Cool Down With Traditional Summer Thirst Quenchers

As Dwarkaites eagerly wait for monsoon to arrive the hot and sultry weather is draining all the energies away. In this season nothing beats the comfort of a chilled drink to refresh the body and lift the spirits. But not every cold drink can truly cool you from within. That’s where our traditional Indian summer beverages come into play- offering not just refreshment, but also health benefits and nostalgia. In every corner of Dwarka, these desi delights are helping residents stay cool and hydrated. Sugarcane Juice: This ever-popular roadside drink, locally known as ganna ras, is both budget-friendly and widely available. Served icy cold and sometimes flavored with mint, it not only quenches thirst but also replenishes essential electrolytes. In Dwarka, a glass of sugarcane juice is yours for just ₹30, making it a go-to drink in peak summer.

Bael Juice: Often underestimated due to its modest appearance, the bael fruit is a nutritional treasure trove. Packed with fiber, vitamins and healing properties, bael juice is favored for its digestive benefits. Many vendors around Dwarka swear by its cooling effect and customers flock to stalls for a glass of this naturally sweet tonic. Jal Jeera: A tangy cooler made with green mango pulp and a blend of indigenous spices, jal jeera delivers instant refreshment. It marries the zing of aam panna with the earthy flavors of roasted cumin and mint. At just ₹20 a glass, it’s a popular thirst quencher during hot afternoons. Shikanji: This traditional lemonade with a twist of spice continues to be a favorite. Infused with lemon juice, cumin powder and black salt, shikanji is not only nostalgic but also rehydrating. Found at various roadside carts in Dwarka, this drink remains a staple in many households even today. Coconut Water: Known for its natural sweetness and hydrating abilities, tender coconut water is a summer essential. Enriched with potassium and other nutrients, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a natural, sugar-free refreshment. With Dwarka residents prioritizing wellness, coconut stalls are thriving across the city. Banta: This fizzy, masala-spiked soda, also called goli soda, offers a fun and spicy way to beat the heat. Banta stands are easy to spot in Dwarka, with flavored versions- lemon, orange, and even spicy- being served to eager crowds. Chuski Ka Gola: Crushed ice molded onto sticks and drenched in colorful syrups- chuski gola is a playful and delicious escape from the heat. Whether drizzled with kala khatta or topped with masala, these icy treats are favorites among children and adults alike. From age-old favorites like sugarcane juice and shikanji to the icy thrill of chuski gola, these classic coolers continue to be the city’s most dependable heat-busters.

Dwarka City talked to few summer cooler sellers of Dwarka. Here what they reveal about their sales and their product-
“People call me the ‘Ganna Wala.’ I’ve been here for 10 years- rain or sun, I serve freshly crushed juice to everyone walking by. From office-goers to school kids, my regulars know they’ll always find me right here near Manish Global Mall. I arrive before noon and stay till the sun goes down. It’s not easy standing in the heat, but their smiles after sipping the juice make it all worth it.”

Mukhtaar Ansari, Sector-22, Manish Global Mall

“My stall in Sector-12 Mall is a local favorite. I offer sugarcane juice at ₹10, ₹20, and ₹30. Business peaks in the evening when people crave something fresh. Evenings are my busiest hours- families, couples and college students stop by for a refreshing drink. I’ve kept flexible pricing so everyone can afford a glass, whether they have ten rupees or thirty. I believe that in the heat of Delhi, fresh juice should be for everyone.”

Rajesh Patel, Sector-12, City Center Mall

“Near the Sector-10 Metro, I get both residents and commuters. It’s tough work, but everyone here is supportive and polite. Carrying heavy stalks, setting up the machine, and serving nonstop is no joke, especially in peak summer. But I’ve found kindness here. Many customers call me ‘Didi’ and even bring water for me sometimes. That warmth keeps me going.”

Sunita Devi, Sector-10, Near Metro Station, Sugercane juice seller.

