Just chill!

We haven’t reached the peak of summer yet but it’s still hot, hot, hot. What better way to stay cool than with icy cocktails, frozen slushes, mocktails and drinks that you can conjure up with a little bit of innovation?

For Sophie Choudhary, MTV veejay, drinking juices is her way to chill out in summer. “I always have a Strawberry Kiss when I’m in London,” she starts, “It has kiwi and orange and is delicious,” she says, adding, “I think the juice culture hasn’t really caught on that much here as much as it has abroad.” While she totally avoids aerated drinks,

“Nariyal paani or pina colada are what I love, anything that has a lot of fruit in it” she says.

Pankaj Kumar, F&B executive, the Atrium Lounge at Taj Lands End echoes the thought. “Summer is the best time to add vitamin C to your diet, so I always add a lot of lemon to my creations – it’s a bartender’s salt,” declares the man who has won Bartender of the year in 2007 award. 

Oranges, papaya, watermelon, even cranberry are his favourite additions, as they have a large water content. “They keep you well hydrated and are easily digested,” he
explains.

If you think having hard drinks seems unrealistic during the hot weather, Pankaj clarifies. “A Bloody Mary has vodka, spices and tomato while a classic Italian Sangria can be made with a touch of cinnamon, which is apt, as spices aid digestion,” he explains. Dark rum will do he adds, and so will yellow melon, “It goes very well with Bacardi.” 

Squashes and mocktails lovers can relish a few summer therapies too. “Not just Virgin Pina Colada, but a whole lot of drinks have become popular over the years,” says Pankaj. Like the special berries drink that he makes – a vigorous blend of mixed berries, ice and a twist of lemon to give it that zing. “It’s as close to bliss as possible,” he smiles.

And smoothies are perhaps the healthiest of all summer drinks. “Add honey instead of sugar to them,” Panjkaj advises. “Top it with ice cubes, not crushed ice, as the latter just dilutes the drink.”

Nutritionist Payal Batra is all for traditional cooling ingredients like khus and kokum, the latter a rich source of antioxidants. “They have a very calming effect on the body,” she says. Mint works as a natural coolant, and cumin seeds are very good for the digestive system, helping to relieve nausea and flatulence, one learns. “Of course other drinks like thandai and aam panna, a powerhouse of vitamin A and C are beneficial too.”  
t_ismat@dnaindia.net
(Next week: Summer cooler recipes)