Pear Celery Cooler Recipe – Refreshing Indian Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Pear Celery Cooler Recipe – Refreshing Indian Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a drink that’s both incredibly refreshing and good for you, especially when the Indian summer heat kicks in. I stumbled upon this Pear Celery Cooler a few years ago, and it’s become my go-to. It’s surprisingly delicious, super easy to make, and honestly, feels like a little hug in a glass. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your typical sugary summer cooler. It’s light, hydrating, and packed with nutrients. The sweetness of the pear beautifully balances the slight saltiness of the celery, and a squeeze of lemon brightens everything up. Plus, it takes just 5 minutes to whip up! Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s perfect for a quick afternoon refresher or to serve guests when you want something a little different.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing cooler:

• 1 Pear
• 2 Celery Stalks
• 1 cup Water (about 240ml)
• Lemon Juice (from about ½ a lemon)
• 1 Cucumber (peeled and deseeded)
• Salt (a pinch, about ¼ teaspoon)
• Pepper (a pinch, about ¼ teaspoon)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Pears are fantastic for digestion and provide a lovely natural sweetness. They’re also a good source of Vitamin C. Celery often gets a bad rap, but it’s incredibly hydrating and full of electrolytes – perfect for replenishing after a day in the sun.

Cucumber is a summer staple in India, and we often use it in raita and other cooling drinks. You’ll find different varieties across the country, but any cucumber will work beautifully here. Just make sure to peel and deseed it to avoid any bitterness.

And finally, please, please use fresh lemon juice! It makes all the difference. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same zing. A little goes a long way in brightening up the flavors.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make this cooler! It’s so simple, you’ll be sipping on it in no time.

1. First, roughly chop your pear and cucumber. No need to be fancy here!
2. Now, add the pear, celery stalks, water, lemon juice, cucumber, salt, and pepper to your blender.
3. Blend everything until it’s completely smooth. You want a nice, even consistency.
4. Next, strain the mixture through a strainer into a glass. This gets rid of any pulp and gives you a really clean, refreshing drink.
5. Finally, fill a glass with ice and pour in your pear celery cooler. Enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips

A little goes a long way with the salt and pepper. Start with a tiny pinch of each and add more to taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

If you don’t have a high-powered blender, you might need to blend for a little longer to get a really smooth consistency.

For an extra chilled drink, pop your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Variations

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

• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, loves adding a small piece of ginger or a tiny green chili to her cooler for a little kick. It’s surprisingly good!
• Festival Adaptations: This is a fantastic drink for Holi or any summer festival. It’s so cooling and refreshing after all the dancing and fun.
• Sugar-Free Option: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can skip the pear altogether and add a little bit of stevia or another natural sweetener to taste.

Serving Suggestions

This cooler is best served immediately, but it’s also lovely with a garnish of a pear slice or a sprig of mint. It pairs perfectly with light snacks like namak pare or a simple fruit salad. It’s also a great accompaniment to spicy Indian meals – the coolness really helps balance the heat.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this is best enjoyed fresh. But if you absolutely have to make it ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before serving, as it may separate.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

• Is this drink suitable for diabetics? While pears do contain natural sugars, this drink is relatively low in sugar compared to other coolers. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes.
• Can I use other fruits with celery? Absolutely! Apple, pineapple, or even a little bit of orange can be delicious additions.
• What is the best type of pear to use? I prefer using a Bartlett pear for its sweetness and smooth texture, but any ripe pear will work.
• Can I make this ahead of time? As mentioned above, it’s best fresh, but you can store it for up to 24 hours.
• How can I adjust the sweetness? If you find it’s not sweet enough, add a little bit of honey or maple syrup. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze more lemon juice.

I really hope you give this Pear Celery Cooler a try. It’s a simple, healthy, and incredibly refreshing drink that’s perfect for beating the heat. Let me know what you think in the comments below!