Aam panna: The childhood summer drink you forgot you missed

When the sun beats down and the afternoons turn still and hot, there’s one drink that always brings instant relief: aam panna. Tangy, sweet, lightly spiced and chilled to perfection.. It’s a taste of childhood, of sweaty school holidays and steel tumblers clinking with ice.

Made with raw mangoes, roasted cumin, black salt, mint, and a touch of sugar, aam panna doesn’t just cool you down; it hydrates, balances electrolytes, and helps beat summer fatigue. And it couldn’t be simpler to make.

Ingredients
2 large raw mangoes
Water (enough to cover mango pieces while boiling)
1 tsp roasted cumin powder
½ tsp chilli powder
½ tsp crushed black pepper (optional)
½ tsp black salt
½ tsp regular salt (or to taste)
½ cup sugar
Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Ice cubes
Extra chilled water (for serving)

Preparation
Peel and slice the mangoes into large pieces
Add just enough water to cover them and boil until soft
Let the mangoes cool completely
In a blender, combine the cooked mango, the water it was boiled in, sugar, both salts, chilli powder, cumin, and black pepper (if using)
Blend into a smooth concentrate
To serve, pour a few tablespoons of the concentrate over ice, top with chilled water, and stir well.

Garnish with mint leaves and enjoy!