What Drink is Cooling for the Body? Your Guide to Refreshing Beverages

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published by the Journal of Sports Sciences, consuming cool liquids can significantly lower core body temperature during heat stress. Choosing the right beverage is key when asking, "what drink is cooling for the body?". From traditional buttermilk to antioxidant-rich coconut water, many options can help your body regulate its temperature and stay hydrated naturally.

Quick Summary

This article explores a variety of refreshing, naturally cooling drinks, detailing their benefits and explaining how they help reduce internal body heat and improve hydration. It covers popular options, from fruit juices and herbal teas to probiotic-rich beverages, providing a comprehensive guide to beating the heat from the inside out.

Key Points

Natural Hydrators: Drinks like coconut water, watermelon juice, and lemonade are naturally rich in water and electrolytes, helping to replenish fluids lost through sweat.
Probiotic Support: Beverages such as buttermilk contain beneficial probiotics that aid digestion and prevent the body from generating excess heat during metabolic processes.
Herbal Coolants: Mint, with its menthol content, provides a sensory cooling effect, while other herbs in teas offer antioxidant benefits that support body temperature regulation.
Replenish and Energize: Traditional drinks like Sattu provide not only a cooling effect but also an energy boost from protein and fiber, making them effective for sustaining energy in the heat.
Avoid Sugary Options: Focus on natural, low-sugar beverages over processed, sugary alternatives, which can cause dehydration and counter the cooling effect.
Homemade is Best: Creating your own cooling drinks allows for ingredient control, ensuring you get the benefits without unnecessary additives found in many store-bought products.

Understanding How Drinks Cool the Body

When your body temperature rises, your natural response is to sweat, which cools the skin as the moisture evaporates. Drinking cool liquids assists this process by cooling your body internally and replenishing the fluids lost through sweat, preventing dehydration. The best cooling drinks also provide electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that are often depleted during hot weather, offering more than just simple hydration.

The Science Behind Internal Cooling

Certain ingredients possess natural properties that make them effective body coolants. Mint, for example, contains menthol, which triggers cold-sensitive receptors in the mouth and throat, creating a sensation of coolness. Probiotics found in drinks like buttermilk help improve digestion, which can prevent the body from generating excess heat during metabolic processes. Additionally, many cooling beverages are rich in water content and essential nutrients, aiding the body's natural temperature regulation. The process of consuming and digesting these liquids is crucial for maintaining a balanced internal temperature and overall well-being during hot periods.

Top Naturally Cooling Drinks

Coconut Water: Often called nature's sports drink, coconut water is packed with natural electrolytes, including potassium, which helps maintain the body's fluid balance. Its hydrating properties and refreshing taste make it a top choice for combating heat.
Buttermilk (Chaas): A popular probiotic drink, buttermilk is excellent for cooling the body and aiding digestion. It helps settle the stomach and can be spiced with cumin and coriander for added flavor and digestive benefits.
Lemonade (Shikanji): A simple mix of lemon juice, water, and a pinch of salt and cumin powder, lemonade is a classic for a reason. Rich in Vitamin C, it provides effective rehydration and is a delicious way to regulate body temperature.
Sattu Drink: Made from roasted gram flour, sattu is a traditional drink known for its cooling properties. It is a good source of protein and fiber and provides an instant energy boost, making it a healthy option for beating the heat.
Watermelon Juice: Composed of about 90% water, watermelon is a highly effective hydrator. Blended into a juice, it's rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help keep the body cool and refreshed.
Barley Water: This simple concoction is made by boiling barley pearls in water and straining it. Barley water is a natural diuretic and body coolant that helps flush out toxins and improve digestion. A squeeze of lemon can enhance its flavor and benefits.
Herbal Iced Tea: Brewed from herbs like mint or hibiscus, these iced teas provide a refreshing, cooling effect. They are a great alternative to sugary drinks and offer additional antioxidant benefits.

