Summer Sipping

With this scorching heat comes the urge to drink a lot of cool drinks, which are not only refreshing but also delicious. Chefs and mixologists from across the city have shared recipes of few 'easy to make summer drinks'. Make sure you try each one from the below mentioned list.

The basic ingredient of the recipes given by Chef Prem K Pogakula, Executive Chef, The Imperial is a 'sweetener' – which could be a grain sugar, honey or jaggery syrup, next is the body of the drink which consists of main ingredients like rose syrup, pineapple syrup, sandal wood syrup .The third and the most important is the flavour cutter and a cooling ingredient which one can enjoy as a bite in between.

Gulab aur tulsi sharbat

Fresh rose petals (hand crushed) – 50gms

Dry rose petals – 30gms

Rose water – 40ml

Saffron soaked in 5 ml warm water – 2gms

Honey – 250ml

Hand crushed basil – 50gms

Crushed ice – 500gms

Chilled water – 2000ml

Combine all the ingredients and leave it to soak. Blend the flavour for about 20 minutes, strain and serve chilled with basil leaf

Annannas aur pudina

Fresh pineapple juice with pulp-1000ml

Honey-100ml

Cinnamon

powder – 2 gms

Cardamom powder–2 gms

Hand crushed mint – 50 gms

Mint julienne –10gms

Combine all the ingredients, leave it to soak, strain and serve chilled

Summer drinks should have lots of citrus and seasonal fruits like watermelon, musk melon along with herbs such as mint, basil and cucumber. The ace mixologists at Grappa Bar, Shangri-La's – Eros Hotel, New Delhi whip up some of the finest Italian inspired refreshing, fruity and inventive drinks that are simply whimsical.

Jamun and Bergamot Slush

Jamun puree – 60 ml

Bergamot oil – Spray

Lime juice – 20 ml

Orange juice – 20 ml

Blend it with ice and serve in Gin and Tonic glass

Watermelon and Mint Cooler

Fresh watermelon juice – 60 ml

Fresh watermelon chunks – 8-10 chunks

Lime juice – 10 ml

Peach syrup – 10 ml

Fresh mint – 5-6 sprigs

Shake and serve in Coupe glass

It is believed that consuming spice promote cooling, and therefore it is suggested have it during summer months. Spices are said to be infused with antioxidants that help you stay cool throughout the day. Here's a drink by Dipender Tiwari, Head Chef Dipender Tiwari, QLA, European casual dining, to make you feel cooler this season. Concocted with freshly plucked herbs and spices from our kitchen garden, and made with vodka, herbs, spices and oakwood smoked pineapple, this cocktail drink is perfect for summers.

Vulgare John

Fennel seeds – one tablespoon

Sweet and sour mix – 15 ml

Vodka – 60 ml

Smoked pineapple chunks (as desired)

Mix the ingredients well and top it with fennel seeds and smoked pineapple