3 Refreshingly Special Traditional Drinks for Diwali
Diwali brings with it things that we love! From indulging in dressing-up, bursting crackers, laxmi pooja, and filling up the stomach to death. We are certain no one can pick a favourite!
The excitement reaches new heights when we see markets decorated with lights and flag garlands, as far as the eyes can see. We are sure you must be getting butterflies thinking about all the shopping for diyas, clothes, sweets, and gifts. While most things are easily available these days, the essence of homemade sweets & drinks is matchless. You can prepare fresh Diwali drinks as an accompaniment to the tasty food your mom will be preparing.
We have lined up some quick and easy traditional Diwali drink recipes. Bookmark these so that you can prepare in advance!
1. Shikanji
Shikanji is made in different varieties including soda and cumin seeds. Our childhood favourite, Nimbu Pani usually just contains ingredients like sugar, lemon juice, and water. It gives an instant boost to the body similar to an energy drink. When soda & mint are added to nimbu pani, it turns into a modern shikanji called virgin mojito.
Traditional shikanji popular around Northern India contains cumin, black salt, and black pepper, to lend it a rich masala flavour. It adds a spicy tanginess that is usually preferred in Indian culture. This drink also aids in digesting the oily treats as we keep stuffing our mouths with heavy Diwali food.
2. Badam Thandai
The preparation for this drink is quite lengthy, yet it’s so fulfilling. For thandai, nuts, saffron, and fennel seeds are ground into a fine powder. Then milk is infused with this powder and left overnight to absorb the flavours. Before serving, it is sweetened with sugar and ice cubes are added to give a cooling effect that resonates so well with its name. Sometimes roughly chopped almonds & pistachios are used for garnishing.
Readymade thandai powders are widely used these days. They come in various flavours from Pista (Pistachio), Badam (Almonds), Gulab (Rose), Ilachi (Cardamom), Kesar (Saffron), Kewra (Screwpine), Kokum (Garcinia Indica) etc. These chilled thandais are a must-try this festive season. Why not make a thirst-quenching thandai this Diwali that everyone can enjoy?
3. Rooh Afza
Roof Afza is an integral part of Indian festivals and celebrations. This drink only requires 10 minutes of preparation time. Many variations of rooh afza are popular across India, each with a different local blend.
The syrup is mixed with water, ice cubes, and sugar in a big utensil to recreate a sharbat-like taste. Some people like to add milk, while others prefer to dilute it with curd, mint leaves, lemon, and ginger to quench their thirst. This drink is simple to make yet light and refreshing in taste. It’s quite a hit in families with children. Some also like to prepare it with chia seeds and vermicelli, to give a twist of sweetness. Your guests are simply going to love this drink.
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