6 Summer Refreshing Drinks Made with Gond Katira

When the sun blazes and temperatures soar, the body craves cooling, hydrating beverages that not only quench thirst but also boost energy and soothe the system. One underrated yet incredibly effective ingredient for summer is Gond Katira, also known as tragacanth gum. This natural resin, often found in traditional Indian households, transforms into a jelly-like texture when soaked in water and offers multiple health benefits—making it perfect for crafting summer refreshing drinks.

In this post, we explore 6 delicious and revitalizing summer drinks made with Gond Katira, each unique in flavor, easy to prepare, and brimming with health benefits. From fruity coolers to traditional sharbats and shikanji, here’s how you can make the most of Gond Katira in summer.

1. Watermelon Gond Katira Drink

A favorite among fruit lovers, the watermelon gond katira drink is not just delightful but incredibly hydrating. Watermelon itself is 93% water and loaded with antioxidants. Add Gond Katira to the mix, and you get a power-packed cooler that fights heat fatigue and keeps your body temperature in check.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled watermelon juice

• 1 tbsp soaked Gond Katira

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional)

• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Soak Gond Katira overnight. By morning, it will swell and have a jelly-like texture.

2. Blend watermelon to make fresh juice.

3. In a glass, combine the juice with lemon, sweetener, and Gond Katira.

4. Stir well and garnish with mint leaves.

Benefits: This drink is a perfect natural coolant, aids in digestion, and keeps you energized throughout the day.

2. Traditional Gond Katira Sharbat

The classic Gond Katira Sharbat has been a traditional favorite in Indian and Middle Eastern households for centuries. Known for its naturally cooling properties, it’s a must-have during hot summer afternoons.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp soaked Gond Katira

• 2-3 tbsp rooh afza syrup

• Ice cubes

• A few drops of lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare rooh afza syrup as per instructions (usually 2 tbsp syrup to 1 cup water).

2. Add the soaked Gond Katira to the syrup and mix well.

3. Serve chilled with ice cubes.

Benefits: Gond Katira is known to prevent heat strokes and control nosebleeds, both common in peak summer.

3. Gond Katira Shikanji (Lemonade)

Take your regular lemonade up a notch with the goodness of Gond Katira. This Gond Katira Shikanji is zesty, tangy, and extremely refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 1 glass cold water

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp soaked Gond Katira

• 1 tbsp sugar or honey

• A pinch of black salt and roasted cumin powder

Instructions:

1. In a glass, mix lemon juice, sugar, and salt until dissolved.

2. Add soaked Gond Katira and stir well.

3. Top with ice cubes and serve immediately.

Benefits: This drink is a superb digestive and hydrates the body efficiently while helping maintain electrolyte balance.

4. Basil Seeds & Gond Katira Cooling Drink

Both sabja (basil seeds) and Gond Katira are renowned for their cooling properties. When combined, they make a hydrating drink that’s excellent for skin, digestion, and summer fatigue.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp soaked basil seeds

• 1 tbsp soaked Gond Katira

• 1 glass chilled milk or water

• 2 tbsp rose syrup or fruit syrup of your choice

Instructions:

1. Soak basil seeds and Gond Katira separately until fully swollen.

2. In a glass, add milk or water, syrup, soaked basil seeds, and Gond Katira.

3. Stir and serve chilled.

Benefits: This drink keeps the body cool, promotes skin glow, and soothes inflammation caused by heat.

5. Mango Gond Katira Delight

For mango lovers, this drink is a treat that combines the king of fruits with the cooling power of Gond Katira. It’s creamy, indulgent, and still super hydrating.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mango pulp

• 1 glass cold milk or almond milk

• 1 tbsp soaked Gond Katira

• 1 tsp honey or jaggery

• Cardamom powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend mango pulp with milk and sweetener until smooth.

2. Pour into a glass and add soaked Gond Katira.

3. Sprinkle with cardamom and serve cold.

Benefits: Rich in vitamins and minerals, this drink supports immunity while cooling the system from within.

6. Cucumber Mint Gond Katira Cooler

Cucumber and mint are cooling ingredients by nature. Combine them with Gond Katira, and you’ve got the ultimate summer refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 small cucumber (peeled and blended)

• 1 tbsp soaked Gond Katira

• A handful of mint leaves

• Juice of 1/2 a lemon

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 glass chilled water

Instructions:

1. Blend cucumber with mint and a little water to form a smooth puree.

2. In a glass, add the puree, lemon juice, spices, and soaked Gond Katira.

3. Stir and serve with ice cubes.

Benefits: Excellent for detox, skin hydration, and reducing body heat.

Gond Katira Benefits: Why You Should Include It in Your Summer Diet

Beyond being a versatile ingredient in drinks, Gond Katira benefits the body in numerous ways:

• Acts as a natural coolant

• Helps relieve constipation and indigestion

• Boosts energy and reduces fatigue

• Soothes urinary infections

• Improves skin health when consumed regularly

• Prevents nosebleeds and dehydration during hot weather

These 6 summer refreshing drinks made with Gond Katira are not only delightful but also rooted in age-old traditions. Whether you prefer fruity, milky, or zesty drinks, Gond Katira fits seamlessly into every flavor profile. Incorporate these cooling elixirs into your daily routine and beat the summer heat naturally and deliciously.

If you’ve never tried Gond Katira in summer, now is the time to discover its refreshing magic. Let your body thank you for every sip!