Kulukki Sarbath: Kerala's Coolest Booze-Free Cocktail Hack To Try This Summer
Mojitos and lemonades are things of the past. There is a new entrant that’s stirring up the cocktail scene without a drop of alcohol. Meet Kulukki Sarbath, Kerala’s beloved summer cooler that’s about to become your next favourite refreshment. Known for its unique mix of ingredients and a delightful punch of flavours, this cocktail hack is turning heads for all the right reasons.
How-To Make Kulukki Sarbath
Kulukki, meaning shaken in Malayalam, perfectly captures the essence of how this drink is prepared. The key to its invigorating taste lies in its vigorous mixing process, which melds together a bouquet of flavours into one harmonious sip. Here’s how to whip up this summer sensation:
Ingredients
30 ml lemon or lime juice
30 ml simple syrup
One green chilli, slit; you can dial it down if you prefer less heat
1 teaspoon basil seeds
A pinch of salt
Ice cubes as needed
180 ml chilled water
Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions
First, soak the basil seeds in about 75 ml of water for around 10 minutes. They will swell up and become gel-like, adding an interesting texture similar to tiny tapioca pearls.
Next, in a cocktail shaker, mix the lemon or lime juice, simple syrup, and the sliced green chilli. Don't be afraid of the chilli. It's what gives this drink its characteristic kick. Add the pre-soaked basil seeds (with their water) and a pinch of salt to elevate the flavours. You can almost taste the drink in your mouth by this point.
Throw in a few ice cubes in the shaker and shake the mixture vigorously. This blends all the ingredients, while the ice helps cool down the heat from the chilli and makes the drink more refreshing, more irresistible.
Strain the mixture into a tall glass, ensuring you get all those swelled up seeds into the glass. They not only add visual appeal but are also a great source of fibre, and therefore, good for digestion. Garnish with a lemon wedge or a slit of chilli, if you dare, on the rim.
Simple but effective
You might be wondering why a drink as simple as Kuluki Sarbath works? It’s because it’s got a little bit of everything. The tanginess of the lemon, the sharp heat from the chilli, the syrup providing some relief with its sticky sweetness, and lastly, the basil seeds helping with the ultimate cool-down.
This complex flavour journey is made possible without any mixers of alcohol, making this drink a humble yet impressive mocktail in your repertoire.
