Beverages

For centuries, a potter’s wheel was used in India to make earthenware pots called matkas that kept drinking water cool. Surprisingly, even with refrigeration and electricity, traditional matkas are still used in many Indian homes.

Indians love cool drinks and cooling foods when the weather is hot, and they enjoy warming drinks in the winter. In Delhi, the dry summer wind called lu not only dehydrates you but also saps all of your energy, and a glass of chilled watermelon juice hits the spot on those hot days. In Punjab, a tall glass of chilled lassi is most welcome in the summer, and spice-laden drinks such as jal jeera are served as aperitifs. And a cool kokum sharbat is served to welcome guests and is essential at weddings.