Summer chillers
As we grumble and rant about the menacing heat, it is not unusual for most of us to lose our appetite. On the contrary, given an option to sip on summer chillers, and most of us would leap up at the offer. Variations of lemonades, iced teas and fruity drinks are best ways to keep yourself cool.
Priyank Sukhija, owner of Fork You says that during summers, since chances of heat stroke and dehydration increase, one must keep consuming drinks which are fresh and water-based. Sukhija says, “We serve drinks which are high on water contents like basil cucumber lemonade made with a mix of freshly-plucked basil leaves and cooling agent cucumber, well-infused in the lemonade. Mint ginger ale is yet another ideal summer drink made from crushed ginger blended well with mint leaves in water and honey. The drink is an instant home-remedy to cure indigestion or to relieve coughs and sore throats.”
Ekaansh Bansal, owner of Whitewaters Cafe says, “Iced teas are really popular with youngsters, so we have tweaked the same to produce its variants like watermelon mint iced tea made by adding fresh watermelon juice to freshly brewed tea; apple cinnamon iced tea, which is prepared using cinnamon quills added to apple juice, served with crushed ice and mint sprigs.”
Mango is the king of fruits, and you have enough options to keep that sweet tooth satiated. To add an innovative twist, try a mango-based drink. “Mix fresh cut mangoes, fresh mango juice, ice cubes and cranberry juice. The fruity amalgamation tickles tastebuds with refreshingly sweet taste and add a dash of Indian chaat masala adds zing to it. We call it Mango Mania,” says Tridiba Das, executive chef at Simply Fondue.
And if you are desi at heart, then fret not! How about a lassi blueberry or lassi kesar pista? “Nothing like a glass of filling lassi to beat the heat. Add to that refreshing blueberry and or the kesar-pista and you have a perfect drink, that is filling and has a burst of various flavours,” says chef Anurag Mathur, Jaypee Vasant Continental.
And if lemon is your weapon of choice to deal with the capital’s sweltering heat, how about a double shielding with hint of kokum. “Kokum is a slightly sour spice, often used in western parts of the country. It is known for its cooling effect. So add kokum, cumin and black salt to the lemonade and you have the perfect tangy,” says Nilanjan Bhatta-charya of Barista Lavazza.
Watermelon iced tea
Ingredients
6 teaspoons any tea leaves,
3 cups boiling water
3 cups ice
1/6 or 1/4 watermelon, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 sprig of mint, plus a few extra for garnish (optional)
Method
Combine the leaves in the boiling water, strain the leaves and cool it for 5 minutes.
Set the tea aside in the fridge or freezer until step three.
Mix the water, watermelon, lemon juice, sugar in shake it in mixer.
Garnish with leaves of mint.
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