When temperatures rise, traditional Indian buttermilk, known as chaas, offers a refreshing and gut-friendly alternative to sugary packaged drinks. Made by blending curd with water and mild spices, chaas is light on the stomach, aids digestion, and helps maintain hydration during hot weather.
Beyond the classic version, chaas can be easily customized with herbs, spices, and even fruits to create flavourful and nutritious variations suited to different tastes and needs.
The classic masala chaas remains a household favourite, prepared with curd, water, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and coriander. It is widely consumed after meals for its digestive benefits. Mint chaas adds a cooling herbal twist, while ginger chaas offers a slightly spicy flavour that may help ease bloating and improve digestion.
For those who enjoy aromatic blends, mint-coriander chaas combines two fresh herbs for a stronger flavour profile. Jeera chaas, featuring roasted cumin as the key ingredient, is one of the simplest and most effective versions for gut health.
Creative variations include beetroot chaas, which gives the drink a natural pink colour along with added nutrients, and mango chaas, which blends sweet mango pulp with savoury buttermilk for a unique sweet-and-salty summer drink.
Rich in probiotics, calcium, and electrolytes, chaas continues to be a traditional yet effective way to stay cool and nourished during extreme heat.