Elsa Angel Rose
Kokum Fiesta Mocktail
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Enjoy this summer with this refreshing drink, served alongside freshly fried mackerel and prawns. Kokum Fiesta Mocktail is made using kokum syrup, mint leaves, lemon slices or cubes, ice cubes, and Sprite or soda. The glass is garnished by rimming it with lemon and local rock salt. Chef Alphonso Pereira, from Porvorim, shared more about his new drink, “It brings a sweet, sour, tangy and refreshing taste to your palate. The standout ingredient of this drink is rock salt and Kokum. While making the drink, the quantities of the ingredients can vary according to individual taste and requirements.” Kokum, lemon and mint are a few of the most easily accessible and efficient cooling agents. Kokum is known for its refreshing and soothing properties, often used in drinks to help reduce body heat and support digestion. Lemon is rich in vitamin C and has a hydrating effect, making it ideal for replenishing fluids and maintaining electrolyte balance during summer. Mint provides an instant cooling sensation due to its natural compounds, which can help calm the stomach and refresh the body.
Mango Mania
Mango Mania blends juicy mango with jaggery, a pinch of salt, cumin and fennel powder, fresh mint, and chilled water, all brought together with ice cubes as needed for a perfectly refreshing sip. “Steam the mango and let it cool. Skin the mango, extract the pulp, and grind it along with jaggery. Strain the mixture. To this, add the remaining ingredients and stir. Serve chilled with 2–3 ice cubes,” shared Chef Priti Sadekar from Ponda. Mango Mania isn’t just delicious, it’s a total summer-friendly pick-up. Mango brings natural sweetness along with a boost of vitamins, while jaggery adds a touch of energy without feeling too heavy. The mix of cumin and fennel powder helps keep things light on the stomach, and mint adds that instant cooling freshness much craved in the heat. With a hint of salt to balance hydration and chilled water to refresh, this drink is basically your tasty little ally for staying cool, energised, and refreshed all day long.
Niro Chilly Twist
Fresh Niro comes alive with slit green chillies, ice cubes, ripe cashew cubes, and slices of lemon, all topped up with soda. The glass is rimmed with rock salt and a hint of chilly powder or paprika, and it’s served alongside freshly roasted, cleaned cashew nuts for a perfectly vibrant pairing. Niro Chilly Twist brings a spicy and tangy taste. The standout ingredients of this drink are green chillies and cubes of ripe cashew. “Niro, when served chilled, is a refreshing probiotic drink,” said Chef Alphonso. He added, “Use crushed ice instead of cube ice. Also, use our local lemon,” for a more intense cooling experience. Served chilled, Fresh Niro helps provide a soothing effect, while the addition of lemon and soda enhances hydration and lightness. The spiciness of green chillies is balanced by the tanginess and freshness of the other ingredients, creating a drink that feels invigorating. Along with its refreshing taste, its chilled, probiotic nature adds to the overall cooling and satisfying experience during hot weather.
Cucumber Cooler
Cucumber Cooler brings together crisp cucumbers, a touch of sugar and salt, refreshing mint, zesty lime juice, and chia seeds for a light, cooling, and revitalising blend. “Peel and chop the cucumbers, blend the cucumbers to a smooth puree. In a bowl, mix the above with the rest of the ingredients and serve chilled. Garnish the glass edge with a wedge of lime,” shared Chef Priti. The standout ingredient of this drink is chia seeds; they help keep one hydrated and lower the risk of blood sugar and blood pressure rise.
Cucumber Coolers are a must-try in summer because they’re light, hydrating, and incredibly refreshing when the heat kicks in. With the natural water content of cucumbers and the cooling touch of mint and lime, this drink helps you feel instantly revived. The addition of chia seeds supports hydration, making it a satisfying way to stay cool and refreshed all day.
