Aam
Panha & Sugar Cane juice----Refreshing Summer Coolers….
The other day I was rushing
from one meeting to another in the scorching Mumbai summer sun. With sweat
trickling down the spine and my shirt literally drenched ,was feeling extremely
thirsty.Just then I chanced upon a Rasvanti Gruh a typical sugar cane juice center.
A small tapri type place with wooden benches for seating and small wooden
tables on which to place your ordered glasses. The owner a warkari by tradition
with white tikka on his fore head and tulsi bead mala (necklace). He had this electric
powered sugar cane crushing machine with a tray at the bottom with a slab of
ice placed such that the juice flowing down is cooled before it is filtered and
collected in the vessel below. You could order a glass of regular iced sugar
cane juice or a jumbo glass . On special request he would add a dash of lime
and ginger to give the drink an extra zing. Sitting there in that small shed
the world outside looked more intimidating with the blazing sun staring down on
you from above. With the first gulp of the sweet nectar like sugar cane juice ,
i could feel pleasant and cool. By the time I finished the glass i felt all
energized to take on the world and the ready to move to my next meeting. I
licked my lips and smiled at the moustache formed from the juice foam and
thanked the owner before leaving.
As I think back we in India
are always conscious of the changing seasons and make our food and drinks
preparations according to these changes. As the summer descend on us most of us
stock up on the various Summer Coolers. These chilled
juices and sherbets made from seasonal fruits, herbs and spices and anytime
better than those fizzy cold drinks available in the markets.
Some of these
traditional coolers you can try are Shikanji - North India’s favourite summer lemonade with a
twist. Simple spices like roasted cumin, pepper and black salt shine through to
create a perfect balance of flavours in this light refreshing drink.Another exotic coastal drink, Kokum sherbet is extremely popular
among the residents of the Konkan region (it grows nowhere else in the world!).
A sweet and sour fruity flavour, and that gorgeous red colour just add to the
appeal of this unique revitalizing drink. Kokum sherbet is also an exceptional
cure for those uncomfortable bouts of acidity.Another exotic or a Nawabi drink
is the Gulab Sherbet . A lovely rose red in colour, the fragrant Gulab sherbet
tastes just as good as it looks. Infused with fresh rose petal extract, this
cooling draught is sweet and summery with a mild floral aroma. The perfect way
to cool your body and mind on a sultry afternoon, Gulab sherbet is your trusted
ally in summer!
A South Indian heat stroke
buster is the Nannari Sherbet is a refreshingly
zesty summer drink. With its tremendous cooling properties and sublime flavor. A crowd
favourite to beat the scorching summer heat in South India, it tastes best
served with a dash of lime and tons of crushed ice.
With an
unbeatable tangy flavour that will captivate your taste buds, Aam Panna is the
ideal drink for hot summer days and is immensely loved in Maharashtra. After
all, there is something poetic about raw green mangoes enticing our eager taste
buds in a moment that lingers forever. Another popular Maharashtian summer drink, 'Piyush'
literally means Amrit or
the drink of the Gods. Soothing, serenading and decadent, this creamy drink,
made by combining shrikhand, buttermilk and myriad dry fruits in the right quantity, is
certainly a taste to reckon with. A cousin of the Kokum Sherbet is the
deliciously soothing drink made from coconut milk and kokum, Sol Kadi. It is famous for being an
effective relaxant, a rich anti-oxidant and an amazing appetizer. A happy mellow
drink that is just perfect to balance the fireworks of a rich, spicy meal, Sol Kadi is well-loved in the Konkan.
One more traditional fizzy
drink which is a sure fire hit is the Limbu and Goti Soda. A drink made from
fresh lemon , sweet sugar syrup , ice cold water and topped up with a local
Soda. The soda itself is unique and comes in a dark green bottle with a Goti or
a marble as its crown instead of the usual cap. The drink maker has to press
the marble down with his palm or use a wooden pusher to release the gas which
holding the Goti / marble at the bottle top and then pour the fizzy soda in to
the glass. He then shakes the glass to make it more bubbly before handing it
over to you with over flowing froth. Drink it an feel refreshed. A lot of childhood
memories for me and my wife Kashmira are associated with this Limbu Soda Goti
as this is a common drink across Goa . You can get them at stalls doting the
numerous Temples in Goa. After the darshan come to this stall order a cool
Limbu Soda Goti and drink to your hearts content.
Some more excotic summer
coolers go by very “COOL” names . On a hot summer's day, a tall, frosty glass
of Madurai’s famous Jigarthanda can really cool you off. Just look at that
name, Jigarthanda or something that cools the heart. Made by blending
milk, kadal paasi (edible sea algae) and nannari syrup and
garnished with a dollop of ice cream, this is one delightful drink loved by all
ages. Another cooler is the traditional Thandai during Holi. No one can stop with just one glass of Thandaai, a
tantalizing version of milk energized with almonds and spices. Traditionally
associated with festivals like Mahashivratri and Holi, this absolutely yummy drink is
an excellent refresher, especially in the season of soaring temperatures.
If you like
Coconut water , then you are sure to like the Neera or Taal Sherbet or Nongu . Made
from Tadgola or Taal as known in Bengal and Nongu in Tamil Nadu, the palm fruit kernel
is used to make this super simple summer drink that will wow you with its
abundance of tender flavours. An incredibly tasty experience for a creation so
simple, this is one seasonal cooler you simply should not miss.A drink which
regulated and the vendor needs a license to sell the same as if fermented the
same drink becomes an semi-alcoholic drink “Tadi” or “Toddy”. But in its natural
form it is sweet as nectar and can refresh you in minutes of drinking the same.
You come across small stalls across highways if your travel from Mumbai to
Gujarat or even down south in Karnataka , Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Some other
unique Sherbets are the Zafrani Sherbet Absolutely rich and addictive, Zafrani
sherbet is perfect for those sweltering summer days, those elaborate family
functions and pretty much everything. A drink designed to pamper the senses and
rejuvenate the spirit, the silky texture of Zafrani sherbet just melts in your
mouth. When you treat yourself to a Zafrani, it treats you back!
Other like Elaneer (Tender Coconut) Milkshake is a
supremely healthy tropical smoothie that will knock your socks off with its
burst of luscious flavours on your very first sip. This mild creamy snow-white
drink tastes absolutely perfect just on its own and has a recipe which is
satisfyingly simple. Or try the the earthy, spicy and slightly tart Ragi
Ambali is the
perfect way to beat the heat sans the calories. Packed with umpteen health
benefits, this traditional beverage from Karnataka tastes great and delivers an
instant energy boost.
So next time
when you are sapped , the sun is scorching over your head and beads of sweat
are running down your body the best way to refresh yourself is to grab a glass
of these Summer coolers and energize instantly.
So try them
this summer and have Thanda Thanda Cool …… Summer
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