As the summer months approach, the human body seeks drinks that are cooling, refreshing and hydrating, and the basic choice, which is easily available everywhere, is lemonade. During the torture of the scorching heat, lemonade becomes more than any regular beverage. Classic lemonade is quite common, and you all have relished it for years, but did you know you can also give it a twist with spices that are available at your house?
The concept of infusing spices into lemonade isn't merely about adding complexity; it's about crafting a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary, transforming a humble beverage into a symphony of flavours, aromas, and textures. Similarly, here are six easily available spices that you can infuse in your regular lemonade to spice it up.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a versatile spice that brings a comforting aroma and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of lemon. Simply infuse your lemonade with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a delightful fusion of flavours. The result is a refreshing beverage with a hint of spice, sure to invigorate your taste buds on a hot day.
Ginger
Ginger is good for the stomach and is widely popular as a prominent ingredient in detox water. As with detox water, you can also infuse ginger into your lemonade to give it a spicy zing. Whether you grate it, slice it or add the juice of it, the flavour of ginger and its subtle warmth it will give the whole beverage a new dimension with a myriad of health benefits.
Clove
Clove is a warming and strong spice with earthy undertones that are great for adding depth to your regular lemonade. You can directly drop in two cloves intact, or you can also toast them a little before adding them to the drink. Toasting them will give them a slightly smoky flavour, too, which will enhance the overall mouthfeel. Clove also has multiple health benefits, which makes it a great spice to add to your diet. What better way to do so than with a refreshing lemonade?
Star anise
Star anise, the beautiful spice that is popular for hot toddy and biryani, is now an active ingredient in adding flavour to a regular lemonade. It is suggested to add a little grated powder of star anise into your beverage rather than just dropping the whole star anise, you can add a whole star anise for garnish, but the actual flavour will come out of the powder. The slight sweet hints and liquorice from the spice add essential depth to your drink.
Jeera
Jeera, or cumin seeds, adds an intriguing twist to traditional lemonade. Its earthy warmth and slightly nutty flavour elevate the tanginess of lemon, creating a refreshing beverage with depth. To prepare, crush roasted cumin seeds lightly and mix with freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and a touch of honey or sugar. Allow the flavours to meld for a few hours in the refrigerator before serving over ice. This unconventional blend of jeera and lemon will surely surprise and delight, offering a unique spin on a classic summer drink.
Also read, 5 Hottest Cocktails Made With Lemonade
Chaat Masala
Chaat Masala is a delicious and flavourful blend of multiple spices that features cumin, coriander, rock salt, and amchur, also known as dried mango powder. This tangy blend of classic spices adds a distinguished flavour and taste to dishes as well as beverages. Most importantly, chaat masala is a common spice easily available in every household. Hence, you can also sprinkle some chaat masala on your regular lemonade and add extra flavour to it.