By Kaushik Brahmakshatriya

Published On 19 March 2026.

​As the summer sun starts to peak, staying hydrated becomes more than just a habit—it’s a necessity. While we often reach for iced teas or sodas, there is an ancient, cooling secret hidden in the Indian kitchen: Dudhi nu Sharbat (also known as Lauki or Gourd Juice).
​If you are looking for a detoxifying, weight-loss-friendly, and incredibly cooling drink, this recipe is for you. In this post, we’ll dive into how to make this emerald-green elixir at home in under 10 minutes.

Why You Should Drink Lauki Sharbat

Before we get to the kitchen, let’s talk about why this drink is a nutritional powerhouse. Bottle gourd (Dudhi) is composed of about 96% water, making it the ultimate hydration tool.
​* Natural Coolant: It significantly reduces body heat and prevents heatstroke.
​* Weight Loss: Low in calories and high in fiber, it keeps you full longer.
​* Digestion Friendly: It helps in treating acidity and constipation.
​* Glowing Skin: The high water content and antioxidants clear out toxins for a natural glow.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect glass of Dudhi nu Sharbat, you only need a few pantry staples:

Ingredient Quantity Purpose
*Fresh Lauki (Dudhi) 500g The base vegetable
*Fresh Mint Leaves 1/2 Cup For freshness and digestion
*Lemon Juice 2 tbsp For Vitamin C and tanginess
*Black Salt 1/2 tsp To balance flavors
*Roasted Cumin Powder 1/2 tsp For an earthy aroma
*Ginger 1-inch piece To add a spicy kick
*Honey or Stevia Optional For natural sweetness
*Ice Cubes As needed To serve chilled

Step-by-Step Instructions

​1. Prep the Bottle Gourd
​Wash the Lauki thoroughly. Peel the skin and cut it into small cubes. Crucial Tip: Always taste a small piece of the raw gourd before juicing. If it tastes bitter, discard it immediately, as bitter bottle gourd can be toxic.
​2. Blend the Base
​In a high-speed blender, add the Lauki cubes, fresh mint leaves, and the ginger piece. Add about 1/2 cup of water to help the blades move smoothly. Blend until you achieve a smooth, bright green puree.
​3. Strain the Juice
​Using a fine-mesh strainer or a muslin cloth, strain the mixture into a large pitcher. Use a spoon to press down on the pulp to extract every last drop of the nutrient-rich juice.
​4. Season and Garnish
​To the strained juice, add the lemon juice, black salt, and roasted cumin powder. If you prefer it sweet, stir in a teaspoon of honey. Mix well until everything is incorporated.
​5. Serve Chilled
​Fill two glasses with ice cubes and pour the fresh Dudhi nu Sharbat over them. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon slice.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Drink it Fresh: Lauki juice oxidizes quickly (turns brown). To get the maximum benefits, consume it within 15–20 minutes of preparation.
​The “Taste Test”: As mentioned, never consume bitter Lauki. It contains tetracyclic triterpenoid cucurbitacins which are harmful.
​Cold Extraction: If you have a cold-press juicer, use it! It preserves more enzymes than a traditional blender.

Final Thoughts

Dudhi nu Sharbat (Lauki Ka Juice) is more than just a drink; it’s a traditional remedy to keep your body alkaline and energized during the sweltering months. It’s light, zesty, and surprisingly delicious when paired with mint and lemon.