Cooling Sabja Seeds & Chili Lemonade Recipe – Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cooling Sabja Seeds & Chili Lemonade Recipe – 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 isn’t just any lemonade, though. It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit tangy, and has a surprising kick from green chili – plus the amazing cooling properties of sabja seeds! I first made this when a friend challenged me to create a drink that was both revitalizing and a little bit different. Trust me, it’s become a summer staple ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chili Lemonade is seriously the perfect summer cooler. It’s quick to whip up (under 10 minutes!), incredibly refreshing, and the sabja seeds add a lovely texture. The chili gives it a unique twist that wakes up your taste buds, and it’s way more interesting than your average lemonade. Plus, sabja seeds are fantastic for you!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 1 Lemon or Lime
• 2 tablespoons Simple syrup
• 1 Green chili
• 1 teaspoon Sabja seeds (Basil seeds)
• A pinch of Salt (to taste)
• Water – about 1 cup (240ml)
• Ice cubes
• 1 Lemon wedge (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these ingredients for a sec, because a few of them have little secrets to making this recipe shine.

Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds): Benefits and Soaking
These tiny seeds are nutritional powerhouses! They’re packed with fiber and are known for their cooling properties in Ayurveda. You absolutely need to soak them before using – they expand beautifully and become wonderfully gelatinous.

Simple Syrup: Homemade vs. Store-Bought
You can definitely use store-bought simple syrup, but honestly, it’s so easy to make your own! Just equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. I usually make a batch and keep it in the fridge.

Green Chili: Choosing the Right Heat Level
This is where you get to play! Serrano peppers are a good starting point for a mild kick. Jalapeños will give you more heat, and bird’s eye chilies… well, those are for the brave! Remove the seeds for less spice.

Lemon/Lime Juice: Freshly Squeezed is Best
Seriously, don’t even think about bottled juice. Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice makes all the difference. I often use a mix of both for a more complex flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get mixing!

1. First things first, let’s get those sabja seeds going. Soak 1 teaspoon of sabja seeds in about ¼ cup (60ml) of water for 5 minutes. They’ll plump up beautifully!
2. Grab your cocktail shaker (or a sturdy jar with a lid). Add a lemon wedge, 2 tablespoons of simple syrup, a slit green chili, and a tiny pinch of salt.
3. Now, pour in about ¾ cup (180ml) of chilled water and squeeze in the juice of one lemon or lime.
4. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
5. Time to shake! Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to really blend all those flavors together.
6. Strain the mixture into a tall serving glass filled with ice.
7. Gently spoon the soaked sabja seeds over the top.
8. Give it a very gentle stir and serve immediately. A little extra ice never hurt anyone!

Expert Tips

• Chill everything! The colder the ingredients, the more refreshing the drink.
• Taste as you go. Adjust the simple syrup and chili to your liking.
• Don’t over-shake. You want it cold, not diluted.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up (pun intended!).

Vegan Adaptation
This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your simple syrup is made with vegan-friendly sugar.

Spice Level Adjustment: Mild to Fiery
As mentioned before, control the heat with your chili choice. For a really mild drink, just use a tiny sliver of chili or omit it altogether.

Festival Adaptation: Summer Solstice/Heatwave Refreshment
I love making this for summer gatherings. It’s always a hit! You can even add a sprig of mint for extra freshness.

Sugar-Free Option
Swap the simple syrup for a sugar-free alternative like stevia or erythritol.

Serving Suggestions

This lemonade is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras. It’s also fantastic with grilled seafood or a light summer salad.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this is best enjoyed immediately. The sabja seeds will continue to expand and the drink will lose its fizz. If you must store it, keep it in the fridge for no more than a couple of hours.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What are Sabja seeds and where can I find them?
Sabja seeds, also known as basil seeds, are tiny black seeds that are popular in Indian cuisine. You can find them at most Indian grocery stores, health food stores, or online.

Can I make the simple syrup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Simple syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.

How spicy will this lemonade be? Can I adjust the heat?
The spice level depends on the chili you use. You can easily adjust the heat by using a milder chili, removing the seeds, or using less chili.

What’s the best way to soak the sabja seeds for optimal expansion?
Just soak them in water for about 5-10 minutes. They should plump up to about 2-3 times their original size.

Can this lemonade be made in a pitcher for a crowd?
Yes, you can definitely scale up the recipe for a pitcher! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly. However, add the sabja seeds right before serving to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

Is it necessary to use both lemon and lime?
Not necessarily! You can use just lemon or just lime, depending on your preference. I like the combination for a more complex flavor.