Beverages

The first hot afternoon of the season always sends me straight to the fridge for curd. Rose lassi is what I end up making; one sip and it is basically summer, cardamom and rose syrup swirling into that tang. I have made it too thin and too sweet and learned my ratios the hard way, […]

Every summer, without fail, I have a jug of raw mango juice sitting in the fridge, and honestly, it’s the one drink I still crave the second the heat hits. You take raw green mangoes, peel them, chop them up, and blend them into this tangy paste. Then comes sugar, a pinch of black salt,

Mango lassi is made by mixing fresh, ripe and sweet mango with homemade or store-bought Dahi. Sugar is added to it to further sweeten the lassi. Ice cubes are often used to make it cool and refreshing and cardamom powder is added for a unique flavor. Read my recipe to learn the steps to make

Masala chaas is made with curd and a spicy mixture of mint leaves, coriander leaves, chilies, ginger and a bit of powdered spices such as black pepper powder, roasted coriander and cumin powder. Lemon juice and black salt is also added for a twist in the taste. Read my recipe to learn the steps to

Rose sharbat is usually made with rose syrup and cold water. Adding a hint of lemon gives it a subtle tangy taste, and a couple of ice cubes enhances the cooling effect and refreshing feeling. Sometimes, soaked sabja seeds are also added to the drink for texture. Read my simple recipe to learn the steps

Green tea is a light, refreshing beverage made from unoxidized tea leaves, which produce its delicate taste and healthy properties. The beverage requires tea bags or loose green tea leaves to be steeped in hot water for a brief period to extract its delicate aromas and nutritional components. It can be had plain or with

Nimbu pani is traditionally made with lemon juice and black salt only, mixed in cold water. Optionally, sugar, jaggery, and mint leaves are also used for additional taste. Served cold with ice cubes, read my simple recipe to learn the quick steps to make nimbu pani at home. KEY TAKEAWAYS Nimbu pani or shikanji is

Banana milkshake comprises mashed ripe bananas mixed with sugar, nuts and cardamom powder. Ripe, sweet bananas are peeled and mashed to release their natural flavor and smooth texture and cold milk is added to create a creamy base. Sugar is mixed in to balance the natural sweetness of the fruit, while a pinch of cardamom

Lassi is a simple refreshing drink that combines thick curd, cool ice cubes and sugar. Sometimes, dry fruits, fresh fruits and spices like cardamom powder are also used for taste and flavor enhancement and additional refreshment. The more fruits added, the richer it becomes in taste and flavor. My simple recipe will show you the

Sattu drink is one of the most refreshing and wholesome fresh drinks in the different parts of India and especially to combat the summer heat. The primary constituent of the drink is flour of roasted chickpea (sattu), which is then mixed with flavoring agents such as mint and coriander, sour mango, green chilies, onion, lemon

A traditional Kashmiri kahwa consists of green tea leaves that have been boiled in water seasoned with crushed cinnamon and green cardamom. The tea also has spicy additions of saffron, dry rose petals, and whole cloves. Besides, according to the authentic recipe, chopped almonds, honey, saffron, and dry rose petals are mixed in the tea

Kesar chai is a rich and fragrant Indian tea which is made by slow boiling full cream milk along with tea leaves, saffron strands, and a hand crushed mixture of whole spices. The royal style and tasty tea gets its unique flavor and warmth from the combination of green cardamom, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, cloves,

Kashmiri pink tea is different from regular tea and is made by boiling green tea, milk, different spices and ice-cold water rigorously. Salt and baking soda are mandatory ingredients of it. It is very easy to make Kashmiri pink tea at home, though it takes a bit more time to make than regular tea. Go

Badam milk is basically a mixture of almond paste and flavored milk. Saffron and food color are usually added for the vibrant yellow color and sugar and cardamom enhance the taste and flavor of the beverage, respectively. Continue reading my easy recipe to know the steps to make badam milk at home easily and quickly.

Kesar doodh comprises milk and saffron along with a mixture of almond and khoya. It is quick and very easy to prepare kesar doodh at home. Just follow my recipe to learn the steps. KEY TAKEAWAYS Kesar doodh is very popular in North India. Serve it with light snacks like dry fruits, mathri, or sweets

Cutting chai is made with tea leaves boiled in milk and water along with sugar, ginger and cardamom. It is very easy to make cutting chai at home. My easy recipe will guide you through the process. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cutting chai is very popular in the western and northern parts of India. Enjoy it with

Tulsi tea is made by boiling tulsi or basil leaves along with cardamom and ginger in water before adding tea leaves and milk. It is very quick and easy to make Tulsi tea at home. Go through my recipe to discover the process. KEY TAKEAWAYS Tulsi tea is very common in the colder regions of

Ginger tea or Adrak Chai is a wonderful blend of tea leaves, a little water, milk, sugar and mainly a piece of ginger (Adrak). Cooking all these ingredients in different stages enhances the taste and aroma of the tea. It is extremely easy to make ginger tea at home. Check out my easy recipe and

Elaichi chai comprises tea leaves and milk, with or without water, along with crushed green cardamom (Elaichi). It is very easy to make elaichi (cardamom) chai at home. Learn them from my recipe. KEY TAKEAWAYS Elaichi chai is very popular in India. Enjoy the tea hot with biscuits, toast, jhalmuri, pakoras, sandwiches, samosas, or a

Masala chai is prepared with tea leaves, milk and sugar along with a special masala. This masala comprises crushed or powdered spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and others. The steps to make masala chai (tea) at home are very easy. Learn them from my recipe. KEY TAKEAWAYS Masala chai is a wonderful beverage of