Mor remains remarkably light. It is one of those drinks that manages to cool you down while also delivering the comforting flavours of home cooking.

Lahsuni Chaas: For those who like bold flavours

Not everyone likes their refreshments subtle, and Lahsuni Chaas caters perfectly to that crowd. Popular in parts of Rajasthan and North India, this variation incorporates garlic into the buttermilk, creating a drink with a distinct savoury character. The result is surprisingly refreshing and far more nuanced than one might expect.

While it may not be the first choice for chaas beginners, those who enjoy robust flavours often find themselves coming back for another glass.

Why Chaas Deserves a Spot in Your Fridge This Summer

At a time when supermarket shelves are filled with brightly coloured beverages promising instant refreshment, chaas remains refreshingly uncomplicated.

It doesn't rely on excessive sugar or artificial flavourings. Instead, it leans on ingredients that Indian kitchens have trusted for generations. More importantly, it offers something many summer drinks fail to provide: a sense of comfort.

Whether you prefer the familiar flavours of masala chaas or want to experiment with Neer Mor and Lahsuni Chaas, these traditional beverages prove that staying cool does not have to come from a bottle or a can.