From the dairy diaries

Melissa D'costa picks five dairy-based coolers, guaranteed to keep you cool this summer

Melissa D'costa picks five dairy-based coolers, guaranteed to keep you cool this summer

Masala tea-flavoured lassi at le pain quotidien

True to its name, this SoBo bakery-caf ufffd that's part of the international chain by the same name, serves bread in a new avatar (Le Pain Quotidien translates to 'Daily Bread' in French). But while you may still have to head to an Irani caf ufffd for an asli Mumbai cutting chai, LPQ has fused together two of the city's favourite summer coolers in one glass. The result? Masala tea-flavoured lassi. Best enjoyed with the open-faced paneer sandwich or parathas served here.

For Rs 140
At Dhanraj Mahal, CSM Road, Apollo Bunder, near Gateway of India, Colaba.
Call 66150202

Banana Cold Coffee at Gostana

This cafe in Bandra specialises in serving healthy 'junk food' options. They even do a healthier version of the standard cold coffee, laced with the sweetness of banana. So, the next time you find yourself in the area, with beads of perspiration trickling down your face, reach for their caffeine concoction, minus the guilt. It's also a good and refreshing drink before a power workout.

For Rs 110
At Fatima Villa, 29th Road, right next to
Da Vinci, Pali Naka, Bandra (W).
Call 64533359

Kala Khatta Shake at aromas

The Kala Khatta Shake is an ode to the ubiquitous purple syrup poured over crushed mounds of ice or golas at baraf-gola carts in the city. The sweet and sour flavours complement the milk and cream in the shake. They even add a unique blend of Peppermint Salt, made from rock salt and peppermint leaf, which aids digestion and lends the shake a cool twist.

For Rs 115, plus taxes
At Ventura Building, ground floor, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai.
Call 65220313

Blueberry milkshake at haji ali juice center

This small joint draws people from across the city for its cheesy 'pijjas' and fresh fruit juices. If you find their fruit with fresh cream options too heavy, opt for the Blueberry Milkshake, which is not too sweet or too heavy and carries just the right hint of tang. For the less adventurous, there's always the staple mango and strawberry or the exotic kiwi options to fall back on. If you love tangy coolers, minus milk, we suggest opting for the Strawberry Juice, served with thick slices of the seasonal fruit.

For 120
At Haji Ali Circle, near Heera Panna shopping centre.
Call 23510957

Buttermilk soup at Indigo Deli

If exotic fruit milkshakes don't quite sing to you, we recommend heading to Indigo for their chilled Buttermilk Soup. This is not your regular glass of 'chhas' served shaken and stirred with chaat masala, salt and pepper. These guys use fresh fruits like melon to give the buttermilk soup its smooth texture and unique flavour.