Kiwi Watermelon Cooler Recipe – Easy Summer Indian Drink

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Kiwi Watermelon Cooler Recipe – Easy Summer Indian Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a refreshing drink to beat the Indian summer heat. This Kiwi Watermelon Cooler is my go-to – it’s unbelievably easy to make, tastes like sunshine in a glass, and is seriously addictive. I first whipped this up last year when my family was visiting, and it was an instant hit! It’s become a summer staple ever since. Let’s get blending!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cooler isn’t just delicious; it’s a lifesaver when the temperatures soar. It’s naturally sweet, packed with vitamins, and takes just minutes to prepare. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra fruit, even for the pickiest eaters! It’s the perfect balance of tangy kiwi, sweet watermelon, and creamy coconut – a truly delightful treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 2 kiwis
• 2 cups cubed watermelon
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ½ cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp raw sugar

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference in the final flavor.

Kiwi Selection & Ripeness

You want kiwis that yield to gentle pressure – not rock hard, but not mushy either. They should have a slight sweetness when you smell the stem end. I prefer the green kiwis for their classic tartness, but golden kiwis work beautifully too!

Watermelon Varieties for Best Flavor

Honestly, any watermelon will do, but if you can get your hands on a Kala Namak watermelon, you’re in for a treat! They have a unique sweetness and a lovely dark pink flesh. Otherwise, a regular seedless watermelon is perfect.

Coconut Milk – Full Fat vs. Low Fat

Full-fat coconut milk will give you the richest, creamiest cooler. However, if you’re watching your calories, low-fat coconut milk works just fine – it just won’t be quite as decadent. About 120ml of full-fat coconut milk is equivalent to ½ cup.

Yogurt – Dahi Types & Considerations

I usually use plain, full-fat dahi (yogurt) for this recipe. It adds a lovely tang and creaminess. You can use Greek yogurt for an even thicker consistency, but you might want to add a splash of water to thin it out. About 120ml of yogurt is equivalent to ½ cup.

Raw Sugar – Alternatives & Impact on Taste

Raw sugar adds a lovely, subtle molasses flavor. You can substitute it with granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Keep in mind that honey and maple syrup will impart their own distinct flavors. About 25g of raw sugar is equivalent to 2 tbsp.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, peel your kiwis and roughly chop them. Then, cube about 2 cups of watermelon – removing any seeds you find.
2. Now, add the kiwi, watermelon, coconut milk, yogurt, and raw sugar to your blender.
3. Blend everything together until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. Don’t be afraid to scrape down the sides a couple of times!
4. For a super silky texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. This gets rid of any seeds or pulp. It’s optional, but it makes a difference!
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately. Seriously, this is best enjoyed fresh!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over time to make this cooler even better:

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

If your cooler is too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a few more pieces of frozen watermelon.

Preventing Separation

Sometimes, the cooler can separate slightly as it sits. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

Chilling for Optimal Flavor

While best served immediately, you can chill the cooler for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Don’t chill for too long, though, as it can lose its vibrancy.

Blending Techniques for Smoothness

A high-powered blender will give you the smoothest results. If you don’t have one, blend for a little longer and make sure to scrape down the sides frequently.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Kiwi Watermelon Cooler

Simply swap the yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative – coconut yogurt or almond yogurt work great!

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

Taste as you go! If you prefer a less sweet cooler, start with 1 tablespoon of sugar and add more to taste.

Spice It Up – Adding a Hint of Ginger or Mint

A small piece of ginger (about ½ inch) or a handful of fresh mint leaves blended in will add a lovely zing. My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of cardamom too!

Festival Adaptations – Summer Celebrations

During festivals like Teej or Raksha Bandhan, I sometimes add a sprinkle of rose petals for a beautiful and fragrant touch.

Kiwi Watermelon Cooler Popsicles

Pour the blended mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing summer treat! My kids absolutely adore these.

Serving Suggestions

This cooler is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:

Garnish Ideas

A slice of kiwi or watermelon on the rim of the glass looks beautiful. A sprig of mint adds a pop of freshness.

Pairing with Indian Snacks & Meals

This cooler pairs perfectly with spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras. It’s also a great accompaniment to a light lunch or dinner.

Serving Temperature

Serve ice cold!

Storage Instructions

Can You Make This Ahead?

You can blend the cooler a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh, as the flavors will start to fade over time.

Freezing Instructions

While not ideal, you can freeze the cooler for up to a month. The texture may change slightly upon thawing, so it’s best used for smoothies or popsicles.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is the best type of kiwi to use for this cooler?

Green kiwis are classic, but golden kiwis are delicious too! Choose kiwis that are slightly soft to the touch.

Can I use pre-cut watermelon? Will it affect the taste?

Yes, you can! Pre-cut watermelon is convenient, but freshly cut watermelon will always have the best flavor.

Can I substitute the coconut milk with another liquid?

You can try using almond milk or regular milk, but it will change the flavor and texture. Coconut milk really adds a unique creaminess.

How can I make this cooler less sweet?

Start with less sugar and add more to taste. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia.

What if I don’t have a blender – can I still make this?

It will be difficult to achieve a smooth consistency without a blender. You could try mashing the kiwi and watermelon very finely and then mixing it with the other ingredients, but it won’t be the same.

Is this drink suitable for kids?

Yes, it is! Just make sure to remove any seeds from the watermelon and kiwi.