Comparison of Popular Cooling Drinks


Drink	Key Benefit	Key Ingredients	Best For	Considerations
Coconut Water	Natural Electrolyte Balance	Water, Potassium, Magnesium	Rapid Rehydration	Pureest form is best; avoid added sugar
Buttermilk (Chaas)	Probiotic-Rich & Digestive Aid	Curd, Cumin, Coriander	Digestive Health & Cooling	May not be suitable for those with dairy sensitivities
Lemonade (Shikanji)	Vitamin C Boost & Hydration	Lemon, Water, Salt, Cumin	Quick Refreshment	Manage sugar content; a pinch of salt enhances electrolytes
Sattu Drink	Energizing & Cooling Properties	Roasted Gram Flour, Water	Sustained Energy & Cooling	High in carbs; best consumed in moderation
Watermelon Juice	High Water Content & Antioxidants	Watermelon, Water	Hydration & Skin Health	Can be high in natural sugars; should be fresh

Creating Your Own Cooling Concoctions

Making your own cooling drinks at home is simple, allowing you to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary sugars or additives found in store-bought versions. For a refreshing cucumber and mint cooler, simply blend cucumber, fresh mint leaves, a little water, and a touch of lemon juice. For an ancient Indian secret, try Aam Panna, a tangy drink made from raw mangoes, which is rich in vitamins and minerals. Experiment with different combinations of fruits, herbs, and spices to find your perfect body-cooling beverage.

The Role of Water and Hydration

While specialty drinks offer unique benefits, it is crucial not to overlook the power of plain water. Staying well-hydrated is the most fundamental way to regulate body temperature. A glass or two of chilled water can help combat fatigue and dehydration. In addition to drinking water regularly, incorporating water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumber and citrus fruits into your diet also contributes significantly to your overall hydration. Proper hydration is essential for brain function, muscle health, and skin radiance.

Conclusion: Your Refreshing Path to Wellness

Choosing the right drink to cool your body is not just about quenching thirst; it's about nourishing your body and supporting its natural temperature regulation. By incorporating a variety of beverages like electrolyte-rich coconut water, probiotic buttermilk, and hydrating fruit juices, you can effectively combat the heat. These natural coolants not only help reduce internal body heat but also provide essential nutrients, aid digestion, and boost immunity, contributing to overall wellness. The key is to listen to your body, choose natural and minimally processed options, and prioritize hydration, especially during warmer seasons.

Dawn, July 16, 2011, Cool drinks for a hot summer

Frequently Asked Questions

The fastest way to cool down is by drinking chilled water or an electrolyte-rich beverage like coconut water. The cool temperature of the liquid helps lower your internal body temperature, while the electrolytes aid in rapid hydration, which is essential for effective cooling.

No, sugary drinks are not effective for cooling the body. The high sugar content can actually lead to dehydration, which counteracts the cooling effect. It is best to choose natural, low-sugar alternatives like fresh fruit juices or water.

While it might seem counterintuitive, some research suggests that drinking hot beverages can induce sweating, and as the sweat evaporates from the skin, it can have a cooling effect. However, this is primarily effective in dry heat environments and may not be as comfortable or effective as cold drinks in humid conditions.

Yes, herbal iced teas made from ingredients like mint, hibiscus, or green tea can help reduce body heat. Mint, for example, contains menthol that triggers cold-sensitive receptors, creating a cooling sensation. Many herbal teas also contain antioxidants and hydrating properties.

Buttermilk, or chaas, is a probiotic-rich drink that aids digestion, which helps prevent the body from generating excess heat during metabolism. It also helps restore normal body temperature and keeps you hydrated with its essential vitamins and minerals.

Plain water is the most fundamental and crucial beverage for staying hydrated and regulating body temperature. While other drinks offer additional nutrients, adequate water intake is the primary defense against dehydration and overheating.

Juices from fruits with high water content are best for cooling. Watermelon, cucumber, and citrus fruits like lemon and orange are excellent choices as they provide hydration and important nutrients. Blending them fresh avoids added sugars and provides maximum benefits.