Masala Soda

In India two things you will find in every corner of the country. 1. Street Food, and 2. Masala Soda. Masala soda is basically soda with some spices. There are many versions of masala soda you will get it from the venders but most common is with lemon, ginger, cumin powder, mint, and rock salt. Here I am making the same but with twist in it. It's Adults only masala soda with splash of vodka with hint of thai chili. It's a great fusion cocktail. Make sure to remove all the seeds from the thai chili. One can use sparkling water instead of club soda as well.

You will need :-

Club Soda
Vodka
Simple Sugar syrup or 1 tsp of Sugar 
Himalayan Pink Salt or Black Salt
Cumin Powder
Fresh Ginger
Thai Chili (Must remove all the seeds from inside and use smallest chili or use small piece of chili)
Fresh Mint leaves
Fresh Lime Juice

1. In mortar & pestle first lightly pound chili and ginger,

2. next add mint leaves, cumin powder, and salt,

3. Make coarsely ground paste.

4. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add paste in it.

5. Next squeeze fresh lime in it.

6. Pour 2-3 tbsp sugar syrup

7. Next pour splash of vodka

8. Close the lid of shaker and shake vigorously.

9. Strain into a chilled glass.

10. Pour club soda in it and garnish with fresh mint leaves and chili pepper.

I enjoy this Masala Soda with cocktail Samosas smile emoticon

Enjoy...

Spiced Pomegranate Ice Tea

This is perfect drink for the hot summer days, complements sandwiches and pizzas at the picnics, and perfect by itself as well. This ice tea is sweet and florally-refreshing, and has some cick from the spices and fresh herbs. Refresh your palate with this cool drink.

Ingredients:-

• 4 Pomegranate Tea Bags
  
• 5 cups Water
  
• 4 tbsp Lemon Juice
  
• Ice Cubes
  
• Lemon Slices
  

-- For Spiced Syrup

• 1-1/2 cups Water
  
• 1 cup Sugar
  
• 4-5 Fresh Basil Leaves
  
• 1 Thyme Spring
  
• 1-1/2 tsp Fresh Ginger, grated
  
• 1 Star Anise
  
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
  
• 2 Cloves
  

Method:-

1. Combine all syrup ingredients in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil on over medium-high heat, stir occasionally.

2. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup is slightly thickened. Let it cool completely.

3. In the mean time, in a sauce pan, heat water to a rapid boil. Remove from heat and drop in the tea bags. Cover and let steep for 20-25 minutes.

4. Now discard the tea bags and let the tea cool completely.

5. Mix spiced syrup, lemon juice, and tea well in the pitcher and Refrigerate until chilled or atleast for an hour.

6. Add ice cubes in serving glasses, pour tea in it.

7. Put slice of lemon on top and serve.

Enjoy...

Fennel Cooler

I am big fan of fennel seeds. One thing you'll definitely find in my purse is fennel seeds. Fennel seeds are not just mouth freshener; they have medicinal uses as well and are very helpful for our gastrointestinal system. My dad used to drink fennel seeds water every morning to help relieve some acidity problems.

Use fennel seeds in tadka for the Dry aloo subji, it will be super flavorful. Fennel seeds powder can be used to in spice cake for a unusual kick in the taste.

This is the recipe for my favorite drink in hot summer days. I usually soak fennel seeds in water overnight but if you don't want to wait whole night, you only have to soak them in water for a couple of hours for similar flavor. I also prepared ginger and mint infused syrup in advance and to my surprise they taste delicious together.


-- For Mint-Ginger Syrup

Ingredients:-

1 cup Sugar
2 cups Water
1 tbsp Ginger, grated
10-12 Fresh Mint Leaves

Method:-

1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil on over medium-high heat, stir occasionally. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup is slightly thickened.

2. Let it cool completely, and pour this syrup through a sieve into jar.

-- For Fennel Cooler

1. Soak 4-5 tbsp of fennel seeds in 2 cups of water for 3-4 hours or overnight. And pour this water through a sieve into the bowl. Discard seeds.

Ingredients:-

1/2 cup Fennel Seeds Water
1/4 cup Mint-Ginger Syrup or to taste
1/4 tsp Sea Salt
1 cup Sprite
2-3 Fresh Mint Leaves
3-4 Ice Cubes
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Pinch of Black Salt

Method:-

1. Blend all ingredients in the blender.

2. Serve chilled.

Enjoy...