Bhubaneswar, May 20: The soaring mercury is pushing up sales of thirst-quenchers.

Vendors of traditional drinks as well as coffee shops are cashing in on the scorching heat that has made lassi, pana, coolers and smoothies popular this season.

The most sought after drink this season is lassi that has, over the years, transformed into an Odia version wherein the skimmed yoghurt is garnished with grated coconut, cashews as well as sweetened condensed milk or khua and rabri — another milk product. So much that a glassful of chilled lassi proves not only soothing in the heat but is also satiating.

The lassi hot spots at Saheed Nagar, Kalpana Square, Sriya Square and other areas in the city get ready for the crowd by February. The rush continues till June end. Some vendors even get orders for more than 5,000 glasses per day. A glass of lassi could be priced anywhere between Rs 10 and 30.

“Though it is tough to work during summer, it is the most prosperous time of the year for lassi vendors like us. The demand for the drink is unbelievable and it becomes tough to manage so many orders during the peak hours of the sun, especially in the afternoons,” said Mrutunjaya, a vendor in Saheed Nagar.

Some lassi kiosks also serve the Odia drink – pana,- mostly prepared of stone apple. Nowadays it is punched with other fruit extracts as well. Healthy in various ways, it is a traditional cooler during summer.

“It is an interesting fact that pana has been used as a summer cooler by our ancestors for many years. That is why Odias celebrate Pana Sankranti at the onset of summer. Not only is it delicious but also healthy. Moreover, it comes for as low as Rs 10 and hence is affordable too,” said Sarojini Das, a homemaker.

Many coffee shops as well as bars and pubs have come up with special preparations of mocktails, smoothies, green tea and cold coffee.

Youngsters usually prefer hanging out in the cafes and beat the heat by cooling off with some cold beverages.