Refreshing & Healthy Summer Drink

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This summer drink is the ultimate thirst-quencher on a hot day. The natural sweetness of muskmelon pairs beautifully with the creamy milk base, while the addition of sabja (sweet basil seeds) and sabudana (sago) adds texture and makes the drink more filling. The pistachios and almonds provide a delightful crunch, and the cardamom adds a unique aromatic flavor that elevates the drink. It’s a great way to stay cool, hydrated, and healthy during the summer months, all while enjoying a light and satisfying treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 liter milk
• 2 tablespoons custard powder
• ¼ cup milk (for custard)
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 medium-sized muskmelon
• 4 tablespoons sugar (for muskmelon)
• 1 tablespoon sabja/sweet basil seeds
• 1 cup water (to soak sabja)
• ½ cup fine sabudana/sago
• 5 cups water (to boil sabudana/sago)
• 2 tablespoons pistachios
• 2 tablespoons almonds

Directions

1. Prepare Sabja and Sabudana: Soak the sabja seeds in 1 cup of water for about 30 minutes, or until they swell up. Similarly, soak the sabudana in 5 cups of water and boil it for about 10 minutes, or until the sabudana becomes transparent. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Custard: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup milk with custard powder to form a smooth paste. In a saucepan, bring the remaining milk to a boil, then add the custard paste and sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Blend Muskmelon: Peel and chop the muskmelon into pieces. Blend the muskmelon with 4 tablespoons of sugar to make a smooth puree.
4. Assemble the Drink: In a large pitcher, combine the muskmelon puree, cooled custard, soaked sabja, and boiled sabudana. Add cardamom powder and mix everything well. Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more sugar if desired.
5. Chill: Refrigerate the drink for 1-2 hours to chill, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, add chopped pistachios and almonds for a delightful crunch. Pour the drink into glasses and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves about 4-6 people.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding soaking and chilling time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for boiling sabudana and preparing custard)
• Total Time: 1-1.5 hours (including soaking and chilling time)

Variations

• Fruit Variation: You can substitute muskmelon with other fruits like watermelon, mango, or pineapple for a different flavor.
• Vegan Option: Replace regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version of this drink.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference or use natural sweeteners like honey or stevia.
• Nut Variation: You can add other nuts like cashews or walnuts to the drink for more variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This summer drink can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to retain its freshness.
• Reheating: It is best served chilled, and reheating is not recommended as it may alter the texture and flavor of the drink.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits instead of muskmelon?

Yes, you can use watermelon, mango, or pineapple as a substitute for muskmelon, depending on what’s in season.

2. How do I know when the sabudana is cooked?

Sabudana should become translucent and soft when fully cooked. If they are still opaque, continue boiling for a few more minutes.

3. Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cow’s milk with plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

4. Can I make this drink ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this drink in advance and refrigerate it. It’s best served chilled, so make sure to keep it in the fridge for a refreshing cold drink later.

5. Can I skip the custard powder in this recipe?

The custard powder gives the drink a creamy texture, but if you prefer, you can skip it or substitute it with a mixture of cornstarch and vanilla extract.

6. Is it necessary to soak the sabja and sabudana?

Yes, soaking both sabja and sabudana helps them swell up and soften, which is important for the texture of the drink.

7. Can I add ice cubes to the drink?

Yes, you can add ice cubes for extra chill, but it may dilute the drink slightly. It’s best to chill the drink in the refrigerator beforehand.

8. Can I make this drink without sugar?

Yes, you can omit sugar and use natural sweeteners like honey or stevia to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

9. Can I use a blender for the entire process?

Yes, you can blend the muskmelon and custard together in a blender to make the process easier. Just make sure to mix in the sabja and sabudana separately for the best texture.

10. How can I make this drink thicker?

To make the drink thicker, you can increase the amount of custard powder or add more sabudana and sabja for added texture.

Conclusion

This refreshing and healthy summer drink is the perfect way to cool down and stay hydrated in the heat. With its unique combination of muskmelon, sabja, sabudana, and milk, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this drink is both nutritious and delicious. It’s a fantastic addition to any summer gathering or a simple treat to enjoy on your own. Enjoy this refreshing beverage chilled, and feel free to get creative with variations to suit your taste!

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