City cools down with healthy, seasonal drinks
From refreshing, low-sugar concoctions to the undisputed reign of the magnificent mango, Kolkata's cafes and restaurants are stirring up delightful beverages to beat the heat while keeping health and taste in perfect harmony.
Think house-made coolers, fruity elixirs and seasonal blends – there's something for every palate. CT speaks to them to find out what Kolkata is drinking to beat the heat.
Guilt-free sips
Kolkata summers are pushing people towards purpose-driven drinks. 'Gen Z and Millennials want drinks that hydrate and energise,' says Vikram Khinwasara, co-founder, The Yellow Straw. Sougata Halder, executive chef, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge echoes: 'There is a growing demand for low-sugar options.'
'Our fresh juices are mostly without added sugar,' adds Aayushi Bajaj, founder, Pinkk Sugars. 'They're a refreshing and wholesome choice.
' 'Organic and fresh ingredients are in high demand this season,' says Suman Burman.
Mango madness, a signature summer drink with mango pulp and sesame seeds
40% surge in mango-based beverage sales is seen during peak summer months
Patrons are looking for refreshing robust aromatic drinks. We are using Kasundi in one of our drinks as a nostalgic ingredient. It is something that is used in almost every house in Kolkata
– Suman Burman, manager, SKAI
Rich in electrolytes and natural salts, aam panna helps prevent dehydration and heatstroke
Regional mangoes, modern twists
Vikram reveals that his team sources regional mango varieties like Langda and Himsagar, to bring authenticity to the beverage. He says, 'Our mango shake is a tribute to a traditional Marwari recipe: Aam Ras. We use real mango pulp to keep the essence intact.' The mango obsession doesn't stop there. 'We have our summer faves such as the mango chilli drink,' said Prateek Kayan, co-founder, Motherland. 'We also do a fancy version of Bel Sherbet at the café,' he added.
There's nothing quite like a seasonal shake to beat the summer heat. When the temperatures rise, I find myself constantly craving something that's not just cooling, but also flavourful and a little sweet– Dolly Singh, model
Customers are leaning towards light, refreshing flavours –think citrus, mint, watermelon, and subtle spice. Ingredients like gondhoraj lebu, fresh berries, and herbal infusions are especially popular– Chef Sougata Halder
Five flavours Kolkata cannot get enough of
Gondhoraj Ghol
Mango shake and Lassi
Mint lemonade
Aam Panna
Watemelon juices and mixes
Model: Dolly Singh
Pics: Anindya Saha
Location: SKAI
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
8 reasons why polka dots are the biggest fashion trend of this season and timeless too!
What do French girls, 1950s pin-ups, and your favourite influencer have in common? They're all going dotty, literally. Polka dots are back in full force, and they're not just a throwback, they're a full-on fashion flex. From oversized spots to micro dots, this playful print is turning heads again. But what's fueling the polka power this time around? Let's connect the dots (sorry, we had to). Polka dots are back! Here are 8 reasons why we can't stop wearing them(Pexels) Polka dots have cycled through fashion decades; from Marilyn Monroe to Princess Diana. This retro charm always feels familiar yet fresh. They bring vintage energy without looking outdated. 2. They scream "statement" without being loud A polka dot dress pops without neon colours or glitter. The pattern has personality; whimsical, yet classy. It is bold enough for a party, soft enough for a brunch. 3. Designers are dot-obsessed right now From Dior to Dolce & Gabbana, polka dots are all over the runways. High fashion's approval makes it trend gold. And fast fashion brands follow suit—so you get the look, less the cost. 4. They flatter every body type Big dots or small, there's a size that suits everyone. Dots can distract, highlight, or balance proportions cleverly. It's basically print-level contouring. 5. They're just what the world of fashion needs right now In a post-pandemic world, we're all craving joyful dressing. Polka dots bring that instant pick-me-up. Think dopamine dressing but in circles. 6. They're perfect for mixing and matching Dots with stripes? Dots with florals? Dots on dots? Yes, yes, and yes. The print is surprisingly versatile in styling. It's quirky without looking chaotic. 7. They photograph beautifully Want your outfit to pop on social media? Dots do the job. The contrast and symmetry are naturally eye-catching. Instant aesthetic, no filter required. 8. Everyone from Gen Z to Boomers loves them They bridge style gaps, nostalgic for older generations, ironic-chic for younger ones. Few prints can pull off that kind of age-fluid appeal. They're basically the unifier of wardrobes. Polka dots are a mood. Playful yet polished, bold yet wearable, nostalgic yet trendy. In a fashion world that moves fast, these little circles prove that the right print never goes out of style; it just gets better with time. Similar stories for you: Kareena Kapoor's 5 most iconic movie looks that still rule fashion mood boards 7 Iconic 90s fashion pieces that are strutting back in your closet Shah Rukh Khan's 5 most iconic looks that live in our heads rent-free Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Mango festival in Delhi: Sindoor saga continues, lovers of king of fruits have a blast!
