Tea, known as “Chai” in India, is not just a beverage but a social ritual that brings people together.

Tea is the social lubricant of choice in India, or more accurately, northern India. I discovered during my travels in Southern India that most South Indians prefer coffee over tea.

Besides the caffeinated drinks that reign strong all year long, yogurt drinks, known as “lassi,” are very popular during India’s hot summer months. In this section I will share how to make these and other popular beverages, such as turmeric golden milks, and tamarind concoctions.