A Modern Twist on Classic Flavours
Many of India's most cherished traditional drinks, like sharbats, are defined by their intense sweetness. While delicious, these sugar-heavy recipes don't always align with modern health-conscious lifestyles. The search for beverages that offer both nostalgic
flavour and better nutrition has led to a rediscovery of classic ingredients prepared in a new way. Enter cold-steeped mocktails, a trend that champions natural taste over added sugars. By using fruits like kokum and jamun, this method allows their complex flavours to shine, creating sophisticated drinks that are both hydrating and guilt-free.
The Gentle Power of Cold Steeping
Unlike traditional methods that use heat to extract flavour, cold steeping involves soaking ingredients in cold water for several hours. This slow, gentle infusion process has a significant advantage: it extracts flavour compounds without pulling out the bitter tannins that heat often releases. The result is a smoother, naturally sweeter drink that requires little to no added sugar to be palatable. This technique, popularised with coffee and tea, works wonderfully with fruits, herbs, and spices, making it an ideal way to build complex, refreshing mocktails from scratch. Steeping overnight in the refrigerator is a common practice, making it an effortless way to prepare a flavourful base.
Kokum: The Tangy Cooling Agent
Kokum, or Garcinia indica, is a fruit native to the Western Ghats and has long been celebrated in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. It's traditionally used as a cooling agent, making it perfect for summer drinks, and is known to aid digestion and reduce acidity. Rich in antioxidants, kokum also contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a compound studied for its potential role in appetite suppression and weight management. Its unique tangy and slightly sweet flavour profile makes it a standout ingredient. When cold steeped, dried kokum releases its vibrant red hue and signature taste, creating a perfect base for a zesty, revitalising mocktail.
Jamun: The Jewel-Toned Superfruit
Jamun, also known as Java plum, is a beloved monsoon fruit in India, celebrated for its deep purple colour and unique sweet-astringent taste. It's packed with health benefits, traditionally used to help manage blood sugar levels, and is a great source of vitamins and antioxidants. While often blended into juices or smoothies with added sugar to balance its tartness, cold steeping offers a healthier alternative. Soaking fresh or even frozen deseeded jamun in cold water gently draws out its beautiful colour and nuanced flavour, resulting in a naturally sweet and earthy infusion that captures the essence of the fruit.
Your Low-Sugar Mocktail Guide
Creating these mocktails at home is remarkably simple. For a Kokum Cooler, soak 5-6 pieces of dried kokum in a litre of cold water overnight in the fridge. The next day, simply strain the liquid. For a touch of traditional flavour, add a pinch of black salt and roasted cumin powder. For a Cold-Steeped Jamun Fizz, take one cup of deseeded jamun and gently muddle them in a pitcher with a litre of cold water. Let it steep for 6-8 hours. Strain the vibrant liquid and serve over ice, topped with sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint. For both drinks, sweeten only if necessary with a minimal amount of honey or jaggery.
