Pina Colada

Pina Colada is a famous Mexican beverage which is an alcohol based cocktail. It is possible to prepare pina colada without alcohol as well. the non alcoholic pina colada is called as Virgin Pina Colada. Here is the simple recipe for preparing Non Alcoholic Pina Colada.

Sparkling Mixed Berry Punch

Ingredients
Cranberry Juice - 2 cups
Raspberry Soda (Or any soda with berry flavor) - 2 cups

Aguas Frescas

Aguas Frescas is the spanish word for "fresh water". It generally refers to a cool and refreshing Mexican beverage made with a combination of any one fruit/ multiple fruits/ cereals/seeds, water and sugar. Aguas Frescas is very commonly sold in India under the name 'fruit juice'.

Tricolor Juice and Tricolor Popsicle

Tricolor juice and tricolor Popsicle were made by my seven year old daughter to celebrate Indian Independence day. You can also give similar fun activities to involve the kids in  any kind of celebrations. Some of the other activities include egg painting, making colored ice cubes, decorating

Masala Buttermilk

Mor (Buttermilk) is the liquid left after churning butter out of the full fat milk.

I remember my dad sharing his childhood memories about buttermilk. My grandmother used to have 3 cows of their own. Milk was available in plenty each day. After everybody has had the milk, the leftover milk was stored in earthen pots. The next day my grandmother used to churn the milk using the traditional tool called ‘matthu’. After few minutes of churning, the butter floats on top. This is usually given to small kids or immediately made into ghee for long time storage. The left over liquid is called moru (or buttermilk) which is creamy and slightly sour due to fermentation. It is served as a mid morning snack or seasoned to be served with lunch.

Turmeric Pepper Milk

With the start of rains, starts the season of flu, common colds and sore throats. School kids tend to get it more often. Turmeric milk is one of the simplest home remedies that is sure to reduce your symptoms of cold and sore throat.

Apple Cider

Apple Cider is a non alcoholic beverage made with apples and just apples. The sweetness and tartness comes naturally from the apples itself. Apple Cider is not as clear as the apple juice which is commercially extracted using big equipment.

Ginger Cardamom Tea

Ingredients
Milk - 1 cup
Tea - 2 tsp
Water - 1.5 cup
Ginger - 2 " piece (crushed)
Cardamom - 2 pods (crushed)
Sugar/Honey - to taste
Lemon - 1/2 piece

Filter Coffee

Coffee is one drink that is prepared in so many different ways in different countries. There are the cold coffee drinks and the hot coffee drinks. I’m sure we all must have tasted a few different coffees is coffee shops. For any South Indian, more than anything, a cup of ‘filter coffee’ will be the top choice anytime. 

Sol Kadhi

Sol Kadhi is a Maharashtrian special of Konkan Belt. It is the blend of kokum syrup and coconut milk. It can be had as an appetizer or after having a heavy lunch for digestive purpose.  I love this

Mango Punch

Mango Punch is a perfect summer mocktail to beat the summer heat. It is very simple to make for a huge crowd. I love to make this for parties, as it is a crowd pleaser. I have shared my recipe with a few variations below. Feel free to experiment with other combinations to make your punch more interesting.

Cucumber Juice

Ingredients
Cucumber - 1
Lemon juice - 1 tblsp (1/2 lemon)
Sugar  - 4 tblsp
Cold water - 1 cup

Raw Mango Sharbat

During summer, our taste buds long for cool drinks. Cold drinks which are made out of natural fruits are good for health than the commercial ones. 

Raspberry Tea

Ingredients
Raspberries - 1 cup (fresh/frozen)
Tea  - 3/4 tsp (or 2 tea bags)

Beetroot Pomegranate Juice

We all know the benefits of drinking fresh juice made with organic fruits and vegetables. You can mix and match any combination of vegetables and fruits to make your own mocktail. I usually prefer

Palm Fruit Milkshake

Thadgola, nungu (palm tree fruit) is available during summer and helps in cooling our body,like coconut water. We love to eat this tender fruit. This summer I tried milk shake and we all loved it. You can also try and enjoy.

Pumpkin Smoothie

Ingredients
15 cashews
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 tbsp honey

Sweet Banana Stem Juice

Ingredients
Banana stem (Vazhaithandu) – 1 cup (chopped)
Curd (or milk) – 1/2 cup
Sugar - 2 tbsp
Water – as needed

Method
Grind together the chopped banana stem pieces with some curd and sugar. If you prefer to have it like a milkshake, add milk instead of curd.
Strain using a sieve. Again, this step is absolutely optional.
Add little water to bring it to the right consistency.
Check the taste and add more sugar if needed.
Chill it in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestion
If you want to serve immediately, add some ice cubes.

Tips
If you like a thicker and more creamier drink, just increase the amount of yogurt.
People who are dieting need not sieve it. The fiber in the drink will keep you full for long hours thereby reducing your calorie intake.

Banana Stem Juice

Salted Banana Stem Juice

Ingredients

Banana stem (Vazhaithandu) – 1 cup (chopped)

Curd – 1/2 cup

Ginger – a small piece

Salt – to taste

Cold water – 1/2 cup

Pepper powder - 2 pinches (optional)

Chaat Masala – a pinch (optional)

Method

Take the chopped banana stem pieces, ginger, curd, salt and water in a blender.

Grind to a smooth puree.

Strain it to remove the extra fiber.  You can skip this step and serve without straining too.

Add some black pepper powder or chaat masala or roasted cumin powder as per your taste.

Serving Suggestion

Serve chilled with some ice cubes for that little extra punch. It tastes good when served at room temperature too.

Aguas Frescas

Aguas Frescas is the spanish word for "fresh water". It generally refers to a cool and refreshing Mexican beverage made with a combination of any one fruit/ multiple fruits/ cereals/seeds, water and sugar. Aguas Frescas is very commonly sold in India under the name 'fruit juice'.