Refreshing South Indian summer drinks you must try once
A guide to seven summer drinks explains how they help the body stay cool and hydrated. The list also flags drinks to limit while hot weather raises the risk of dehydration and exhaustion.
As temperatures rise across the country, refreshing summer drinks become the ultimate escape from the heat. From tangy kokum blends to fragrant jasmine infusions, seasonal beverages are now going beyond the usual coolers and lemonades.
At Avartana at ITC Maurya, the Avishka cocktail menu takes inspiration from South Indian flavours, regional ingredients and traditional aromas, creating unique drinks designed to feel both refreshing and flavourful during summer.
Here are some standout drinks inspired by ingredients from across South India.
ALAPPUZHA NARIYAL
The Alappuzha Nariyal cocktail combines:
Boulevardier Scotch 12 Years Old
sweet vermouth
Campari
virgin coconut oil
mustard seeds
dried red chilli
curry leaves
Inspired by Kerala’s famous coconuts, the drink highlights the richness and aroma associated with Alappuzha’s coconut-producing heritage.
The smoky and spiced flavour profile gives the cocktail a distinctive South Indian twist.
MANGALURU KOKUM SOUR
Kokum remains one of the most refreshing ingredients associated with India’s western coast.
The Mangaluru Kokum Sour blends:
tequila
kokum
kaffir
litchi
vegan foamer
Known for its sweet-tangy flavour, kokum is widely used in solkadhi, curries and summer beverages across Karnataka’s coastal cuisine.
The drink delivers citrusy freshness ideal for hot summer evenings.
KOKUM, CITRUS AND GINGER ALE
Another kokum-inspired drink combines:
kokum
citrus
ginger ale
The refreshing and fizzy combination reflects the cooling qualities of kokum-based summer drinks traditionally enjoyed across coastal Karnataka.
Its balance of sweet, tangy and sparkling flavours makes it ideal for warm weather.
MADURAI MOGRA JULEP
Inspired by Tamil Nadu’s famous jasmine flowers, the Madurai Mogra Julep combines:
jasmine-infused gin
vermouth
lemongrass
passionfruit
Madurai mogra is known for its strong fragrance and cultural significance in South India.
The floral aroma paired with citrusy freshness creates a light and elegant summer cocktail.
MUNNAR TEA-INSPIRED DRINKS
One of the menu’s refreshing blends combines:
khus cordial
citrus
bitters
tea soda
Inspired by Munnar’s tea-growing heritage, the drink reflects the strong and layered flavour profile associated with high-altitude Kerala tea plantations.
The addition of khus and tea soda gives it a cooling summer feel.
PIA CURRY BLENDS PINEAPPLE
The Pia Curry cocktail combines:
homemade pineapple curry
saccharum
saline
fizz
Curry leaves, also known as kariveppila, remain an essential part of South Indian cooking.
The drink balances pineapple sweetness with savoury curry leaf aromas for an unusual yet refreshing flavour experience.
SOUTH INDIAN INGREDIENTS ARE SHAPING MODERN COCKTAIL CULTURE
Many restaurants and bars are increasingly experimenting with:
regional fruits
spices
herbs
flowers
traditional ingredients
This trend allows classic cocktails to feel more connected to Indian flavours and local culinary traditions.
WHY SUMMER DRINKS ARE EVOLVING
Modern summer beverages are now focusing on:
refreshing ingredients
regional inspiration
lighter flavour profiles
natural aromatics
Ingredients like kokum, coconut, khus and jasmine are becoming increasingly popular because they naturally suit hot weather.
THE RISE OF REGIONAL FLAVOURS IN FINE DINING
Luxury restaurants and bars are increasingly highlighting local ingredients through modern presentations.
At Avartana, the menu reflects how traditional South Indian flavours can be transformed into contemporary beverage experiences while still maintaining their regional identity.
SUMMER DRINKS ARE NOW ABOUT EXPERIENCE TOO
Beyond cooling the body, modern summer drinks are also becoming about storytelling, regional culture and sensory experiences.
