Chaas (Indian Spiced Buttermilk): The Ancient Cooling Elixir That’s Still the Tastiest Way to Beat the Heat

Learn how to make chaas, a traditional Indian buttermilk drink spiced with cumin, ginger, and herbs, known for its cooling and digestive benefits in hot weather

There’s something unmistakably satisfying about a drink that cools your body, wakes up your senses, and actually supports your digestion—all at once. That’s the magic of chaas, a spiced yogurt drink with deep roots in India’s culinary traditions. It’s not just a summer beverage; it’s a centuries-old antidote to blistering heat, heavy meals, and sluggish afternoons.

You’ll find chaas served in mud cups at roadside dhabas, in steel tumblers in family kitchens, and in clay pots at weddings. Whether it’s enjoyed as a daily digestive or a festive treat, this tangy, savory drink has a revered place in Indian food culture—and it’s making its way onto global menus for good reason.

The History Behind Chaas: Ayurveda’s Answer to Staying Cool

Chaas, also known as takra in Sanskrit, is one of the most ancient functional drinks still regularly consumed in India. Its roots lie in Ayurveda, where it is praised for pacifying the body’s heat-inducing pitta dosha, balancing digestion, and restoring hydration—especially in summer months. Traditionally made from the leftover buttermilk after churning butter from curd, the drink has always had a practical, sustainable origin.

In a time when modern sports drinks are loaded with preservatives and sugar, chaas stands out as a wholesome, probiotic-rich electrolyte drink. It's also a testament to how good-for-you and good-tasting can go hand in hand.

Why Chaas Belongs in Your Summer Routine

From a health perspective, chaas hydrates, soothes the gut, and replenishes salt lost through sweat. From a flavor perspective, it’s the perfect savory-salty-tangy sip between meals or after spicy food. You can adjust it to your preferences—add more ginger for zing, more cumin for smokiness, or fresh mint for extra coolness.

It’s also incredibly easy to prepare. In just five minutes, you can whisk together a pitcher of chaas that will outperform any bottled beverage in your fridge.

A Few Fun Facts About Chaas You May Not Know

• In many Indian households, chaas is part of a daily lunch ritual, especially during hot seasons.

• Cumin in chaas doesn’t just taste good—it aids in digestion and has natural cooling properties.

• In Gujarat, chaas is so popular it’s sold bottled in corner stores just like soda.

No Wonder Chaas is Having a Global Moment

With the rise of gut-friendly, probiotic-rich beverages like kefir and kombucha, chaas fits right in. But unlike sweet fermented drinks, chaas offers a savory, herbaceous profile that feels more like a culinary companion than a health supplement. Its short list of ingredients and endless adaptability make it a favorite for chefs and home cooks alike.