Cool off with these traditional drinks!

The heat depletes essential salts and sugars from the body and it is needed to replenish them periodically. While colas and other aerated drinks abound, there are a lot of regional and traditionally made summer coolers. Everyone has at least a dozen ways to use up mangoes in summer drinks.

Think Kairi ka panha, that sweet and tart drink made from the pulp of a boiled raw mango, sweetened and flavoured with a pinch of roasted cumin powder. Or mango lassi where the flavours of the ripe mango elevate the humble yogurt based drink to another level. Lets also try and look at some non mango drinks for a change! One thing that’s common in traditional Indian cold drinks is the addition of flavour via spices and herbs. Fresh and dried ginger is added to aid in digestion, reduce any kind of inflammation and help in allaying any seasonal allergies.

Similarly cumin powder is added not just to flavour the drinks meant for the summer but to help in digestion. Mint leaves are very refreshing and can be added to any kind of drink, both sweet and savoury a zing. Served chilled on a bed of crushed ice, these drinks use easily available ingredients, which may already be stocked in your kitchen.

Ingredients

To make 4 servings

6 tablespoons Grated Jaggery

4 glasses Water

½ teaspoon Dry ginger powder (sonti)

½ teaspoon Crushed black pepper

½ teaspoon Powdered cardamom a sprig of basil

This jaggery sweetened traditional drink is usually served during Sri Rama Navami festival. The earthy sweetness from unrefined jaggery pairs with the sharp spice of pepper and dried ginger powder and is flavoured with cardamom. Make this in advance and stock it in the fridge to help with digestive issues or seasonal cold and cough.

Method

Mix the water and the jaggery and filter it to remove any sediments. Add the dried ginger powder, pepper powder and the cardamom and mix well. Taste and adjust the ingredients if needed. Chill for 30 minutes or more, garnish with a sprig of basil and serve