From Kerala coconuts to Karnataka kokum and Madurai jasmine, these beverages celebrate the diverse flavours of South India while offering refreshing escapes from the summer heat.
As temperatures rise across the country, refreshing summer drinks become the ultimate escape from the heat. From tangy kokum blends to fragrant jasmine infusions, seasonal beverages are now going beyond the usual coolers and lemonades.
At Avartana at ITC Maurya, the Avishka cocktail menu takes inspiration from South Indian flavours, regional ingredients and traditional aromas, creating unique drinks designed to feel both refreshing and flavourful during summer.
Here are some standout drinks inspired by ingredients from across South India.
ALAPPUZHA NARIYAL
The Alappuzha Nariyal cocktail combines:
Boulevardier Scotch 12 Years Old
sweet vermouth
Campari
virgin coconut oil
mustard seeds
dried red chilli
curry leaves
Inspired by Kerala’s famous coconuts, the drink highlights the richness and aroma associated with Alappuzha’s coconut-producing heritage.
The smoky and spiced flavour profile gives the cocktail a distinctive South Indian twist.
MANGALURU KOKUM SOUR
Kokum remains one of the most refreshing ingredients associated with India’s western coast.
The Mangaluru Kokum Sour blends:
tequila
kokum
kaffir
litchi
vegan foamer
Known for its sweet-tangy flavour, kokum is widely used in solkadhi, curries and summer beverages across Karnataka’s coastal cuisine.
The drink delivers citrusy freshness ideal for hot summer evenings.
KOKUM, CITRUS AND GINGER ALE
Another kokum-inspired drink combines:
kokum
citrus
ginger ale
The refreshing and fizzy combination reflects the cooling qualities of kokum-based summer drinks traditionally enjoyed across coastal Karnataka.
Its balance of sweet, tangy and sparkling flavours makes it ideal for warm weather.
MADURAI MOGRA JULEP
Inspired by Tamil Nadu’s famous jasmine flowers, the Madurai Mogra Julep combines:
jasmine-infused gin
vermouth
lemongrass
passionfruit
Madurai mogra is known for its strong fragrance and cultural significance in South India.
The floral aroma paired with citrusy freshness creates a light and elegant summer cocktail.
MUNNAR TEA-INSPIRED DRINKS
One of the menu’s refreshing blends combines:
khus cordial
citrus
bitters
tea soda
Inspired by Munnar’s tea-growing heritage, the drink reflects the strong and layered flavour profile associated with high-altitude Kerala tea plantations.
The addition of khus and tea soda gives it a cooling summer feel.
PIA CURRY BLENDS PINEAPPLE
The Pia Curry cocktail combines:
homemade pineapple curry
saccharum
saline
fizz
Curry leaves, also known as kariveppila, remain an essential part of South Indian cooking.
The drink balances pineapple sweetness with savoury curry leaf aromas for an unusual yet refreshing flavour experience.
SOUTH INDIAN INGREDIENTS ARE SHAPING MODERN COCKTAIL CULTURE
Many restaurants and bars are increasingly experimenting with:
regional fruits
spices
herbs
flowers
traditional ingredients
This trend allows classic cocktails to feel more connected to Indian flavours and local culinary traditions.
WHY SUMMER DRINKS ARE EVOLVING
Modern summer beverages are now focusing on:
refreshing ingredients
regional inspiration
lighter flavour profiles
natural aromatics
Ingredients like kokum, coconut, khus and jasmine are becoming increasingly popular because they naturally suit hot weather.
THE RISE OF REGIONAL FLAVOURS IN FINE DINING
Luxury restaurants and bars are increasingly highlighting local ingredients through modern presentations.
At Avartana, the menu reflects how traditional South Indian flavours can be transformed into contemporary beverage experiences while still maintaining their regional identity.
SUMMER DRINKS ARE NOW ABOUT EXPERIENCE TOO
Beyond cooling the body, modern summer drinks are also becoming about storytelling, regional culture and sensory experiences.
From Kerala coconuts to Karnataka kokum and Madurai jasmine, these beverages celebrate the diverse flavours of South India while offering refreshing escapes from the summer heat.
