MAGAZINE
Sipping in the Rains
Mango shakes, pakodas and masala chai, hot cocoa, lemon and turmeric brews — a seasonal round-up of what to drink through the temperamental days of an Indian monsoon.
The Indian monsoon arrives to open arms and relieved smiles — a break from relentless heat, never cold enough to forget it. The drinks have to be as temperamental as the days: warm ones for the wind-driven showers, cooling ones for the humid aftermath.
Mangoes are still around, so a thick mango shake, lifted with vanilla, saffron or ground cinnamon. When the rain turns you nostalgic, hot pakodas and a strong masala chai. For something more soothing, hot cocoa — richer in flavour possibilities than hot chocolate, and better for a pinch of salt.
With immunity dipping through the season, the piece makes the case for lemon and turmeric: lemon tea with honey for a mellow mood, turmeric tea to keep monsoon ailments at bay — and cold drinks for the moment the clouds part again.
Published in Liquid Magazine.
