Light, refreshing, and easy to prepare, buttermilk has remained a go-to summer beverage in Indian households for generations. Known as chaas in many parts of India and neer mor in South India, buttermilk has long been enjoyed as a cooling drink during warm weather. Its mild taste makes it easy to customize with herbs, spices, fruits, and other fresh ingredients for different flavour variations.Chilled Buttermilk (Freepik)The fermentation process creates beneficial probiotics that support digestive wellness and help maintain a balanced gut environment. Buttermilk also provides calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and protein, making it a nutritious addition to daily meals. Its high water content and electrolyte profile make chilled buttermilk recipes particularly popular during summer months, helping replenish fluids lost through heat and outdoor activities.Buttermilk is commonly prepared by whisking curd with chilled water until smooth and frothy. Ingredients such as mint, roasted cumin, coriander, ginger, black salt, and curry leaves are often added to create unique flavour variations. The resulting drink is light, tangy, and easy to enjoy alongside meals. Summer drinks for kids and adults often include buttermilk because of its refreshing taste and versatility.Unlike many summer beverages that rely mainly on fruit juices or added sweeteners, buttermilk combines hydration with probiotics, protein, and minerals. Coconut water focuses on electrolytes, lemonade emphasizes Vitamin C, and fruit coolers provide natural sugars. Chilled buttermilk offers a unique combination of digestive support, balanced nutrition, and refreshing flavour, making it a standout choice among Indian summer beverages.5 Refreshing Buttermilk Variations to Enjoy All Summer LongSpiced Masala ChaasMasala Chaas combines chilled buttermilk with roasted spices and herbs to create a refreshing Indian summer beverage that pairs beautifully with everyday meals and helps add flavour to hydration.Quick LookPreparation Time: 5 minutesServings: 2Difficulty Level: EasyMain Flavour: Tangy and spicyIngredients1 cup curd2 cups chilled water½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder¼ teaspoon black salt¼ teaspoon regular salt1 tablespoon chopped coriander2 mint leavesInstructionsAdd curd and chilled water to a blender.Blend until smooth and frothy.Add cumin powder, salts, and herbs.Blend briefly again.Serve chilled.Cool Mint Pudina ButtermilkMint-flavoured buttermilk delivers a fresh herbal taste with every sip. The combination of curd, mint, and spices makes a refreshing drink suitable for warm afternoons.Quick LookPreparation Time: 5 minutesServings: 2Difficulty Level: EasyMain Flavour: Minty and refreshingIngredients1 cup curd2 cups chilled water10 fresh mint leaves1 tablespoon coriander leaves¼ teaspoon black salt½ teaspoon roasted cumin powderInstructionsBlend mint, coriander, and a little water.Add curd and chilled water.Add spices and blend until smooth.Pour into glasses.Serve immediately.Sweet Mango Buttermilk SmoothieMango buttermilk combines ripe mango pulp with creamy buttermilk to create a fruity summer drink that offers a balance of sweetness and refreshing flavour.Quick LookPreparation Time: 10 minutesServings: 2Difficulty Level: EasyMain Flavour: Fruity and sweetIngredients1 cup curd1 cup chilled water½ cup ripe mango pulp1 teaspoon honey2 ice cubesInstructionsAdd mango pulp, curd, and water to a blender.Add honey and ice cubes.Blend until smooth.Pour into glasses.Serve chilled.Roasted Garlic and Herb ButtermilkRoasted garlic and herbs give buttermilk a savoury twist. This flavour variation combines aromatic ingredients with chilled dairy for a unique and refreshing drink.Quick LookPreparation Time: 10 minutesServings: 2Difficulty Level: EasyMain Flavour: Savoury and herbyIngredients1 cup curd2 cups chilled water2 roasted garlic cloves1 tablespoon coriander leaves¼ teaspoon black salt¼ teaspoon roasted cumin powderInstructionsMash roasted garlic.Blend curd and water until smooth.Add garlic, herbs, and seasonings.Mix thoroughly.Serve chilled.Berry Bliss ButtermilkBerry Bliss buttermilk combines fresh berries and creamy buttermilk for a colourful summer beverage that offers fruity flavour and a vibrant appearance.Quick LookPreparation Time: 10 minutesServings: 2Difficulty Level: EasyMain Flavour: Fruity and tangyIngredients1 cup curd1 cup chilled water½ cup mixed berries1 teaspoon honey2 ice cubesInstructionsAdd berries, curd, and water to a blender.Add honey and ice cubes.Blend until smooth.Strain if desired.Serve chilled.FAQsWhich chilled buttermilk recipe is best for summer hydration?Spiced masala chaas and cool mint pudina buttermilk are popular summer choices because they combine hydration with refreshing herbs and spices.Which buttermilk variation is most suitable for children?Sweet mango buttermilk smoothie offers a naturally sweet flavour that many children enjoy during summer months.Is buttermilk healthier than sugary soft drinks?Healthy buttermilk drinks provide probiotics, calcium, and hydration, whereas many soft drinks contain added sugars and fewer nutrients.