Ragi Almond Drink Recipe – Jaggery Sweetened & Cooling Summer Beverage

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Ragi Almond Drink Recipe – Jaggery Sweetened & Cooling Summer Beverage

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a drink that’s both incredibly refreshing and secretly good for you. Especially during those scorching Indian summers! This Ragi Almond Drink is exactly that – a creamy, subtly sweet, and wonderfully cooling beverage that’s become a staple in my home. I first made this when trying to find a healthy alternative to sugary drinks for my niece, and it was an instant hit! Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another summer cooler. It’s packed with goodness from ragi and almonds, naturally sweetened with jaggery (or date syrup!), and takes just minutes to whip up. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout refresher, or a healthy treat any time of day. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can tweak the sweetness and flavors to your liking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful drink:

• 2 tbsp ragi powder (approx. 18g)
• 1.5 tbsp roasted almond powder (approx. 12g)
• 0.5 cup cold water (approx. 120ml)
• 4.5 cups water (approx. 1080ml)
• 2-3 tbsp grated jaggery or date syrup (approx. 30-45g) – adjust to taste!
• As needed: cold milk or thick coconut milk (for blending, if needed)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your drink.

Ragi Powder: Nutritional Benefits & Varieties

Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a powerhouse of nutrients! It’s rich in calcium, iron, and fiber. You can find ragi powder easily in most Indian grocery stores. I prefer using the organic variety when I can find it, but any good quality ragi powder will work.

Roasted Almond Powder: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

You can absolutely use store-bought almond powder, but honestly, making your own is so easy and tastes so much better. Simply roast almonds until fragrant, let them cool, and grind them into a fine powder. I usually roast a big batch on the weekend and store it in an airtight container.

Jaggery vs. Date Syrup: Flavor & Health Differences

Both jaggery and date syrup are fantastic natural sweeteners. Jaggery has a slightly more caramel-like flavor, while date syrup is a bit fruitier. Health-wise, they’re both great options, offering minerals and a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar. I often switch between the two depending on what I have on hand!

Water Quality & Its Impact on Taste

Don’t underestimate the importance of good quality water! Filtered water is always best, as it will allow the subtle flavors of the ragi and almonds to really shine through.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking (or rather, mixing!).

1. First, in a bowl, combine the ragi powder and roasted almond powder with ½ cup of cold water. Give it a good mix until you have a smooth paste – no lumps allowed!
2. Next, in a saucepan, add 4 ½ cups of water and the grated jaggery or date syrup. Heat this over medium heat until the jaggery is completely dissolved. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Once the jaggery has dissolved and the water is simmering, slowly pour the ragi-almond mixture into the saucepan while stirring constantly. This is key to preventing lumps!
4. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the drink thickens slightly. Don’t let it boil vigorously.
5. Turn off the heat and let the drink cool completely. Then, refrigerate it until it’s nicely chilled.
6. If the drink becomes too thick after chilling, simply blend it with a little cold milk or thick coconut milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Expert Tips

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

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

The consistency should be creamy and smooth, but not too thick. Adjust the amount of water or milk/coconut milk to get it just right.

Preventing Lumps: A Stirring Guide

Seriously, don’t stop stirring when you add the ragi-almond mixture! Continuous stirring is your best friend here. If you do get a few lumps, you can strain the drink through a fine-mesh sieve.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

Taste as you go! Jaggery and date syrup sweetness levels can vary. Add more or less to suit your preference.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Ragi Almond Drink

This recipe is naturally vegan if you use date syrup instead of jaggery and use plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) for blending, if needed.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Good news! This drink is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Spice Level: Adding Cardamom or Saffron

My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom powder to hers – it adds a lovely warmth. A few strands of saffron also work beautifully for a more luxurious flavor.

Summer Cooling Adaptations

For an extra cooling boost, add a few mint leaves while blending.

Festival Adaptations: Incorporating into Rituals

During certain festivals, my family likes to add a tiny bit of rose water for a fragrant and auspicious touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of almond powder or a few chopped almonds. It’s delicious on its own, or you can enjoy it with a side of fruit or a light snack.

Storage Instructions

This drink will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It may thicken upon standing, so just give it a good stir or blend with a little milk/coconut milk before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What are the health benefits of ragi?

Ragi is incredibly nutritious! It’s a great source of calcium, iron, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s also known to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of jaggery/date syrup?

You can, but the flavor will change. Maple syrup or honey are options, but they’ll impart their own distinct taste.

How can I make this drink more frothy?

Blend it vigorously with a little cold milk or coconut milk! You can also use a milk frother.

Is this drink suitable for diabetics?

While ragi itself has a low glycemic index, the sweetness from jaggery or date syrup needs to be considered. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Can I prepare the ragi-almond mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the ragi-almond paste and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just add it to the simmering water when you’re ready to make the drink.

Enjoy! I hope this Ragi Almond Drink becomes a favorite in your home too. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how you like it!