Cool Mint & Ginger Recipe – Authentic Indian Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cool Mint & Ginger Recipe – Authentic Indian Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a refreshing drink to beat the Indian summer heat. This cool mint and ginger recipe is my go-to – it’s unbelievably easy to make, tastes incredible, and feels like a little slice of home with every sip. I first made this when I was craving something my dadi (grandmother) used to make, and honestly, it’s been a family favourite ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another mint drink. It’s a vibrant, flavourful experience that’s both cooling and invigorating. It’s perfect for a hot afternoon, a post-workout refresher, or even as a digestive aid after a heavy meal. Plus, it comes together in just 10 minutes! Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s a fantastic authentic Indian summer drink.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a glass of this goodness:

• 8-10 mint leaves
• 1 small piece of ginger
• 3 tbsp jaggery
• 1 whole lemon
• 1 cup water (about 240ml)
• Ice cubes, as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using the freshest mint and ginger really makes a difference. Look for mint leaves that are bright green and perky, and ginger that feels firm and smells fragrant.

Now, about the jaggery… this is where the magic happens! Jaggery is an unrefined sugar traditionally used in Indian cooking. It has a beautiful caramel-like flavour that’s so much more complex than regular sugar. It also adds a lovely depth to the drink. You can find it in most Indian grocery stores. If you absolutely can’t find it, you can substitute with sugar (see FAQs!), but trust me, jaggery is worth seeking out.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, gently wash your mint leaves. Don’t worry about being too precious – a quick rinse is all they need.
2. Peel a small piece of ginger (about an inch) and roughly chop it. No need to be perfect here!
3. Pop the mint leaves, chopped ginger, jaggery, and the juice of one whole lemon into your blender.
4. Add a handful of ice cubes – about 6-8 should do the trick.
5. Now, blend everything together until it’s beautifully smooth. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into your serving glass. This gets rid of any bits of ginger or mint, leaving you with a silky-smooth drink.
7. Add 1 cup of water to the strained juice and give it a good stir.
8. Top with a few more ice cubes for extra chill.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t over-blend! You want a smooth consistency, but over-blending can make the mint taste bitter.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the jaggery and lemon juice to your liking.
• For a really intense flavour, muddle the mint and ginger before adding them to the blender.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, loves to add a tiny pinch of green chilli for a little kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try!
• Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with 2 tablespoons of jaggery and add more to taste.
• Festival Adaptations: We often make a larger batch of this during Baisakhi or any summer solstice celebration. It’s considered a very auspicious and cooling drink for these occasions.

Serving Suggestions

This drink is best enjoyed ice-cold! Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lemon for a pretty presentation. It pairs beautifully with spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this drink is best served immediately. The flavours are at their peak when it’s freshly made. However, if you absolutely need to store it, you can keep the concentrate (before adding water) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the water and ice when you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

• Is this drink best served immediately? Absolutely! The flavours are brightest and the drink is most refreshing when served right away.
• Can I use sugar instead of jaggery? Yes, you can! Use about 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, adjusting to your taste. But I highly recommend trying jaggery if you can – it really elevates the flavour.
• What are the health benefits of this drink? Mint and ginger are both known for their digestive properties. Ginger can also help with nausea, and mint is incredibly refreshing. Plus, it’s a great way to stay hydrated!
• Can I make a larger batch of the concentrate ahead of time? Yes, you can! Store the concentrate in the fridge for up to 24 hours and add water and ice when you’re ready to serve.
• What type of mint works best for this recipe? Spearmint is traditionally used, but peppermint also works well if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that peppermint has a stronger flavour, so you might want to use a little less.

Enjoy this little taste of India! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think. Happy blending!