Non-alcoholic Drink

Strain the spices out of the ukado.

Kadha, or Ukado: An Ayurvedic Spiced Tea

Ukado, or “Ukaro”, is the Gujarati version of kadha. Kadha is an Ayurvedic tea that is frequently used to promote good health. It is an herbal concoction with a strong spicy flavor traditionally consumed for its warming and soothing qualities. This is a family recipe my mom taught me. It was a common fixture in […]

Lychee lemonade

Lychee Lemonade

If you’re a fan of lychee and looking to add a delightful twist to the classic lemonade, you’re in for a treat. Lychee lemonade is a drink that combines the subtle floral notes of lychee with the familiar lemonade. About this Recipe Lychee, with its slightly floral flavor, is the star ingredient in this delightful […]

Pouring sweet lassi

Sweet Lassi

Sweet lassi is a traditional Punjabi drink that is made with sweetened yogurt. It has a creamy, satisfying taste. It is like having a milkshake on a hot day. The best sweet lassi I ever had came from a small dairy stand in Bombay that I used to go to with my friends when I […]

Glass of salt lassi

Salt Lassi

Salt Lassi is a cool, refreshing yogurt drink. The tang and saltiness are most welcome on a warm summer day.  Yogurt and yogurt-based drinks have a long history in India. A version of this drink is mentioned in Arthashastra, meaning it has been enjoyed in India for over 3,000 years.  Why Make Salt Lassi? Ingredients […]

Masala chaas

Masala Chaas | Vaghareli Chaas

Masala chaas is a summertime cooling, salty, spicy yogurt drink. It is perfect for hot weather and helps to beat the heat like nothing else. The masala gives it a salty, spicy taste and helps replenish electrolytes. The yogurt, along with the mint and cilantro, gives it a tangy coolness. About this Recipe As a […]

Pouring pomegranate lemonade

Pomegranate Lemonade

Here is a refreshing take on lemonade with a little something extra, pomegranate. The pomegranate gives it a dark red color and a little extra sweetness. I make this in the style of Indian lemonade, which is less tart than western lemonades. I also include the cumin salt rim, my favorite enhancement of an Indian-style […]

Glass of Masala Soda

Masala Soda

Masala soda, or ”nimbu masala soda,” is a lemon-flavored spiced soda popular in India in the summer. It is often served on the street. It is a refreshing treat during the hot, humid summers.  It’s a great non-alcoholic option. It is refreshing, flavorful, and easy to make. Serve it with street foods and chaat like […]

Dirty chai latte

Dirty Chai Latte

Dirty Chai Latte combines the traditional chai flavors with a jolt of espresso and a little bit of milk foam for that coffee shop presentation. You don’t even have to have special equipment to make the milk foam. I’ll show you how to do it with a jar and a microwave. What is a Dirty […]

Ginger Turmeric Shots, a poured glass in front of the bottle with some turmeric nearby

Ginger Turmeric Shots

Try these ginger-turmeric shots for a delicious way to get a daily dose of turmeric and ginger. They are packed with Curcumin, Gingerols, and vitamin C, they can be made in only a couple of minutes and promote good health. A Healthy Combination Ginger and turmeric are closely related foods with deep importance in Ayurvedic […]

Paan Shots

Paan Shots

Here’s a fun treat to serve at your next party: Paan Shots! With the distinctive taste of peppermint, gulkand, and paan paired with vanilla ice cream, they make for a delightful after-dinner digestif. These paan shots are non-alcoholic and will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Paan, or betel leaf, is eaten all across […]

Mango Lassi, Indian Mango Smoothie

Mango Lassi, An Indian Mango Smoothie

Mango Lassi isn’t really a milkshake, but it kind of is. It is made with yogurt instead of milk and ice cream. We don’t have them often, but once in a while, we will get one when we go to Surti Farsan for a special treat. I spent a number of childhood years at my […]

A cup of chai

Gujarati Masala Chai with Lemongrass

In India, guests are known as “emissaries of god,” they drop by any time they want without warning. When they come, you serve. You almost always serve them Chai. Whenever guests would come over to our house, my mom would immediately ask me to make a pot of chai. “Chai” is the Hindi word for “tea” but […]

Date milk

Date Milk

Date Milk is a rich, high-protein smoothie, naturally sweetened with dates. This is a drink my dad came up with years ago. He is deeply into healthy eating; nuts, and fruit are a large part of his diet. This drink makes a great breakfast smoothie or afternoon snack.  About this Recipe To me, the perfect […]