Bhubaneswar, April 11: With the mercury levels showing no signs of respite, it is important to keep yourself cool and protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

However, apart from applying sunscreen lotions every time you step out or wearing light coloured and airy clothes, it is also important to stay hydrated and boost your energy levels. To cater to the demands of local residents, many cafes, restaurants and makeshift kiosks in the capital are offering delicious summer drinks, which come as a blessing on a hot day.

Coolers made of different fruit punches and tangy syrups are a hit at the coffee shops while the high-end restaurants are offering some refreshing cool chillers. Grenadine syrup blended with lemon juice and a dash of lemonade, topped with lots of ice cubes, is one of the most popular coolers as is the replenishing mint drink available in different forms at various bistros and pubs.

“Mint and lemon are two of the most important ingredients for summer drinks. They provide a cooling effect and make you feel instantly refreshed. Addition of herbs such as mint leaves help in easing digestion during summer,” said Piyush, a pub manager.

To give the regular summer mocktail a twist, special salts such as tabasco and rock salt are also included in the drink. Fruits such as litchi, orange and mango are some of the favourites this season.

“Tangy Orange prepared out of orange crush, pineapple juice and an orange cold drink and even the Orange Blossom made from orange crush and juice with some ice cream topping are quite popular this season. The litchi and green apple coolers are also in demand,” said Vicky, bar tender at a Janpath restaurant.

Apart from special drinks, a wide range of cold coffees and fruit juices are also sought after during the afternoons. The kiosks selling nimbu pani (lemon juice) and coconut water are very popular among youngsters, especially college goers. There is also a constant rush at the various lassi outlets across the city. The lassi is made from bel, a fruit, or from skimmed curd with grated coconut, cashew and other toppings.

“We do great business during this time of the year. But, the windy and rainy weather since the last two days has lowered business a little. Yet, during the day and afternoon, the rush is still there,” said Omkar Sahoo, a lassi vendor.

Despite many people preferring coffees and coolers, the traditional summer drinks have their following intact.

“Iced teas and cold coffees are a great way to beat the heat, especially when you are sitting at a coffee shop or restaurant. But, when you want something sumptuous and yummy, nothing can come close to lassi,” said Abhimanyu Dash, an engineering student.