Indian food might be widely known these days. However, if you never tried some of these Indian beverages, you definitely should give yourself a chance! To know which ones you should taste first, check these options for alternatives!
1. Lassi
This traditional Indian yogurt-based drink dates back to the pre-refrigeration era when Punjabi farmers combined milk, sugar, and curd in clay pots and stored the concoction. Fresh herbs, spices, fruits, and floral essences are frequently used to flavour lassi.It is typically served with ice as an accompaniment to hot and spicy dishes because it refreshes the palate and soothes the body, especially on hot summer days. Sweet lassi is known as metha lassi, and it is frequently flavoured with ginger, mint, rosewater, cardamom, and exotic fruits such as mango.
2. Gin and Tonic
Gin and Tonic is a simple highball cocktail made with gin and tonic water poured over ice and garnished with a lime wheel. British officers introduced the cocktail to India in the early nineteenth century. Malaria was a persistent problem in India, so the officers used the cocktail's quinine to prevent and treat the disease.This cocktail is extremely popular around the world due to its bitterness and sour notes, especially during the summer months. Even though suggested gin-to-tonic-water ratios range between 1:1 and 1:3, one can experiment with the component ratios. In some countries, it is known as Gin Tonic, while in English-speaking countries, it is simply known as G & T.
3. Chai masala
Chai masala is a fragrant beverage that originated in India. It is made with sweetened black tea and milk that has been spiced with a masala mix that typically includes cardamom, ground ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and black peppercorns.However, the spices used and the exact proportions vary frequently. Despite several theories to the contrary, the origins of chai masala are mostly associated with the British tea trade. The Chinese had a monopoly on the tea trade in the nineteenth century, so the British looked for other markets to meet the high demand for black tea, which was a firm European favourite.
4. Assam Tea
Assam is an Indian black tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis var. assamica plant. This tea is only grown in Assam, a state in north-eastern India. Previously, Assam tea was thought to be primarily a mass-produced black tea, but artisanal-produced high-quality teas are gaining popularity.Assam tea is known for its strong earthy and malty flavour, though the final flavour is heavily influenced by the harvesting cycle. The first harvest produces lighter, fruitier teas, while the second harvest produces full-bodied, malty brews.
5. Thandai
Thandai is a milk-based beverage from North India that contains nuts, seeds, and various spices. The preparation begins with a thick paste made with a variety of nuts and spices such as cashews, almonds, cardamom, peppercorns, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds.Before being mixed with the nut and spice paste, the milk is combined with sugar and saffron, and sometimes with rose water. The mixture is then allowed to settle before being strained. Thandai is traditionally served chilled and garnished with slivered nuts and saffron threads.
6. Sweet Lassi
This lassi is sweetened, as the name implies. In addition to sugar, it contains yogurt (curd) and, in most cases, fruit or flavourings such as saffron or cardamom. Sweet lassi is frequently consumed after a meal or simply as a refreshing drink, especially on hot summer days.Clay pots are traditionally used to make lassi. Sweet varieties are frequently garnished with slivered nuts and topped with a dollop of thick cream (malai). Aside from traditional versions, mango lassi has recently become one of the most popular sweet lassi variations.
7. Mango Lassi
One of the most popular lassi flavours is mango lassi, which is made with yogurt (dahi) and fresh mango. Cardamom, water, and occasionally sugar are common ingredients. The ingredients are mixed until the drink is creamy and frothy. Mango lassi should be served chilled at all times.Among the many varieties of lassis, this sweet mango version is the most common on the menus of Indian restaurants outside of India. Get mango lassi in The Yarra Indian Restaurant for only $4.00 and check our menu for more options!
Source: tasteatlas
