4 Spicy Summer Drinks

Monsoon has arrived here and it feels a bit strange writing about refreshing summer drinks, but while on summer holiday myself I didn’t find the time to write the blog posts I had prepared. The photograph was actually taken on our terrace when it had 48 degrees outside. But summer is not over everywhere and here a 4 delicious recipes for more or less spicy summer drinks.

Nimbu Paani

The classic! a spiced up lemonade with a good amount of salt for keeping you hydrated and happy. For 2 glasses:

• Juice from 1 big lemon (40 ml)
• 1,5 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 pinch kala namak/black salt (optional)
• 1/2 liter water
• Ice cubes

Roast the cumin seeds in a dry pan till they smell fragrant. Crush them slightly, together with the sugar, in a mortar. Mix all the ingredients together and stir, stir, stir till the sugar and salt dissolve.  Serve ice cold.

Masala Buttermilk

This salty yoghurt drink is much lighter than the well known sweet lassi. It’s really refreshing, with a slight kick from the green chili. For 2 glasses:

• 250 ml yoghurt
• 250 ml water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 green chili, seeds removed and finely cubed

Roast the mustard seeds in a dry pan till they pop. Mix the yogurth, water, coriander powder and salt with a whisk till the salt has dissolved. Add the mustard seeds and chili, stir one more time and serve.

Tulsi & Hibiscus Ice Tea

Tulsi and Hibiscus is one of my favorite combinations, refreshing, tangy with a little zing from the ginger. It’s so flavorfull that you won’t need any sugar. For 1 liter:

• 2 tablespoons tulsi tea
• 3 tablespoons dried hibiscus (or 4 teabags)
• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger (optional, but nice)
• 1 liter water

Give all ingredients in a pitcher and infuse overnight in the fridge. Strain and serve ice cold.

Turmeric Lemonade

You find the recipe here