Cooling Badam Pisien & Nannari Sarbath Recipe – Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cooling Badam Pisien & Nannari Sarbath Recipe – Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the summer heat just begs for something incredibly cooling and refreshing. I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Badam Pisien & Nannari Sarbath – it’s a traditional South Indian drink that’s seriously a lifesaver when the temperatures soar. I first made this when my little one was feeling a bit under the weather, and it worked wonders! It’s not just delicious, but packed with goodness too. Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another summer drink. It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors – the slightly chewy badam pisien, the fragrant nannari syrup, the creamy milk, and a burst of fruity tutti frutti. It’s naturally cooling, incredibly hydrating, and a real treat for the senses. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this refreshing drink:

• 2 cups Milk
• 1 teaspoon Badam pisin (Almond Gum)
• 4 tablespoon Nannari sarbath syrup
• 0.5 teaspoon Agar agar/ China grass
• 2 scoops Ice cream
• 1 tablespoon Tutti frutti, dry fruits nuts
• 0.25 cup Evaporated milk

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Badam Pisien (Almond Gum) – Benefits and Usage

Badam pisien is the star of the show! It’s made from the kernel of almond trees and has amazing cooling properties. You can usually find it in Indian grocery stores. It looks like little, pale beige pebbles.

Nannari Sarbath Syrup – A Traditional Cooling Agent

Nannari sarbath syrup is a South Indian summer staple. It’s made from sarsaparilla root and is known for its cooling and detoxifying properties. If you can’t find it, you could try a root beer syrup as a substitute, but it won’t be quite the same authentic flavor.

Agar Agar/China Grass – Vegetarian Gelatin Alternative

Agar agar is a plant-based gelatin substitute. It helps give the drink a lovely, slightly jiggly texture. Don’t worry if you’re new to it – it’s super easy to work with!

Milk & Evaporated Milk – Choosing the Right Type

I prefer using full-fat milk for a richer, creamier texture. You can use any kind of milk you like, though! Evaporated milk adds extra creaminess and body.

Tutti Frutti & Dry Fruits – Adding Texture and Flavor

I love a colorful mix of tutti frutti and chopped nuts for a bit of crunch and sweetness. Feel free to get creative with your favorites! Cashews, pistachios, and almonds work beautifully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First things first, soak the badam pisien overnight in 2 cups of water. Pop it in the fridge while it does its thing. This is key to getting that perfect, soft texture.
2. Next, boil the milk in a saucepan until it reduces by about half. This concentrates the flavor and makes it extra creamy. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate it too.
3. While the milk is cooling, prepare the agar agar jelly according to the package instructions. Once set, we’ll be layering it in our glasses.
4. Now for the fun part – layering! In your serving glasses, start with about 2 tablespoons of the set agar agar jelly. Then, add 3-4 tablespoons of the soaked badam pisien (drain the water first, of course!).
5. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of nannari syrup over each glass. This is where that amazing cooling flavor comes in!
6. Gently pour the chilled reduced milk and evaporated milk over the syrup. Don’t fill the glass all the way to the top – we need room for the ice cream!
7. Top each glass with a generous scoop of ice cream and garnish with tutti frutti.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy the cooling goodness!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

Soaking Badam Pisien for Optimal Texture

Don’t skip the overnight soak! It’s essential for softening the badam pisien. If you’re short on time, you can soak it in warm water for a couple of hours, but overnight is best.

Achieving the Right Consistency with Agar Agar

Agar agar can be a little tricky. Follow the package instructions carefully, and don’t overcook it. You want it to set, but not be too firm.

Layering for Visual Appeal

Layering the ingredients creates a beautiful presentation. It also ensures that you get a bit of everything in every sip!

Chilling for Maximum Refreshment

Everything – the milk, the badam pisien, even the glasses – should be well-chilled for the most refreshing experience.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

Easily make this vegan by using plant-based milk (almond, soy, or coconut milk work great) and a vegan ice cream.

Sugar-Free Variation

Use a sugar-free nannari sarbath syrup and a sugar-free ice cream. You can also add a touch of stevia or erythritol to sweeten it to your liking.

Spice Level – Adding a Hint of Cardamom or Saffron

My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom powder or a few strands of saffron to the milk for a more aromatic flavor. It’s delicious!

Festival Adaptations – Perfect for Summer Celebrations

During festivals, I sometimes add a little rose water for a fragrant twist. It feels extra special!

Serving Suggestions

This drink is best served immediately. It’s perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up, a post-meal digestive, or a refreshing treat on a hot day.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the soaked badam pisien in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The layered drink itself doesn’t store well, as the ice cream will melt and the textures will change.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is Badam Pisien and where can I find it?

Badam pisien is almond gum, a natural cooling agent. You can find it in most Indian grocery stores, usually in the dried fruits and nuts section.

Can I make Nannari Sarbath Syrup at home?

Yes, you can! It’s a bit of a process, involving boiling sarsaparilla root, but there are plenty of recipes online if you’re feeling adventurous.

Is Agar Agar a good substitute for gelatin?

Absolutely! Agar agar is a great vegetarian alternative to gelatin. It has a slightly different texture, but it works beautifully in this recipe.

How long can I store the soaked Badam Pisien?

You can store soaked badam pisien in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure it’s submerged in water.

Can I use different flavors of ice cream in this recipe?

Definitely! Vanilla, pistachio, mango, or even rose ice cream would all be delicious. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!

Enjoy this cooling and delicious Badam Pisien & Nannari Sarbath. I hope it brings you as much relief and joy as it brings me and my family! Let me know in the comments what you think.