Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of immense joy and togetherness, bringing families and friends together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This cherished festival is a time for lavish feasts, dazzling decorations, and heartfelt exchanges of love and goodwill. As you prepare to welcome guests into your home during Diwali in 2023, it's not only the radiant diyas and colourful rangoli that will set the stage but also the delectable and unique welcome drinks that will leave an indelible mark on their hearts and taste buds.
Diwali is a time to indulge in culinary delights that resonate with the festive spirit. To ensure that every aspect of your hospitality reflects the warmth and grandeur of the occasion, these nine welcome drinks are carefully crafted to refresh, delight, and enchant your guests. From saffron-infused lassis to ginger and basil iced teas, each beverage is a fusion of tradition and innovation, offering a unique and memorable experience that perfectly complements the spirit of Diwali. So, as you prepare to illuminate your home with the radiance of this celebration, let these exceptional welcome drinks grace your Diwali gathering and create lasting memories for you and your guests.
1. Saffron and Cardamom Lassi
Lassi, a traditional Indian yoghurt-based drink, is a timeless classic that can be elevated with a touch of Diwali-inspired flavours. Saffron, known for its vivid colour and delicate flavour, and cardamom, with its fragrant and aromatic profile, come together to create a lassi that's both luxurious and comforting. To make this drink, soak a few strands of saffron in warm milk, add cardamom powder, yoghurt, and a hint of sweetness (sugar or honey). Blend it all together, and you have a lassi that exudes the essence of Diwali.
2. Pomegranate and Mint Sparkler
The vibrant red hue of pomegranate seeds makes this welcome drink not only visually appealing but also incredibly refreshing. To prepare this sparkler, mix fresh pomegranate juice with a squeeze of lime, a dash of mint leaves, and soda water. The result is a fizzy and tangy drink that's perfect for a warm Diwali evening. It's a delightful way to welcome your guests with a burst of colour and flavour.
3. Spiced Mango Fizz
Mango is a beloved fruit in India, and this spiced mango fizz brings a tropical twist to your Diwali gathering. Start with fresh mango puree, add a pinch of chilli powder, a dash of cumin powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. Mix it all and top it off with soda water. The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours creates a unique and invigorating drink that's sure to be a conversation starter.
4. Kesar Badam Milk
Kesar badam milk, a traditional Indian drink, is rich, creamy, and brimming with the goodness of saffron and almonds. To prepare this welcome drink, soak saffron strands in warm milk, blend soaked almonds with a bit of water to create an almond paste, and mix it with the saffron-infused milk. Sweeten with sugar, add a hint of cardamom, and heat the mixture until it's steaming but not boiling. This warm and comforting beverage is perfect for Diwali, especially on cooler evenings.
5. Ginger and Basil Iced Tea
Iced tea is a refreshing choice for warm Diwali afternoons, and this version takes it up a notch with the inclusion of ginger and basil. Brew a strong batch of your favourite tea and let it cool. Add fresh ginger juice for a spicy kick and basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Sweeten to taste and serve it over ice. This ginger and basil iced tea is both invigorating and revitalising, making it an ideal welcome drink for a daytime Diwali celebration.
6. Rose and Lychee Elixir
Rose and lychee flavours come together to create an exotic and fragrant elixir that's perfect for a special occasion like Diwali. To make this drink, blend lychee pulp with a touch of rose water and a hint of lemon juice. Sweeten it to taste with sugar or honey and serve it chilled. The result is a delicate and floral drink that will transport your guests to a world of luxury and elegance.
7. Mint and Cucumber Cooler
A mint and cucumber cooler is a crisp and revitalising drink that's perfect for balancing the richness of Diwali feasts. To prepare it, blend cucumber, fresh mint leaves, a squeeze of lime juice, and a bit of sugar with ice and water. The result is a light and hydrating beverage with a subtle hint of mint and a touch of zesty lime. It's an excellent choice to kickstart your Diwali celebration and leave your guests feeling refreshed.
8. Jaljeera
Jaljeera is a popular Indian welcome drink that's known for its spicy and tangy flavours. It's not only refreshing but also aids digestion, making it an ideal choice for Diwali when indulgent feasts are common. To prepare jaljeera, mix roasted cumin powder, black salt, amchur (dried mango powder), and a hint of chilli powder with cold water. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice and fresh mint leaves for added freshness. Serve it chilled and watch your guests revel in the invigorating taste of jaljeera.
9. Cranberry and Orange Sangria
Sangria is a crowd-pleasing and visually stunning drink that's perfect for a festive occasion like Diwali. For a unique twist, prepare a cranberry and orange sangria. Combine cranberry juice, orange liqueur, slices of fresh oranges, and cranberries with red wine. You can also add a touch of sweetness with some simple syrup. Let the flavours meld together in the fridge for a few hours, and serve it with ice for a refreshing and colourful welcome drink.
Diwali 2023 is an occasion for celebration, and what better way to set the tone for the festivities than with unique and delightful welcome drinks? These nine exceptional beverages offer a diverse range of flavours, from the floral elegance of rose and lychee to the zesty tang of jaljeera. They not only refresh your guests but also add a touch of sophistication and flair to your Diwali gathering. So, as you prepare to welcome your loved ones into your home for the festival of lights, consider these refreshing and unique welcome drinks that will grace your Diwali celebration and leave your guests with lasting memories.