Jul 01, 2025 12:18 PM IST Sweet, tangy, juicy tales of more than 400 mango varieties took over Delhi as Thyagaraj Stadium recorded some no-so-aam encounters. At the annual Mango Festival, by Delhi Tourism, here's how visitors relished the king of fruits and indulged in nostalgic tales from childhood. The annual Mango Festival by Delhi Tourism was held at Thyagaraj Stadium this year. (Photos: Shantanu Bhattacharya/HT) Shahdara resident Meenakshi Rana, her daughter Priyanshi, and daughter-in-law Akansha got their hands on Himsagar and Totapuri mangoes.(Photo: Shantanu Bhattacharya/HT) Yash and Aditi Roy run the Insta handle delhi_shehar_mein.(Photo: Shantanu Bhattacharya/HT) Yash, a lifestyle influencer on Instagram, shares, 'We came here to shoot for our social media followers, but ended up being blown away ourselves!' Lifestyle influencer Aditi Roy adds, 'Langda is our fave, so we came for it. But here the variety is insane... We're spoilt for choice' Mohd Mujib, from UP, shows Sindoor mango. (Photo: Shantanu Bhattacharya/HT) Mohd Mujib, a Mango grower from Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh), paid tribute to the Indian Armed Forces by naming a mango after Operation Sindoor. He s,ays 'Yeh bright red Sindoor mango humari defence forces ko humara salaam hai!' Three generations of a family of mango growers came together to exhibit their love for the fruit. (L-R) Raghuvanshi Singh Chauhan, Arun Kumar Singh, Ramveer Singh Chauhan, and Anshuman Singh Chauhan. (Photo: Shantanu Bhattacharya/HT) Three generations of a family of mango growers narrated their love for the fruit and how they would pick it from the trees once upon a time. The youngest among them, Anshuman Singh Chauhan (extreme right), says with a smile as if calling out to the mangoes to fall from the trees themselves since the Insta generation is mostly busy browsing through mobile. Anshuman says, 'Ab khud hi gir jao tum toot kar zameen par, patthar maarne waala bachpan mobile mein vyast hai!' Farmer Radhe Baba, from Kisan Mango Society, refers to mangoes as his 'children'. Dr Dimple, a resident of south Delhi's Kailash Colony, says, 'This is my first-time at this festival and I'm stunned seeing the variety of mangoes here.'(Photo: Shantanu Bhattacharya/HT) Suhaag Sindoor is no more a Hindi film title but also a mango now! Move beyond supernatural fantasy drama on TV, and try Nagin mango! This Karela (bitter gourd) will taste sweet. Story by Isha Yadav For more, follow HT City Delhi Junction
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Bikerwear style decoded: Beginner's guide to rocking streetwear fashion that's grit, glam and full-on rebelcore
Bikerwear has taken a U-turn from the highway and hit the high street, rolling straight into wardrobes. Yes, it's still built for long rides and rugged terrain, designed to endure the grit of bike trips. But now, biker style is incorporated into everyday streetwear for everyday edgy glam, from coffee runs to evening concerts. Biker girl aesthetic is taking over wardrobes.(Reference pics: Pinterest) There's no denying bikerwear has an innate rogue and rugged edge, but it's also earned serious style cred and won hearts as it gearshifted straight onto mood boards and OOTD posts. Bikerwear is still rooted in utility, made for the road and the dust, but today, it's also uber-cool, fashion-forward, exuding the right amount of nonchalant, runway attitude. ALSO READ: Commuter core decoded: 6 ways to comfortably style fashion trend that is for all the girls on the go In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Sangeet Kishore, Business Head at Royal Enfield Apparel, shared his expertise, explaining how biker gear has grown from pure utility to a fashion-forward style. He said, 'For decades, biker gear was purely functional, built to withstand road rash and weather the miles. But somewhere between the rise of streetwear and the fall of fast fashion, biker gear did what it was destined to do: it became undeniably cool. Part of this trend comes from nostalgia and Gen Z's love for retro grunge and practical, rugged style. But it's also a reflection of where we are culturally." "Moto-fashion, with its protective fabrics and aggressive silhouettes, is rising. It is quietly tough, endlessly adaptable, and built for movement. After years of fashion leaning into the performative, there's a shift towards substance. And this is where moto-wear lands, just the right amount of edge, wrapped in gear that was made to handle impact,' explained Sangeet. Biker aesthetic is cool and mysterious among the youth. (PC: Royal Enfield Apparel and Pinterest) Sangeet Kishore from Royal Enfield Apparel shared a detailed guide with us, covering how classic biker gear is reimagined for modern wardrobes: The iconic jacket, reinvented The motorcycle jacket has always been a symbol of rebellion, from Brando and Beckham to Bollywood stars. But the 2025 version is all about smart design. It's lighter, has zip vents, waterproof fabric, and handy velcro patches. Some come in bold colours, others stay classic with vintage touches. No matter the style, it adds shape and instantly upgrades a simple tee and jeans. Pro tip: Wear it open over a loose shirt or a neat polo. Cargo pants upgrade Skinny jeans had a good run. But when you've experienced trousers designed with superflow mesh, four-way stretch, and abrasion-resistant fabric, it's hard to go back to anything that isn't engineered. These aren't just for rides, they're ideal for quick city trips, airport runs, or even just relaxing at home. You can pair them with boxy knits or cropped bombers for a cool, modern look. Boots The boots coming out of motorcycle stables now are thick-soled, water-repellent, and unapologetically bold. Some still have details from their off-road roots, like padded ankles and grippy soles, but now people wear them with skirts, cargo shorts, or even suits. They make your feet feel strong, safe, and ready for any puddle or rough road, which is a win for both style and comfort. Accessories Accessories include heavy-duty crossbodies, weatherproof duffels, toolkits disguised as pouches, and gloves that look like they've seen some things. In the age of 'quiet utility', these pieces are having their fashion moment. What's more, the best accessories now have a vintage feel, with tan leather, aged metal and canvas rolls that look like they came from an old motorcycle bag.
