Saunf Ka Sharbat: Beat the Summer Heat with This Refreshing Drink

As the scorching sun beats down, a thirst-quenching drink is the ultimate summer saviour. Luckily, the Indian culinary tradition has the perfect solution, the captivating ‘Variyali Sharbat’ or ‘Saunf Ka Sharbat.’ This fragrant and flavourful delight, rooted in the spice-filled heritage of the subcontinent, is set to become your new go-to chill-out companion.

Saunf, or fennel seeds, have long been celebrated in Ayurvedic medicine for their cooling properties and amazing health perks. Celebrated chef Sanjeev Kapoor, an expert in traditional recipes, shares that saunf-based sharbats (summer coolers) have been around for centuries. ‘Saunf Ka Sharbat’ is not just incredibly refreshing, but it also helps digestion and offers tons of wellness benefits," he said.

How to Make ‘Saunf Ka Sharbat’

To make your own refreshing Saunf Ka Sharbat aka Variyali Sharbat, start by toasting whole fennel seeds in a dry pan until fragrant. This step, according to chef Ranveer Brar, enhances the seeds' essential oils, resulting in a more pronounced flavour. Next, blend the toasted saunf with water, lemon juice, and your preferred sweetener - sugar or caramel-like jaggery.

For an extra touch, you can add a hint of ginger or a dash of rose water to create a unique and tantalising variation, as suggested by chef Manish Mehrotra. "The ginger lends a subtle spicy undertone, while the rose water imparts a floral elegance," he explains.

To serve the sharbat, chill the mixture thoroughly and pour it over ice in tall glasses. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a thin slice of lemon. Chef Ranveer Brar recommends adding a few ice cubes made from the sharbat itself, to prevent dilution as you sip and savour.