Which drink keeps the body cool effectively?

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2012 study, cyclists in a dry environment who drank hot water stored less heat in their bodies than those who drank cold water, illustrating that the best drink to keep the body cool might not be what you expect. While cold beverages offer immediate relief, the science of thermoregulation and the role of sweating reveal a more complex picture for long-term cooling in different climates.

Quick Summary

This article explores the most effective beverages for cooling down, detailing how different drinks, from simple water to traditional elixirs, aid the body's internal cooling mechanisms and regulate core temperature.

Key Points

Sweat is a Key Cooler: The body's primary cooling system relies on sweat evaporation, and effective hydration is critical for this process.
Hot vs. Cold Drinks: Hot drinks can lead to more effective long-term cooling in dry climates by promoting increased sweat, whereas cold drinks offer immediate but temporary relief.
Hydration is Paramount: Regardless of temperature, staying adequately hydrated is the most crucial factor for regulating body temperature.
Coconut Water for Electrolytes: Natural beverages like coconut water are excellent for replenishing electrolytes lost through sweating, helping to restore balance.
Traditional Remedies Work: Drinks like buttermilk, sattu, and aam panna offer time-tested, nutritious ways to cool the body naturally.
Environmental Impact: The effectiveness of a cooling strategy depends on the humidity; hot drinks work best in dry heat, while cold drinks provide faster relief in humid conditions.

The Science of Internal Cooling

To understand which drink keeps the body cool, one must first appreciate the body's primary cooling mechanism: sweating. When you get hot, your hypothalamus signals your sweat glands to release moisture. As this sweat evaporates from your skin, it takes heat with it, cooling you down. Effective cooling through this process depends heavily on sufficient hydration and environmental factors like humidity.

Cold vs. Hot Drinks: A Surprising Twist

Contrary to popular belief, a cold drink's cooling effect is often temporary. While it cools you immediately by lowering the temperature of your mouth and throat, your body's thermoregulation system senses the drop and may reduce the rate of sweating to maintain core temperature. In contrast, a hot drink triggers an increased sweating response. In dry, low-humidity conditions where sweat evaporates efficiently, this increased perspiration can lead to a greater, longer-lasting cooling effect. However, in humid environments, where sweat evaporation is less efficient, a cold drink may feel more refreshing and be more effective for initial relief.

Top Natural and Traditional Coolants

Several natural and traditional drinks are renowned for their body-cooling properties, going beyond simple hydration.

Coconut Water

Packed with natural electrolytes like potassium, coconut water is a fantastic hydrator that helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, especially after sweating. Its light and refreshing nature makes it easy to drink and assimilate, contributing to effective hydration.

Buttermilk (Chaas)

A popular Indian beverage, buttermilk is rich in probiotics and aids digestion. Its cooling properties are well-regarded in traditional medicine, and seasonings like cumin and coriander can further enhance its effects.

Sattu Drink

Made from roasted gram flour (chickpea flour), sattu is a traditional drink believed to have excellent cooling properties. It is also a good source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and filling option for a hot day.

Aam Panna

This tangy drink, made from raw green mangoes, is a classic Indian summer beverage. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and is believed to protect the body against heatstroke.

Barley Water

Known for its digestive and detoxifying properties, barley water is another effective coolant. A dash of lemon can improve the flavor and boost its hydrating qualities.

Lemonade (Shikanji)

A simple mix of lemon juice, water, and a pinch of salt and sugar provides vitamin C and helps restore electrolyte balance. The combination is both refreshing and hydrating, making it a go-to for many.

Comparison of Cooling Drinks


Drink	Cooling Mechanism	Primary Benefit	Best For	Considerations
Water (Cold)	Direct temperature reduction in mouth/throat; hydration.	Immediate, short-term relief.	Quick cool-down, humid climates.	Can inhibit long-term sweating response.
Water (Hot)	Triggers sweating, leading to evaporative cooling.	Long-term, sustained cooling.	Dry, low-humidity environments.	Initially feels hotter, less effective in high humidity.
Coconut Water	Hydration; replaces lost electrolytes.	Electrolyte balance and rehydration.	Post-workout, high-sweat situations.	Contains natural sugars.
Buttermilk	Probiotics and cooling spices; aids digestion.	Supports digestive health while cooling.	After meals, general hydration.	Dairy-based, may not suit everyone.
Sattu	Fiber and protein; perceived cooling properties.	Sustained energy and hydration.	Long hot days, meal replacement.	Can be gritty if not mixed well.
Aam Panna	Vitamins and minerals; protects against heat stress.	Guards against heatstroke.	Very hot conditions, specific health benefits.	Sugar content needs monitoring.

Conclusion

The question of which drink keeps the body cool has a nuanced answer. While cold beverages offer a rapid, psychological sense of cooling, a hot drink can provide a more prolonged, physiological cooling effect through enhanced sweating in dry climates. However, the ultimate key is maintaining proper hydration with a suitable liquid for your circumstances. For electrolyte replenishment and excellent rehydration, natural options like coconut water and buttermilk are top contenders. Choosing the right drink depends on your environment, activity level, and personal preference, but prioritizing hydration is universally essential for thermoregulation. For further reading on this subject, consider consulting a comprehensive guide on staying healthy in high temperatures, such as this article from Medical News Today.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized health recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in dry environments, drinking a hot tea can trigger a sweating response that, through evaporation, can lead to more effective long-term cooling than a cold drink.

Yes, in high humidity, where sweat evaporation is less efficient, a cold drink provides more immediate and noticeable relief from heat, as the physiological cooling from increased sweating is diminished.

Cold water or an iced beverage provides the most immediate sensation of cooling by lowering the temperature in the mouth and throat.

While simple water is an excellent hydrator, electrolyte drinks can be superior after heavy sweating, as they replenish essential minerals like sodium and potassium lost through perspiration.

Traditional Indian cooling drinks include buttermilk (chaas), sattu, aam panna (raw mango drink), and shikanji (lemonade).

Buttermilk contains probiotics that aid digestion, and its traditional preparation with ingredients like cumin and coriander has known cooling properties that soothe the stomach and body.

Yes, plain water is arguably the best overall drink for cooling, as it provides fundamental hydration which is essential for the body's natural temperature regulation via sweating.