In my hometown guests are always welcomed with a refreshing drink that suits the season. The most common and popular drink has to be the nimbu sherbet (lime juice). Lemons are never seen here and it the lime that dominates in all homes. A big jar of chilled sherbet is always greeted with warm smiles in hot summer months. And this drink finds its way during winter months too! All you have to do is just squeeze in some fresh lime juice to a jar of warm/ tepid water! This has been practiced for a long time now for the wide array of benefits lime offers. Freshly squeezed lime juice is an ideal remedy for cold and coughs besides improving digestion along with host of other benefits.
Here is a slight twist to this traditional drink with the addition of fresh, green mint leaves! The quantity of lime is less than the regular version but is enough to come through the minty flavor of the herbs. This herb is no far behind when it comes to health benefits. Mint leaves can aid digestion, stimulate senses, treat colds etc.
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Mint and Lemon Cooler
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2-3
Description
A refreshing drink with a blend of fresh mint leaves with tangy lime.
Ingredients
- cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 small limes – squeeze out the juice
- Sugar or honey – to taste
- 1 tsp (5 ml) of chopped ginger (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) cold water
To serve :
- Fancy glasses, wine glass etc
- Crushed ice (optional)
- Lime slices (optional)
Instructions
- In a blender blend the fresh mint leaves, chopped ginger, lime juice till almost a paste.
- Then add in the water, sugar or honey to taste and blend for half a minute or till well combined.
- Serve chilled with some crushed ice.
- For a special touch, you may dip the rim of the serving glass in very little water and then immediately dip lightly in some salt. Then insert a lime slice in each glass, pour in the cooler and serve!
Notes
- You can make the same with only lime juice too.
- Just squeeze in more lime juice and sugar into a jar of chilled or even warm water.
- You may or may not add ginger juice, For a royal touch, also sprinkle few strands of saffron.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 40
Photography: Kavya Rao
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is nimbu sherbet, and how does this cooler relate to it?
Nimbu sherbet is a traditional Indian lime-juice drink — the most common welcoming drink in my hometown, served chilled in summer and warm in winter. This cooler is my variation on it with fresh mint blended in; you can make the simpler original version simply by squeezing more lime juice into chilled or warm water.
The recipe uses lime, not lemon — why does the title say lemon?
Lemons are uncommon in my hometown and it is lime (2 small limes, juiced) that dominates home cooking there. The title reflects the common English name used for the drink category; the fruit I use throughout is lime.
Is the ginger optional, and what other variations does the recipe suggest?
Yes — 1 tsp of chopped ginger is optional. For a festive touch, try sprinkling a few strands of saffron on top; dipping the glass rim in water then salt and adding a lime slice also makes for a more elegant presentation.
