Roohafza lemonade, a pretty looking party drink made with rose syrup and basil seeds.
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🍹 The Food
All my life, i have tasted only one simple lemonade, sold on the road side carts, they are called lemon soda. The first lemonade i made at home is this Shikanji, a classic Indian spiced lemonade. Then as my taste horizons expanded, i tried interesting flavors. Like this cucumber - mint cooler or this Limonana, a classic middle-eastern slushy like lemonade.
We tasted this striking roohafza lemonade, at a friend’s birthday party. My fussy lil one loved the striking red color of the drink. It had a mild rose flavor and the lemon added a wonderful zest. The fun part of the drink was the basil seeds. One of the best party drinks especially for kids.
🧃 What is Roohafza
Roohafza is a popular squash, in the Indian subcontinent. The squash was originally made as a summer coolant. It is a mix of herbs to keep the body cool and prevent water loss during hot summer season.
Roohafza lemonade, Indian style rose sharbat, a very popular during Iftar parties. The lemonade is pretty easy to make, just mix it with proper proportion of water and serve it some interesting garnishes.
💬 How to consume Basil Seeds
Basil seeds, known locally as sabja seeds, falooda seeds or tukmaria seeds.
The tiny tear shaped seeds are often confused with chia seeds. The sweet basil seeds can be used in a variety of drinks and be used as a garnish on ice creams and desserts. An easy recipe to try this basil seeds is this Classic Kulukki Sharbath.
Basil seeds or sabja seeds are usually consumed after soaking in water for 15-20 minutes. These naturally gelatinous seeds swell in water, become soft and translucent to touch.
Sabja seeds are a natural coolant to the body. It is extensively used during summer months. I prefer to add a teaspoon of these seeds to my water bottle with a dash of lemon and mint to keep myself hydrated during hot months.
📋 The Ingredients
- Roohafza syrup, we will be needing less amount of syrup. It is a concentrated squash. So use accordingly.
- Sugar, to sweeten the drink. Though the drink has some sugar, when we top it with water, you might be needing some sweetener.
- Sabja seeds, basil seeds. Though it is optional they add texture and make the drink look more pleasing and fun.
- Water or soda to dilute the drink. I have used water in the recipe, you can also use soda.
- Garnishes, mint and lemon juice. They add a zest to the drink, do not miss them.
💭 How to make Rose Sharbat
Please check recipe card below for exact measurements of each ingredient used and also for the detailed instructions.
- First soak the sabja/basil seeds in water to swell.
- In a pitcher add roohafaza, swelled basil seeds, sugar. Top it with enough water.
- Add mint leaves and lemon juice. Mix well. Serve chilled.
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📖 Recipe here
Roohafza Lemonade | Party Drink | Summer Drink
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon subja seeds/basil seeds/tukmaria seeds
- 3 tablespoon roohafza syrup
- 2.5 cups water ice-cold water
- 4 tablespoon sugar or to taste
- handful of mint leaves
- juice of 1 or 2 lemons depending on taste
- lemon wedges, mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl take the subja/subza/basil seeds add ¼ cup of water and let it sit for 10 minutes for it to bloom well.
- In a pitcher, add roohafza syrup, chilled water, bloomed subza seeds, sugar and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.
- The subza/basil seeds will be clumped together so this mixing will help it to separate and also for the sugar to dissolve
- Add mint leaves to the sherbet, serve immediately garnished with lemon wedges or refrigerate it until served
Video
Disclaimer
I m not a Doctor or a Nutritionist The Nutrition information provided above comes from the plugin and is only an estimate.
Make this pretty looking Roohafza lemonade for your next iftar gathering or friends get together and enjoy.
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Srivalli
That's an interesting drink Priya, I am sure kids will love that bright colour!
www.annapurnaz.in
Rooh afza is such a soothing drink that is liked by all
vaishali sabnani
Rooafhza takes me back to peak summers ! Dad would get carton full of these bottles . Like your version with sabza.
Mayuri Patel
a delicious looking drink... definitely something kids would love and of course all roohafza lovers.
Rafeeda AR
Love your lemonade version with the sabja seeds... I love Roohafza in cold milk than just like that...
veena
I love roohafza. Vibrant colour.
Varada's Kitchen
Such a colorful drink! I am sure it is a hit with the kids.
Sharmila kingsly
Love the colour.. Simply yummy
Priya Suresh
Just love this drink very much, an excellent sumer drink.
Archana
I love it even now. Roohafza tastes yum in chilled milk too.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
Its been ages since I drank Roohafza. Those were the growing up days. None of the fancy drinks available these days sound as good as our classic ones 🙂
sushma
Wow such a refreshing drink. I make it often at home
Chef Mireille
I will always remember the first time I had this at a Pakistani restaurant near my house and now it is one of my fave summer time drinks
Kalyani
lovely drink Priya ! I make this sometimes with a little lemony twist.
ARCHANA
Awesome! I love rooh afza in chilled milk and as a lemonade too. Never tried adding basil seeds. Well maybe next season now.
Chef Mireille
Roofahza is one of my favorite drinks. On hot summer days, I always get it from the Pakistani restaurant near me. They often have complimentary glasses of it. But I have only made it at home myself once or twice. Who knows how long we are home for - should start making it at home for myself.
Shobha Keshwani
Rooh Afzais one drink I really prefer to have in summer. There are so many ways of using it in the coolers and desserts too like the one you have made looks so refreshing with basil seeds.
Avin
That's an awesome collection of recipes. Lovely!!