Introduction

 

Hey there! Welcome to my kitchen! I'm Chef Ajay Chopra, and let me tell you, summers can be a real challenge for many of us. The heat, the sweat, the discomfort—it can all feel a bit overwhelming. But fear not, because today I'm here to make your summers a whole lot cooler!

 

I remember the first time I discovered the magic of chilled summer drinks. It was a scorching day, much like today, and I was craving something refreshing. That's when I decided to experiment with some ingredients I had on hand, and voila! I came up with these three amazing coolers that not only beat the heat but also tantalize your taste buds.

Now, let's dive into the world of coolness with these three fantastic recipes!

 

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Easy Jaljeera

 

Masala:

• 1 tsp Jeera
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• ¼ tsp Ajwain
• 1 pinch Hing

Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup Mint leaves (only)
• 1 tsp Chopped ginger
• ¼ cup Coriander stem
• 1 Lemon
• 1 tsp Kala Namak
• 1 tsp Amchoor powder
• 2 tbsp Thin sugar syrup

Top Up:

• 200 ml Water/Soda

Masala Rim:

• 1 pinch Jeera powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Red chilli powder

 

 

Method:

 

1. Roast all the ingredients of the masala on a pan till aromatic.

2. In a blender, blend together mint, ginger, coriander stem, lemon juice, kala namak, and amchoor powder.

3. Transfer this to a bowl and add sugar syrup.

4. Mix all the ingredients of the rim on a plate.

5. Line the glass rim with a lemon wedge.

6. Coat the rim with masala.

7. For presentation, add ice cubes in a glass, put a few spoons of blended puree, and top up with soda or water.

 

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Watermelon Cooler

 

• 1 bowl Watermelon juice
• ½ cup Mint leaves
• 1 Lemon
• 1 tbsp Rose syrup

Garnish:

• ½ tsp Chia seeds/Sabza
• Mint leaves

1. In a bowl of watermelon juice, add mint leaves, lemon, and rose syrup.

2. Soak chia seeds in a small cup of water.

3. For presentation, add ice cubes in a glass, add mint leaves and chia seeds.

4. Top up with watermelon juice.

Curry Leaves Nimbu Paani

• ½ cup Curry leaves
• 1 tsp Chopped ginger
• 1 Cucumber
• 1 Lemon
• 2 tbsp Thin sugar syrup
• ½ tsp Kala Namak
• ½ tsp Salt
• Ice cubes

Garnish:

• Cucumber strips
• Sliced lemon
• Mint leaves

 

 

Method-
 

1. Peel cucumber, and reserve a few peels with cucumber flesh for garnish.

2. In a blender, blend together curry leaves, ginger, cucumber slices, lemon, thin sugar syrup, kala namak, and salt.

3. Strain the cucumber seeds.

4. For presentation, add lots of ice in a glass, add cucumber strips, slices of lemon, and mint leaves.

5. Pour the puree into the glass and serve chilled.

 

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About the Recipe

 

In this recipe, we'll be making three incredibly refreshing summer coolers: Jaljeera, Nimbu Paani (Lemonade), and Watermelon Cooler. Each drink offers a unique blend of flavors and ingredients that are perfect for beating the summer heat.

 

Jaljeera, a quintessential Indian summer drink, is a delightful combination of tangy lemonade infused with roasted cumin, pepper, and other spices. It's both refreshing and rejuvenating, making it an ideal thirst-quencher on hot days.

 

Next up, Nimbu Paani, or Lemonade, gets a flavorful twist with the addition of curry leaves and cucumber. This unconventional take on a classic drink adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the zesty lemon perfectly.

 

Lastly, the Watermelon Cooler takes the natural sweetness of watermelon and elevates it with the addition of rose syrup, lemon juice, and mint leaves. It's like summer in a glass—refreshing, hydrating, and oh-so-delicious!

 

These coolers are not only easy to make but also highly customizable. Feel free to adjust the sweetness, tartness, or spiciness according to your taste preferences. Whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue, these chilled drinks are sure to be a hit with everyone.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Roast Spices: When making Jaljeera, take your time to roast the spices on low flame to bring out their flavors fully.
2. Soak Chia Seeds: If using chia seeds in the Watermelon Cooler, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes beforehand to allow them to swell up and become gel-like.
3. Balance Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of each cooler by adding more or less sugar or syrup according to your preference.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons, cucumbers, and watermelon.
5. Experiment with Garnishes: Get creative with garnishes like cucumber slices, lemon wedges, or fresh mint leaves to enhance the presentation and flavor of your coolers.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

These refreshing summer coolers pair well with a variety of snacks and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some pairing suggestions:

• Jaljeera: Serve with spicy chaat, samosas, or grilled kebabs for a flavorful contrast.
• Nimbu Paani: Enjoy with light salads, sandwiches, or spicy street food for a refreshing accompaniment.
• Watermelon Cooler: Pair with fresh fruit platters, grilled seafood, or barbecue favorites for a delightful summer feast.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Can I make these coolers ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the base mixture for the coolers in advance and refrigerate it. Simply add ice or soda water just before serving for maximum freshness.

2. Can I adjust the sweetness of these drinks? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the sweetness of each cooler by adding more or less sugar, syrup, or lemon juice according to your taste preferences.

3. Are there any alternatives to chia seeds in the Watermelon Cooler? Yes, if you can't find chia seeds, you can use basil seeds (Sabja) as a substitute. Both seeds provide a similar cooling effect and texture to the drink.

4. Can I add alcohol to these coolers for a cocktail version? Certainly! You can add a splash of vodka or white rum to any of these coolers for a refreshing summer cocktail. Just remember to drink responsibly.

5. How long do these coolers stay fresh? These coolers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Stir well before serving if any separation occurs.

6. Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh in the Watermelon Cooler? Yes, frozen watermelon chunks can be used instead of fresh watermelon for convenience. Simply thaw slightly before blending.

7. Is Jaljeera spicy? Jaljeera typically has a mild spiciness from the roasted cumin and black pepper. Adjust the amount of spices according to your preference for heat.

8. Can I make Nimbu Paani without curry leaves? While curry leaves add a unique flavor to Nimbu Paani, you can omit them if unavailable. The drink will still be refreshing with the classic combination of lemon and cucumber.

9. How can I make these coolers more kid-friendly? To make these coolers more kid-friendly, you can reduce the amount of spices or omit them altogether. You can also add extra fruit or fruit juice for natural sweetness.

10. Can I use sparkling water instead of soda water in the Lemonade? Yes, sparkling water can be used as a substitute for soda water to add fizziness to the Lemonade. Adjust the amount according to your preference for carbonation.

 

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