How to make aam panna at home?

Aam panna is a tangy, sweet, and refreshing summer drink made from raw mangoes. Widely consumed across India during the hot months, it helps cool the body, quench thirst, and replenish lost electrolytes. Known by various names like kairi panna or raw mango sherbet, this traditional beverage is easy to make, naturally hydrating, and loaded with flavor and health benefits. If you're looking for a homemade summer cooler that's both nostalgic and nutritious, aam panna is the perfect pick.

What Is Aam Panna?

Aam panna is a beverage prepared by boiling or roasting raw green mangoes, then blending the pulp with jaggery or sugar, mint, black salt, cumin, and water. The result is a tangy-sweet drink with a cooling effect on the body, often served chilled with ice and fresh mint leaves. It’s not just tasty—it’s also considered a traditional remedy for heat exhaustion and digestive issues.

Ingredients Required for Aam Panna

Here’s what you’ll need for a basic aam panna recipe (makes 4–5 servings):

• 2 large raw mangoes (green, firm)

• 1/2 cup jaggery or sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 tsp black salt

• 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder

• 8–10 mint leaves (optional but recommended)

• 1/2 tsp regular salt

• 3–4 cups cold water

• Ice cubes for serving

Step-by-Step Recipe to Make Aam Panna

Step 1: Cook the Mangoes

Wash the raw mangoes thoroughly. Place them in a pressure cooker or saucepan with enough water and boil until soft. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 2–3 whistles. Let them cool completely.

Step 2: Extract the Pulp

Once cooled, peel the mangoes and extract the soft pulp. Discard the seed. You should get about 3/4 to 1 cup of pulp from two large mangoes.

Step 3: Blend with Spices

In a blender, add the mango pulp, jaggery or sugar, black salt, roasted cumin, regular salt, and mint leaves. Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Dilute and Chill

Transfer the mixture to a jug. Add 3–4 cups of cold water and mix well. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt if needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve

Pour into glasses, add ice cubes, and garnish with mint or a sprinkle of cumin powder.

Optional: Make Aam Panna Concentrate

You can also make a thick aam panna concentrate and refrigerate it for up to a week. To prepare:

• Boil and mash mangoes as usual

• Use 1 cup pulp with 1 cup jaggery and 1/2 tsp each of spices

• Cook the pulp and jaggery mixture for 10–15 minutes until slightly thick

• Cool, store in a glass jar

• To serve: mix 2 tbsp of concentrate with 1 cup of cold water and ice

Nutritional Value (Per Glass)

Nutritional values vary depending on how much jaggery or sugar is used and whether mint or other ingredients are added.

Health Benefits of Aam Panna

1. Natural Body Cooler

Aam panna is highly effective in preventing heatstroke during extreme summer. Raw mangoes have cooling properties that help regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration.

2. Replenishes Electrolytes

The combination of raw mango, black salt, and cumin helps replenish sodium and potassium lost through sweat, keeping the body hydrated and balanced.

3. Aids Digestion

Cumin and black salt in aam panna act as natural digestive aids. It soothes the stomach, relieves bloating, and stimulates appetite.

4. High in Vitamin C

Raw mangoes are rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity, improves skin health, and supports iron absorption.

5. Prevents Acidity

Unlike carbonated soft drinks, aam panna soothes the gut lining and neutralizes acidity naturally, especially after heavy or spicy meals.

Variations of Aam Panna

• Mint Aam Panna: Blend extra mint leaves for a greener, herbal version

• Spicy Aam Panna: Add a pinch of black pepper or green chili for heat

• Sugar-Free Aam Panna: Replace sugar with stevia or use only jaggery in moderation

• Roasted Mango Aam Panna: Roast mangoes on an open flame for a smoky depth of flavor

• Carbonated Aam Panna: Mix with sparkling water for a fizzy summer drink alternative

Storage and Shelf Life

• Freshly made diluted aam panna can be stored in the fridge for up to 2–3 days

• Concentrated pulp can last up to 1 week if refrigerated in an airtight jar

• Always stir before serving as natural separation may occur

When to Drink Aam Panna

• Afternoon cool-down: Helps rehydrate and cool the body after sun exposure

• Post-meal drink: Aids digestion and prevents bloating

• Pre- or post-workout: Provides natural electrolytes and energy

• Fasting days: A good low-calorie, nutrient-rich drink to maintain energy

Tips for the Perfect Aam Panna

• Choose unripe, firm green mangoes with tart flavor

• Adjust sweetness based on the sourness of the mangoes

• For large batches, store concentrate separately and dilute only before serving

• Add a few basil seeds (sabja) for texture and added cooling effect

• Use jaggery over sugar for added minerals and a richer taste

Summary

Aam panna is a delicious, hydrating, and nutrient-rich summer drink made from raw mangoes, spices, and natural sweeteners. With its tangy-sweet flavor and cooling properties, it’s a great way to beat the heat and support digestion and immunity. Whether you make a single glass or a weekly batch of concentrate, aam panna is a must-have in your summer beverage rotation. Customizable, healthy, and nostalgic—it’s one of the best ways to bring traditional wellness into your glass.