Kokum sharbat or kokum juice is a natural drink made with kokum (garcinia indica) that is very popular in the coastal regions of India.
This drink is perfect for summer as it has cooling properties and also prevents heat rashes on the body.
Summer drinks really help in cooling the body. They can also be used as cocktail mixes.
You may enjoy these refreshing lychee lemonade,
Yoghurt Smoothie | Sweet Lassi Recipe and Watermelon mint lemonade recipe as cold drinks.
Hot beverages like Lemongrass Tea Recipe, Turmeric Latte and Ragi Malt Recipe are also delicious.
What is Kokum?
Kokum is a fruit that is grown in Western ghats. It is mostly sold in its semi-dry state where it looks like deep wine flowers.
It is used in Goan, Maharashtrian and Gujarati cuisines where it is used in many dishes and also as a souring agent.
Dried kokum is generally soaked in warm water and then its pulp is used just like tamarind.
It has a beautiful wine red liquid on soaking.
Kokum Sharbat Benefits
Kokum is extremely good for health and has many health benefits. Some of them are:
1. It controls acidity.
2. It cools down the body naturally
3. It helps in stomach problems like indigestion and flatulence.
4. It helps reduce heat rashes on the body.
5. It has antioxidants.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Kokum Sharbat: Serve kokum sharbat in a glass filled with ice cubes. Add chilled water and stir well.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a slice of lemon for added freshness.
Kokum Lemonade: Prepare lemonade by mixing freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and sugar.
Remember kokum sharbat already has sugar so accordingly adjust the quantity.
Add kokum sharbat to the lemonade and stir well. Serve chilled with ice cubes.
Kokum Mojito: In a glass, muddle some fresh mint leaves and lime wedges.
Add kokum sharbat, ice cubes, and a splash of soda water.
Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.
Kokum Iced Tea: Brew a pot of your favorite tea (black, green, or herbal).
Let it cool and then add kokum sharbat to taste.
Serve over ice with a slice of lemon or orange.
Kokum Mocktail: Mix kokum sharbat with pineapple juice and a splash of soda water.
Add crushed ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge or a cherry for a tropical twist.
Kokum Yogurt Smoothie: Blend kokum sharbat with plain yogurt, a ripe banana, and a touch of honey.
Add ice cubes and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy a creamy and tangy kokum smoothie.
Kokum Popsicles: Fill popsicle molds with kokum sharbat and freeze until solid.
You can also add pieces of chopped fruit like watermelon, pineapple, or mango to the molds for added texture and flavor.
Variations
You can try multiple variations when making kokum sharbat.
Try adding a pinch of cardamom powder for a tasty twist.
You can also add soda or coconut water for a refreshing taste that adds to its charm.
If you would so prefer, you can use jaggery in place of sugar for a deeper colour and an earthier taste.
How to prepare Kokum Sharbat or Kokum Juice?
You can prepare kokum concentrate which can then be stored easily for 2-4 weeks in the fridge.
Ingredients
Kokum: Kokum fruit is the main ingredient in this juice or sharbat. I have used kokum petals here.
You can also use kokum concentrate preferably without preservatives.
Sugar: It is used to make this drink sweet and reduce the tang of kokum. Add as per personal preference.
Spices: Cumin powder, pepper and black salt provide this drink its delicious flavor.
Instructions
Wash kokum and immerse in 1.5 cup hot water for about 2 hours.
Kokum will become soft and the water will take a deep purple-wine hue.
Take out kokum pieces and blend in a blender.
Add this back to the kokum water and heat on a gas.
Add 1.5 cups sugar and cook for about 8-10 minutes till the kokum concentrate becomes a bit thick.
Now add black salt, cumin powder and pepper powder (optional). Mix well.
Let the concentrate cool down. Now sieve it to remove the blended kokum pieces.
To make kokum sharbat or kokum juice:
Take some ice cubes in a glass. Add 2-3 tbsp. of kokum concentrate to it.
Top with water and serve chilled. Your kokum sharbat is ready to consume.
Pro Tips:
- You can vary the amount of sugar depending upon how sweet you like your drinks.
- You may also add 1 tsp. of cardamom powder depending upon your preference.
- You can easily store this concentrate in a clean glass bottle. It will easily last you for 2-4 weeks.
- Enjoy this kokum sharbat as a natural coolant on hot summer afternoons. It is very refreshing after a workout as well.
FAQs
Yes kokum has vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin C along with calcium, iron, manganese, potassium and zinc. It also has folic acid, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, hydroxycitric acid and fibre. Kokum sharbat helps in combating heat rashes and keeps the body cool in summer.
There is no particular time for drinking kokum sharbat. It is a cool, refreshing natural drink. It does help in preventing dehydration and keeping the body cool. Hence, it is preferred in summers.
Kokum has lots of antioxidants, is good for digestion and keeping the body cool. It is also known to have anti-ageing, anti-fungal and cooling properties.
Here's the recipe card:
📖 Recipe Card
Kokum Sharbat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup kokum
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 tsp. black salt
- 2 tsp. cumin powder
- 1 tsp. black pepper powder optional
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Instructions
- Wash kokum and immerse in 1.5 cup hot water for about 2 hours.
- Kokum will become soft and the water will take a deep purple-wine hue.
- Take out kokum pieces and blend in a blender. Add this back to the kokum water and heat on a gas.
- Add 1.5 cups sugar and cook for about 8-10 minutes till the kokum concentrate becomes a bit thick.
- Now add black salt, cumin powder and pepper powder (optional). Mix well.
- Let the concentrate cool down. Now sieve it to remove the blended kokum pieces.
To make kokum sharbat or kokum juice:
- Take some ice cubes in a glass. Add 2-3 tbsp. of kokum concentrate to it. Top with water and serve chilled. Your kokum sharbat is ready to consume.
Notes
- You can vary the amount of sugar depending upon how sweet you like your drinks.
- You may also add 1 tsp. of cardamom powder depending upon your preference.
- You can easily store this concentrate in a clean glass bottle. It will last you 2-4 weeks.
- Enjoy this kokum sharbat as a natural coolant on hot summer afternoons.
- It is very refreshing after a workout as well.
Nutrition
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Rajlakshmi says
I have had Kokum only in curries before. Love it's tangy flavor. This looks so good. Love finding new and interesting recipes in your blog. ?
Sanch @ Sanch Writes says
I remember drinking these every now and then when younger - I think it's an acquired taste
Unishta says
This is my favourite summer cooler.. Thanks for reminding me to make it. Of late I've become very lazy about these traditional coolers and prefer drinking plain water instead. Far less headache isn't it?