In this 115 degree F heat, nothing really helps as much as cold liquids - in any form - be it refreshments or baths or pools or just cold water splashed on your face. Chennai is so HOT that clothes left out to dry will be done in a matter of an hour anytime between the hours of 10am and 4 pm! I mean, its enough to cook an egg on your balcony on the bare floor. Okay, I can go on forever. What I meant to do was give you a recipe that I made for myself today which was oh-so-delicious!

Just grind together a couple green chillies, curry leaves and about 3/4 cup of chopped cilantro, along with a cup of water. Then add 1 cup yogurt and 2 cups buttermilk (or you can add 2 cups yogurt and add extra water), 1 tsp sugar, 1.5 tsp salt, a little piece of ginger and about 3 cups of water. Blend until it is frothy.
Chill in the refrigerator and drink! Delicious!