Basil seeds limeade is a special drink made with soaked basil seeds lime peel, simple syrup and lime juice that cools off the body, a popular street favorite in Kerala during scorching summers.
The lime/Indian lemon oil from the peel that mingles with the drink, simple syrup not plain sugar and the bartender style shaking alone gives it much desired taste. Basil seeds does add a hint of basil flavor but the main purpose of it in the limeade is cool off the body
If you are new to basil seeds then it is just like chia seeds, it blooms when soaked.
Basil seeds limeade is called kulukki sarbath. Kulukki means shaken and sarbath is sherbet. No fancy cocktail shaker is used but a glass over glass technique is used. The garnishes vary, green chilies pineapple or mango bits are also added.Basil seeds can help in detox and also has laxative properties.
Ingredients: (per serving)
Lime or Indian lemon – 1/2 or 1 (as per size)
Simple syrup – 2 tsp
Basil seeds – 1 tsp or more (bloomed)
Ice water to fill the glass
Ice cubes as required
Club soda may also be used
Method:
Wash basil seeds and soak in lot of water in a glass. It takes 10 minutes or more to increase in size and bloom fully and form a gel like texture on each seed. Drain off the water while using it.
In a cocktail shaker or glass add the juice of one lime/ lemon and one half the squeezed peel(this gives the oil and zest flavor) then add the simple syrup, basil seeds, ice cubes and water. Shake vigorously and serve immediately.
Top off the basil seeds limeade with club soda if you like.
NOTE:
Basil seeds are called Sabja seeds, Tukmaria or sweet basil too.
To make simple syrup:
Boil 2 cups of water. Add 1 cup sugar simmer for about 10 minutes or until it begins to become syrupy and slightly thick. Switch off stove and allow it to cool. Store and use as required when making drinks. Remember high heat alters the sugar taste completely.
Here are more basil recipes from FOOD NETWORK friends:
In Jennie’s Kitchen: Peach & Basil Panzanella
The Lemon Bowl: Thai Basil Shrimp
Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Basil Seeds Limeade
Creative Culinary: Ricotta, Lemon and Basil Pasta Salad
TasteBook: Frozen Basil Daiquiri
Healthy Eats: 7 Summer Dishes That Aren’t Complete Without Basil
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Tomatoes with Basil
The Mom 100: Shrimp and Corn Salad with Basil Dressing
Swing Eats: Gluten-Free Gnocchi With Tomato Sauce And Basil
Taste with the Eyes: Mandilli di Seta al Pesto (Handkerchief Pasta) #glutenfree
Veena Theagarajan
refreshing drink! healthy too
Ramya Venkat
wow looks fantastic.refreshing pictures meena
Ramya Venkat
looks so refreshing.love the bright pictures
Sowmya Sundararajan
This post is so refreshing and the most refreshing post I ve ever read. The white on whites is so distinct. Every aspect of the pics are clear with maximum visibility. Kudos Meena.
Sakshi Sharma
Beautiful!! Ur photography is really inspiring! 🙂
Nava K
Made this drink before. I know and I vouch it is sensational.
Remyas Baking
Refreshing thirst quencher…. love all snaps… 🙂
Dolphia Nandi-Arnstein
Love how simple they are! Love how powerful they are.
Rafeeda AR
Such beautiful pictures, Meena… Kulukki sarbath gets such a lovely makeover… Love this anytime… 🙂