When the summer heat becomes intense, staying hydrated and maintaining proper nutrition is essential. One of the best traditional drinks for this purpose is buttermilk. Known for its cooling properties, buttermilk not only refreshes the body but also supports digestion and provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins.

If you are looking for tasty and healthy ways to include buttermilk in your daily routine, here are six easy recipes you can try at home.

1. Mint Buttermilk

Mint buttermilk is a refreshing and flavorful summer drink that helps cool the body instantly.

How to prepare:

• Grind mint leaves, ginger, and green chilies into a paste
• Mix it with buttermilk
• Add roasted cumin powder, black salt, and ice cubes

Benefits:

• Aids digestion
• Keeps the body cool
• Refreshes instantly

2. Sattu Buttermilk

sattu combined with buttermilk makes a filling and energy-boosting drink.

How to prepare:

• Mix sattu with buttermilk and blend well
• Add chopped mint, coriander, roasted cumin seeds, black salt, and green chilies

Benefits:

• Provides long-lasting energy
• Helps prevent heat stroke
• Keeps you full for longer

3. Buttermilk Raita

Buttermilk-based raita is a light and cooling addition to meals.

Ingredients you can use:

• Boondi, cucumber, bottle gourd, potato, tomato, or onion

How to prepare:

• Mix your chosen ingredients with buttermilk
• Add black salt and roasted cumin powder
• Optionally add raita masala or a light tempering

Benefits:

• Improves digestion
• Enhances meal taste
• Keeps the stomach cool

4. Buttermilk-Cucumber Drink

This is a perfect hydration drink for hot days.

How to prepare:

• Blend chopped cucumber with buttermilk
• Add mint, green chilies, black salt, and roasted cumin

Benefits:

• Keeps you hydrated
• Supports skin health
• Easy to carry for work or travel

5. Smoky Tadka Buttermilk

This version adds a unique smoky flavor to traditional buttermilk.

How to prepare:

• Add black salt and black pepper to buttermilk
• Prepare a tempering with oil, cumin seeds, and asafoetida
• Alternatively, infuse smoke using hot coal and a little ghee

Benefits:

• Enhances taste
• Improves digestion
• Adds a traditional smoky aroma

6. Matha ke Aloo

A traditional dish from Uttar Pradesh, especially popular in Etawah, this recipe uses buttermilk in cooking.

How to prepare:

• Sauté boiled potatoes with cumin, asafoetida, turmeric, chili, and spices
• Add buttermilk and cook on low heat

Benefits:

• Comfort food with a cooling effect
• Rich in flavor and easy to digest