Summer drink: Try this Kerala special cooling Sharjah shake perfect for a hot day

Summer is here and so is the sweltering heat. It is time to take out our summer clothes, water bottles and umbrellas as tempratures rise across the country. In this heat you should make sure to have drinks and food that helps cool down your body. While water and coconut water is a must-have, you should also try adding delicious and nutritious milkshakes to your diet.

If you are on the hunt for the perfect drink, here is the perfect recipe.

How to make Kerala special Sharjah shake

Keralites love this unique milkshake which is made with bananas. This shake, known as Sharjah shake is also called the 'King of Summer Shakes'. The main ingredient is Njaalipoovan, a variety of banana commonly found in Kerala.

Legend has it that the drink was first introduced in Calicut in the 1980s by the late Kalanthan Koya. During one of his experiments, he made a drink with Njaalipoovan, frozen milk and sugar. Koya served the shake to a bunch of boys watching the Sharjah Cup in an adjacent shop. They obviously loved it and enquired about the name. He hastily cooked up the name – Sharjah Shake.

To make this you need:

250 ml frozen milk

2 ripe bananas

5-6 cashews

1 tbsp roasted peanuts

2-3 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp boost/ horlicks

1 tsp instant coffee powder

Mix all the ingredients, add ice, spin in the mixer and serve!

Tips to stay safe from the heat

While summer means iceecreams, mangoes and fun times at the pool it also means sweating, dehydration and heat wave. Make sure to carry a bottle of water and avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine as they can lead to dehydration. Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours. If you must engage in outdoor activities, schedule them for cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening.