Desi Punch

“We are expecting an intense summer and so we decided to roll out innovative versions of regular summer drinks,” says Sanjeev Verma,who runs the popular Khyber restaurant in Sector 35. Instead of cola-based recipes,Verma has gone through history books to hunt for natural ingredients used for summer quenchers. His research has worked wonders,leading to a summer menu containing Sattu Paani,Fruit Lassi and Khus Gond Ka Tira. “Sattu Paani is a traditional cooler and lost out to nimbu-paani over the years. It is made from seven types of roasted grains to make sure one is never dehydrated in summer,” explains the restaurateur. Equally desi and a flash from the past is Khus Gond Ka Tira. It consists of a natural jelly extracted from a gum tree and mixed with an extremely soothing khus. Panna,Chach and Fruit Lassi are some other traditional treats on the menu.

At Taj Chandigarh’s Lava Bar,the summer menu of mocktails is already out. Leading the line-up here is their in-house speciality called Kahli. One sip down and the flavour of roasted cumin seeds is hard to miss. “Kahli comprises ginger ale,lemon juice,rock salt,some fizz and loads of roasted jeera,” Lava’s manager Amit Sharma reveals. To add further spice to the summer coolers,there’s a strawberry spitzer that also boasts of a dash of chilli. “Sometimes the team behind the bar instinctively adds a touch of masala or rock salt to add to a drink’s flavour,” says Sharma. Interestingly,not many men seem to be ordering the desi concoctions. “Classics rule and the ladies prefer such cocktails,” points out Sharma.

So if you are looking for traditional summer quenchers then make the most of Masala Chach being dished out at Hotel Western Court’s ongoing Hyderabadi food festival. Fresh mint leaves give it a distinct flavour and the best part — it is served chilled. Instead of quick-fix powder drinks,the USP of the summer drinks menu at Copper Chimney in Sector 26,explains general manager Aneet Bakshi,is the fact that they are made from all natural ingredients. The Aam Ka Panna is tangy while the Jal Jeera is fresh and flavoured.

However,if you still want your cola albeit with a twist,then head to Backpacker’s in Sector 9,Chandigarh where the Masala Coke continues to be a best-seller. “It’s amazing how just a little masala and a dash of lemon has added a new taste to a fizzy drink. A simple recipe that many have relished,” says owner Priya Jagat. Cheers to that.