Summer is upon us. If you grew up in a Telugu household, chances are you’ve seen your grandmother stir up a cooling drink in a big, well-loved copper pot during peak summer. That was Copper Ambali or Neera Ambali, the OG summer cooler long before packaged drinks took over.

If you're wondering: “Why copper?” Because our grandmothers were way ahead of modern science. Copper is naturally antimicrobial, helps with digestion, and balances body heat, making it the perfect vessel for a summer drink like this. So if you have a copper pot at home, use it. If not, a steel or aluminum vessel will do, but consider investing in one.

What You Need:

A pinch of salt

1-2 tablespoons jaggery

A splash of buttermilk or fresh coconut water (optional)

1 cup ragi flour (finger millet)

4 cups water stored in a copper pot overnight

How to Make It?

Start with a copper pot. Fill it with water and let it sit overnight. It infuses the water with minerals and makes it more cooling.

In a small bowl, take a little water and stir it into the ragi flour to make a smooth paste. This step keeps it from getting lumpy when added to the main pot. Bring the rest of the water to a gentle simmer. Slowly pour in the ragi paste while stirring continuously to avoid forming lumps. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Once cooked, let it cool to room temperature. This is when the magic happens, it turns into a naturally fermented, gut-friendly drink that keeps you full and refreshed.

For a sweet version, add jaggery and mix well. For a savoury twist, add a splash of buttermilk and a pinch of salt. Pour into clay or steel cups, sip slowly, and soak in the cooling goodness.

 Read More :

6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Nepal, No Casualties Reported