“Next to the park in Sector-5, my stall is a gathering point. I’ve mastered the juicing process, and that’s why customers trust me. Children come here straight from play, elders stop by after walks. My technique makes sure every drop is clean, sweet, and chilled. Many say it’s the best juice in this sector- and that’s a reputation I guard closely”

Amit Kumar, Sector-5, Near Park, sugarcane juice seller.

“My stall outside Rainbow Apartment is well-known. I handpick coconuts, and regulars come even in winter months. I wake up before sunrise and go to the mandi to choose the best coconuts. People here know the difference. Some even ask for specific types- sweet, tender or with malai. It’s not just business, it’s personal.”

Mohammed Khan, Sector-12, In Front of Rainbow Apartment, coconut vendor

“I operate on the bustling Sector-9 road. My coconuts help beat the heat- it’s a naturally healthy choice. This road sees heavy traffic and people often stop for a quick hydration break. Unlike colas or packaged drinks, coconut water is pure and cooling. That’s why I never see a dull day during peak summer”

Ahmed Ali, Sector-9 Road, coconut vendor

“I’ve been doing this for a decade. Summer is good for business, but winters are tough. I manage with ₹7,000 per month. In summer, there’s hope and income. But come winter, sales dip, and I switch to small jobs or rely on savings. Yet I return each season with the same cart and the same smile.”

Khurshid Alam, Sector-12, Near City Center Mall, coconut vendor

“Families and children love my colorful ice golas. I make sure each one is both delicious and visually appealing. Children jump with joy when they see my red, blue, and green golas. I use clean, filtered ice and homemade syrups. Parents often say, ‘At least we trust your golas over the unknown ones.’ That’s my reward”

Rajesh Gupta, Sector-12, Near Community Park, Ice gola seller.

“At Sector-10 Metro, my creative flavors are a hit with daily commuters. Sales are consistent. I introduced flavors like ‘Masala Kala Khatta’ and ‘Mango Mint.’ Commuters grab them on the go- some even take two for their kids at home. The trick is to be fast and friendly.”
Pooja Verma, Sector-10, Near Metro Station, ice gola vendor

“Even grownups enjoy ice golas. I make them in various flavors, and the response is great. Don’t think golas are just for kids. Office-goers, shopkeepers, even police officers buy them. I’ve got flavors like rose, orange, and cola. My stall is simple, but it brings smiles”

Vijay Kumar, Sector-8, Near Red Light, ice gola vendor

“I only sell during summer. Evenings are busiest- no one ventures out in the afternoon heat. I open shop after 5 PM. That’s when the parks get crowded. My golas are made fresh on demand, and I’m careful with hygiene. I earn enough in three months to tide through the rest of the year.””

Sunita, Sector-10, Ice gola vendor

“My gola stall is popular among park visitors. I give generous portions, and people of all ages love them. I believe in generosity. Whether it’s syrup or ice, I never cut corners. I’ve had grandparents thank me for reminding them of their childhood summers-that’s the best compliment ever.”

Amit Sharma, Sector-19, Near District Park, ice gola seller.

“My shikanji is made fresh with lemon, mint, black salt, and a dash of masala. It’s not just a drink- it’s a summer remedy. People say it cools their body and lifts their mood instantly.”

Ramesh Yadav, Sector-6, Near DDA Market, shikanji seller

“I’ve been selling shikanji outside the Sector-13 metro for five years. Office-goers and students stop by every day. They say, ‘Bhaiya, ek glass thanda shikanji dedo’- that one line keeps my day going.”

Sikandar Ali, Sector-13, Near Metro Station, Shikanji seller

“Even with so many soft drinks in the market, people still prefer desi shikanji. It’s healthier, cheaper, and full of taste. I don’t use synthetic syrups- just fresh lemons and love.”

Pushpa Devi, Sector-10, Near Community Center, Shikanji seller

“I start early morning and go till late evening. Some customers even carry steel bottles and ask me to fill them up. That’s the trust they have in my drink.”

Kailash Meena, Sector-14, Opposite DDA Sports Complex, Shikanji seller.