Fruity and fresh, chilled milkshakes make the perfect on-the-go breakfast or snack to beat the scorching heat of summer. And fresh fruits added to milk are a great source of nutrients and also contain disease-fighting antioxidants. Unlike a glass of plain milk, these fruity milkshakes add a bit of fibre to your diet. There are many Indian-style milkshakes which you can enjoy as a sweet creamy treat during this hot weather. You will get calcium from milk and vitamins, minerals and fibre from the fruits added to these shakes.

Milkshakes not only hydrate your body but they are also very refreshing drinks with a healthy twist. They captivate your taste buds and give your mood a big boost.

Here are a few fresh milkshake ideas to get you started at your home:

Mango shake: Mango shake is probably the simplest to make. All you need are three ingredients – mango, sugar and milk. Of course, you can still dress it up with sprinkles of nuts, fresh fruits, cake fruits and dry fruits. Just blend half a cup of chopped fresh mango adding one teaspoon of sugar to a fine paste. Add a three-fourth cup of chilled milk. Run the mixer again for two minutes until all ingredients blend well together. Pour into a big glass. Add crushed ice. Top with a scoop of mango or vanilla ice cream. Garnish with cashews, raisins and cake fruit. Drink chilled. Awesome taste and freshness!

Kiwi shake: Kiwi shake is full of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate and potassium. It contains a lot of antioxidants and is a good source of fibre. Their small black seeds are edible and give a little crunch to the shake. Take one ripe kiwi, chop it in small pieces and grind it to a fine paste adding two teaspoons of sugar. Add a three-fourth glass of chilled milk and blend until smooth. Pour it into a glass. Top with ice cubes and drink fresh. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to this shake to boost its flavour. Full of flavour and health!

Strawberry shake: Being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, this milkshake can protect against free radicals and improve your immunity. It helps in weight management and sugar control. It has antimicrobial effects and heart-friendly properties. Take half a cup of fresh chopped strawberries. Make a fine paste adding two teaspoons of sugar in a high-speed blender. Add a three-fourth cup of milk and blend again. Pour into a tall glass and top with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. Add crushed ice and drink chilled. Amazingly delicious!

Chikoo shake: Chikoo milkshake is another traditional choice and it includes the taste of real the fruit. It is simple to make and you can always get creative with the toppings. This milkshake is a storehouse of vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin C. All these nutrients are great for healthy skin. The presence of antioxidants like polyphenols, ascorbic acid and flavonoids help in reducing wrinkles and give your skin a vibrant look. Chop a chikoo in small pieces and make a fine paste adding one teaspoon of sugar in a food processor. Add a three-fourth cup of milk. Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass. Add crushed ice. Top with whipped cream and chopped cashews. Drink this icy-cool beverage fresh. A great thirst-quencher!

Papaya shake: This milkshake is one of the healthiest milkshakes loaded with fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants which prevent cholesterol build-up in arteries. It boosts eye health, immunity and weight-loss. Besides improving digestion, it also has healing properties for diabetics. Take half a cup of fresh chopped papaya. Turn it to puree adding one teaspoon of sugar in a high-speed blender. Add a three-fourth cup of milk and blend again until smooth. Pour into a glass. Add crushed ice. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and have it chilled immediately. Very refreshing and filling!

If you are a diabetic or you are working towards weight-loss, add little organic honey instead of refined sugar in these milkshakes. Also, avoid adding ice cream completely. Fruits provide these shakes with their natural sweetness. So you can avoid adding honey as well. Healthy, right?

One of the ways to ensure you are getting the perfect and healthy milkshakes is to make them yourself at home. Then you can be vigilant about the quality of the ingredients, hygiene and health benefits. You can also make it as thick as you want and with flavours of your preference. The important thing is to be as creative or as simple as you want to chill in summers.