Which Sarbath is Best? A Guide to the Most Refreshing Indian Drinks

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 90% of Indian households consume some form of homemade or commercial sharbat during the hot summer months, making the question 'Which Sarbath is best?' a popular one. The answer, however, depends largely on your personal taste preferences, health goals, and the specific cooling properties you are seeking.

Quick Summary

This guide compares popular Indian sarbath varieties like Nannari, Khus, and Paal Sarbath, detailing their flavor profiles, health benefits, and cooling effects to help you select the ideal beverage.

Key Points

Nannari Sarbath: Excellent for natural body cooling and digestion, thanks to its Indian sarsaparilla root base.
Khus Sarbath: Provides a unique musky, earthy flavor and strong cooling properties derived from vetiver roots.
Rose Sarbath: Offers a calming, floral, and sweet taste that helps soothe and cool the body, with benefits for skin health.
Paal Sarbath: A creamy, indulgent milk-based sarbath that combines nannari syrup, almond gum, and basil seeds for a rich, cooling dessert-like drink.
Homemade vs. Commercial: Opt for homemade versions or high-quality brands to control sugar content and avoid artificial flavors and colors.
Healthier Alternative: All traditional sarbaths are a healthier, more hydrating alternative to commercial sodas.

The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Perfect Sarbath

Sarbath, or sharbat, is more than just a refreshing drink; it's a centuries-old tradition in many cultures, especially in South Asia, where it is celebrated for its restorative properties. With so many variations available, from traditional recipes to modern twists, deciding which sarbath is best for you can be a delightful journey of flavor discovery. Here, we break down some of the most popular contenders, exploring their unique characteristics and benefits.

Nannari Sarbath: The Natural Body Coolant

Made from the roots of the Indian sarsaparilla plant, Nannari sarbath is a favorite during sweltering summers for its unparalleled cooling effects. This herbal drink is also known for its medicinal properties, including aiding digestion and purifying the blood. Its flavor is a unique mix of sweet and earthy with a pleasant aroma. Homemade nannari syrup is a labor of love, but the result is a pure and healthy beverage free from artificial additives.

Health Benefits of Nannari Sarbath:

Excellent Body Coolant: Effectively reduces body heat, making it ideal for the summer.
Aids Digestion: Helps with issues like acidity and indigestion.
Blood Purifier: Traditional uses suggest it helps in purifying the blood.
Thirst Quencher: It's an effective and healthy alternative to sugary drinks for hydration.

Khus Sarbath: The Vetiver Aroma

Khus sarbath, derived from the roots of the vetiver grass, offers a musky, earthy flavor and a distinct aroma that many find intoxicating. Like nannari, it's highly regarded for its cooling properties and is a staple summer drink. Its soothing nature helps calm the body and mind, providing relief from the heat. Quality khus sarbath is typically pale green and transparent, indicating pure root extract with minimal artificial coloring.

Why Choose Khus Sarbath?

Soothing Effect: Calms the nervous system and helps reduce stress.
Cooling Properties: Provides a deep cooling sensation, perfect for extreme heat.
Unique Taste: Offers a complex, woody flavor profile that stands out from other sarbaths.

Rose Sarbath: The Fragrant Classic

Rose sarbath is a timeless classic known for its delicate fragrance and sweet, floral taste. Made from rose petals, it's not just delicious but also has several health benefits. It's often used as a pitta-pacifying drink in Ayurveda, meaning it helps to cool the 'fiery' or 'hot' elements in the body. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help with skin health. A glass of chilled rose sarbath is a treat for both the palate and the senses.

Paal Sarbath: The Creamy Delight

For those who prefer a richer, creamier texture, Paal Sarbath is an excellent choice. This South Indian specialty combines milk with nannari syrup, soaked sabja (basil) seeds, and almond gum (badam pisin). The combination of these ingredients results in a delicious, filling, and incredibly cooling drink. It's often compared to a simpler version of jigarthanda, another popular summer beverage. A good Paal Sarbath strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making it a satisfying dessert as well. Find a great recipe to get started at Sharmis Passions.

Comparison Table: Nannari vs. Khus vs. Rose vs. Paal Sarbath


Feature	Nannari Sarbath	Khus Sarbath	Rose Sarbath	Paal Sarbath
Primary Ingredient	Indian Sarsaparilla Roots	Vetiver Grass Roots	Rose Petals	Milk, Nannari Syrup, Seeds
Flavor Profile	Earthy, Sweet, Aromatic	Musky, Earthy, Woody	Sweet, Floral, Fragrant	Creamy, Sweet, Herbal
Cooling Effect	High - Excellent Body Coolant	High - Soothing Body Coolant	Moderate - Pitta-Pacifying	High - Natural Coolants
Best For	Hydration, Digestion, Blood Purification	Stress Relief, Deep Cooling	Calming Mind, Skin Health	Creamy Texture, Dessert-like
Texture	Syrupy (Thinned with water)	Syrupy (Thinned with water)	Syrupy (Thinned with water)	Creamy and Rich with Seeds

Making the Right Choice for You

The question of which sarbath is best ultimately depends on what you value most in a beverage. If your priority is overall health and digestion, Nannari is a top contender with its well-regarded medicinal properties. For deep cooling and a uniquely earthy taste, Khus is an excellent, aromatic option. If you seek a classic, fragrant, and calming drink that's also good for your skin, the elegance of Rose sarbath is unmatched. Finally, for a more indulgent, creamy, and filling experience, Paal Sarbath is the perfect choice, combining the best of several cooling ingredients.

Consider your personal preferences and the specific benefits you're looking for. All these traditional sarbaths offer a much healthier alternative to commercial, carbonated sodas, providing a natural and delicious way to stay hydrated and cool during warmer weather. Whether you choose to prepare a homemade version or buy a high-quality product, incorporating these heritage drinks into your routine is a fantastic way to nourish your body while enjoying an authentic taste of tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both Nannari and Khus sarbaths are excellent for health, each offering unique benefits. Nannari is often praised for its digestive and blood-purifying properties, while Khus is known for its intense cooling and calming effects.

Nannari sarbath is arguably the most famous for its body-cooling effects, though Khus sarbath is also a very strong contender. Both are traditional summer drinks specifically designed to combat heat.

Many commercial sarbaths contain high levels of added sugar, artificial flavors, and colors, which can compromise their health benefits. For a healthier option, consider making your own at home or choosing a trusted brand that uses natural ingredients.

Nannari sarbath is a simple, water-based drink flavored with nannari syrup, offering a light and herbal taste. Paal sarbath, on the other hand, is a creamy, milk-based beverage that often includes nannari syrup along with soaked seeds and gum, providing a richer, dessert-like experience.

Yes, some sarbaths can be beneficial for acidity. Bel sarbath, for instance, is known to be particularly good for gut health and relieving acidity. Nannari also aids in digestion and can help.

Sabja seeds, or basil seeds, are natural body coolants and are commonly added to Paal Sarbath. When soaked, they swell up and add a unique texture to the drink, while contributing to its cooling properties.

Yes, according to Ayurvedic principles, rose sarbath has pitta-pacifying properties which help cool the body and can reduce heat-related skin issues and inflammation, promoting better skin health.