Refreshing Coolers for Ramadan

Quick and easy – prepare some of these refreshing thirst quenchers in 5 minutes or less, while plan for others that need more time.

Other then the traditional sweet or salted lassi (made with yogurt and water), which is an all time favorite, during the Holy month of Ramadan; there are some who may want a change, every now and then. Here are some simple directions for you to make one or more cooler(s), for ‘Iftar’ or ‘Sehri’, as and when you please.

Measurements for all assorted coolers listed, makes one glass (or one serving). To increase quantity, use proportions accordingly:

Smoothies:

Peel and cut half a mango or banana or chickoo, in a ¾ cup milk, 1 teaspoon honey, 4 ice cubes and a pinch of ground cardamom (illachi). Swirl in blender until smooth and serve with ice.

Ice Tea:

Boil 1 mug of water with ¼ teaspoon of regular tea, a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, and four drops of lemon juice; refrigerate to cool. Serve with ice cubes and a sprig of mint.

Watermelon Cooler:

Coarsely dice and deseed 3 oz (3/4 cup) watermelon in ½ cup water with a few drops of lemon juice. Blend until even. Serve in a tall glass with ice cubes.

Power drink:

Boil 3 almonds, 3 pistachios and 2 cardamoms; remove skin and grind coarsely; add to one cup milk with 1 teaspoon rose water and sugar; swirl in blender for 10 seconds. Serve with ice or chilled.

Ice Coffee:

Make regular coffee, with more milk and sugar, and not too strong. Cool for an hour. Put coffee in blender with 2 ice cubes for 10 seconds when ready to serve; with or without ice cream.

Lemonade:

Squeeze juice of a medium size lemon into one cup of water. Add a pinch of salt, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 2 mint leaves; stir and serve with ice cubes.

Mint Cooler: