With summer temperatures regularly topping 110 degrees, the people of India have concocted a wide variety of cold beverages to help them beat the heat. If you like to sample international cuisine, you might try some of these delightful drinks during the next heat wave in your own part of the world. Next time you feel that summer thirst reach for your favorite exotic Indian cooler. From an assortment that includes various flavors of lassi, Thandai, shiquanji, cold coffee, and a variety of shakes known as sherbets, you will find your favorite Indian chiller.
A favorite at Indian restaurants is Mango lassi. You can make it yourself using yogurt, some ice, peeled mango, and sugar in your blender. Lychee juice or syrup is often substituted for or added to the mango. Try adding a pinch of cardamom powder for that distinct Indian taste. Strain it from the blender through a sieve into a glass for a refreshing summer treat. Experiment with other tropical fruits to find the flavor you like the best.
Indian cold coffee is both sweet and refreshing. Try using Bru instant coffee with chicory added hot to milk, crushed ice, and sugar. Blend it in a blender until frothy and serve chilled. Your guests will love this exotic alternative to the usual cola at your next outdoor party or barbecue.
Thandai or Nut Milk is popular in India's sultry summer heat and is often served at festivals and special occasions. It is made from milk, cashews, blanched almonds, pistachios, poppy seeds, and sweetened with honey. The milk is diluted with water and boiled with cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and the nuts. After this mixture is boiled for several minutes, it is strained through a cloth, the honey is added to taste, and is then served poured over crushed ice. The nut pulp is saved and used to thicken Indian curries and in baking.
Fruit flavored milk shakes are popular summer drinks in India. Milk and sugar are blended with the fruit in an electric blender Add more fruit and less milk to make it thicker and fruitier, if you like. Any fruit that you like can be used. In India, the most common fruit shake is mango and usually contains Lychee juice or syrup but you can substitute your favorite tropical fruit for the mango. If you insist on having the typical Indian variety and cannot find fresh mangoes at your local grocery store, you may be able to find canned mango or mango juice.
In cooler weather, or as a breakfast drink, you may like try ginger or masala tea which is brewed using tea leaves, pepper, cloves, cardamom powder, ginger, and aniseed. Milk can be added and it is usually served hot and sweetened with honey.
Whatever you decide on as your favorite Indian beverage will become an exotic alternative beverage choice that will delight your guests and become a special treat to be added to your drink specialties that will soon make you famous. Perhaps it was the Indians who coined the phrase, "variety is the spice of life!"
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