The Right Fruit at the Right Time – Smoothies for Summer Wellness in Delhi!
Indian summers, ripe with memory and flavour, arrive not just with fiery heat, but also with ritual— neem water baths, umbrellas, cherished glasses of cool ‘Aam pannas’, and the soft thud of fruit being sliced on cool kitchen counters. Rooted in traditional wisdom and an age-old instinct on how to stay nourished, cool, and balanced when the sun is at its fiercest, our summer drinks menu at the in-house restaurant DEL, draws on this abundance.
On the menu this summer, you will find blends that echo old Ayurvedic pairings, ingredients grandmothers swore by, and fruits that have graced Indian tables for centuries—revived here in forms both familiar and unexpected. The menu is seasonal and fleeting, made while the fruit is at its juiciest. Day visitors are welcome to take a seat, and choose their mood in a glass.
Alphonso Mango — Maharashtra
Ripe and golden from sunny orchards, Alphonso mangoes are beloved across the country. Grown along the Konkan coast, these beauties arrive each April like a promise. The plump mango, while full of health benefits, when blended with creamy Greek yoghurt, a wisp of saffron, and the faintest hum of cardamom, makes for sweet, rich and filling smoothies that linger on your taste buds.
Why order it: For indulgent days, tired skin, and a craving that only mango can answer.
What it does for the body: High in beta-carotene and Vitamin A. Known to aid digestion and energise.
Watermelon — Pan-India
A versatile crimson, fleshy fruit made of water and sun-the kind you eat barefoot on terraces, juice running down your chin.
Each summer it is paired beautifully- with lime and a handful of fresh mint that cools softly and sticky sweetly; in cold fruit salads with fresh cream, or diced into cubes and savoured with tangy spices.
Why order it: When the heat has caught up with you and you need to come back to yourself.
What it does for the body: 90% water, cooling to the body, with lycopene for skin recovery.
Pineapple & Ginger — Kerala and Northeast India
Spiked with tang and a little spice, our pineapple smoothie walks the tightrope between tropical and tonic.
Golden and electric, with fresh turmeric, ginger root, and a slow swirl of honey, it is made into something almost medicinal.
Why order it: Post-lunch slump, travel fatigue, or when you need to feel your toes again.
What it does for the body: Anti-inflammatory, digestion-friendly, and has one of the highest Vitamin C percentage in a fruit
Blueberry — Himachal and Meghalaya
Delicately tart and sweet, blueberries offer a tangy, soft, and a slightly ‘jammy’ depth. Whirred into chilled yogurt or almond milk, they create a silky, subtly tangy blend.
Why order it: For an antioxidant-rich refresh, order it off our menu- perfect it for a post-brunch drink, or after a slow afternoon by the pool, some sun, swims, and that perfect mauve splash on your Instagram feed.
What it does for the body: Bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C; Enhances skin vitality, cognitive clarity, and immune strength.
Jamun — North and Central India
Deep, inky purple with a blush of rose, the colour alone is enough to remind us of sudden summer storms about to break.
At DEL, we take the tartness of jamun and soften it with sweeter flavours like pomegranate and rosewater. If you are thinking of making one yourself, you can keep it fun and experiment with ingredients like soaked chia seeds.
Why order it: To slow down and cool off. Particularly calming on heavy, humid days.
What it does for the body: Supports blood sugar, iron-rich, and used in Ayurvedic cooling tonics
Banana — Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh
Creamy, mellow, and naturally sweet, bananas are the backbone of a perfect summer smoothie—comforting yet refreshing without weighing you down, they make for a light but satisfying drink, keeping you full without the heaviness of a big meal.
Why order it: Very popular with our patrons visiting us for luxury brunches at DEL, it makes for a nourishing, feel-good boost that’s as good post-gym as it is for a lazy summer morning.
What it does for the body: Rich in potassium and vitamin B6; Supports energy, digestion, and heart health.
Muskmelon — Rajasthan and Gujarat
If ever a fruit was made for desert heat, this is it. Mild, fragrant, and gently sweet, muskmelon soothes the body like no other fruit.
For the quiet flavour of the fruit, one can blend it with coconut water and a touch of jaggery, for something that sits light on the tongue but revives from the inside out.
Why order it: When you want hydration without heaviness. Best after a hot day out.
What it does for the body: Alkalising, digestion-supportive, and known to reduce internal heat.
Passion Fruit — Kerela and Nagaland
Tart, floral, and intensely fragrant, its bright pulp adds a rush of tangy sweetness to smoothies.
It is best whirred into a cool blend with yogurt or almond milk, and is readily available for order at DEL, our elegant in-house restaurant in Delhi.
Why order it: For a vibrant, refreshing pick-me-up, especially after a sun-soaked afternoon.
What it does for the body: Hydrating and antioxidant-rich; Supports immunity, gut health, and radiant skin.
Lychee — Bihar and Bengal
Lychees ripen for mere weeks, are small, juicy, translucent white and fleshy with a light floral aftertaste and make for the best glass of fleeting smoothie sweetness.
They can be pressed fresh, stirred in almond milk, and finished with a trace of rose water or extract. It’s delicate, creamy, and ephemeral—the kind of drink you’ll miss as soon as it’s gone.
Why order it: For a slow treat, post-spa or post-siesta. Soft, floral, and mood-lifting.
What it does for the body: Cooling and hydrating; Good for immunity and skin clarity.
Take a Pause from the Heat
Rediscovering and bringing such summer drinks and smoothies to you has been a refreshing journey for us too. While we understood ways of handling the heat in India- with balance, flavour, and with quiet wisdom, at one of the best restaurants in Delhi, we have given these age-old instincts a creamy, silken frame too.
The summer smoothie menu is fleeting by design and crafted for only while the fruits are in their prime. For guests staying with us, or visiting us for a refined dining experience, take a seat and taste the season before it slips away.
