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Indian Fruit Drink

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

Indian Fruit Drink

Indian Fruit Drink, a refreshing staple in many Indian households, emerges from the vibrant kitchens where flavors are celebrated with joyful abundance. Often prepared during the sweltering summer months, this cooling elixir is a cherished companion at family gatherings and festive occasions, offering a respite from the heat with its citrusy zing.

The drink greets the palate with a bright, tangy burst from freshly squeezed lemons or oranges, harmonized by the subtle sweetness of sugar. Each sip is a delicate balance of sharp citrus and gentle sweetness, beautifully rounded off with the chill of ice. Generosity is key, as the drink is lovingly mixed by hand, ensuring every glass is a taste of home.

Ingredients

  • 4lemons or oranges
  • 100 gsugar
  • 1 Lwater
  • as neededice

Method

  1. Start by preparing the fruit. Roll 4 lemons or oranges on the countertop with your palm to loosen the juices. Slice them in half crosswise and use a manual juicer to extract the juice into a bowl. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds and pulp, ensuring a smooth drink.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 100 g of sugar with 1 L of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves. This should result in a clear syrup without any visible sugar granules. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  3. Once the syrup has cooled, add the freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice to the saucepan. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to combine, ensuring that the flavors meld without losing the citrus aroma. The mixture should be fragrant and slightly opaque.
  4. Prepare a large pitcher by filling it halfway with ice. Carefully pour the fruit and sugar mixture over the ice, allowing the drink to chill instantly. This step not only cools the drink but also dilutes it slightly, achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
  5. Serve the Indian Fruit Drink immediately in traditional glassware. The drink should be refreshing and aromatic, with a balanced citrus flavor that is neither too sweet nor too tart. Enjoy it as a refreshing accompaniment to your meal or as a standalone thirst-quencher.
Cover of Authentic Indian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Indian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Indian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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