Jamun, also called Indian blackberry, java plum, black plum, and many other names, looks black but has a deep purple hue and tangy flavour. When topped with black salt, the fruit tastes delicious and can be your mid-morning or after-workout snack. To eat this fruit, however, can be a hassle and leave your surroundings and hands messy.
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One of the best ways to incorporate black plums into your diet is by making mocktails that can accompany your snacks and meals impeccably and complete the spread. Since jamun is among monsoon fruits, it is a must-explore ingredient in your kitchen. Not to mention all the health benefits you can extract by adding it to your meals. Here are some mocktail ideas for you to consider.
Jamun Ginger Fizz
The spicy kick from ginger and tanginess from Indian blackberry make this drink a perfect pairing with dishes slightly low on spice and flaunting subtle sweet flavours. Start by deseeding black plums and turning them into a smooth puree. In a glass, muddle a few plums and combine them with black plum puree, lemon juice, ginger juice, and syrup of your choice. Top the glass with ice and soda water and finish it with chopped mint leaves.
Spiced Jamun Mocktail
Adding a burst of flavour to this drink is roasted cumin powder. It heightens the smoky notes and black salt amplifies the taste. After making a puree of deseeded black plums, mix it with lemon juice, syrup, black salt, and roasted cumin powder. Pour soda water into the glasses along with ice cubes and serve the mocktail chilled.
Jamun Mojito
Mojito is the easiest mocktail that you can whip up without much hassle and collect a number of ingredients. You have to blend the jamun pulp into puree and combine it with honey or sugar, lemon juice, and mint leaves. Muddle all the ingredients to make a sumptuous mixture and top it with ice cubes and soda water. Garnish glasses with lemon slices and enjoy.
Jamun & Coconut Cooler
This refreshing mocktail is a must-try if you are serving fried snacks or seafood at a gathering. It will blend with the spicy flavours of the dishes without making your stomach feel heavy. Make a smooth puree of jamun and pass it through a sieve to remove any large chunks. Add this puree to a pitcher and combine it with coconut water, honey, and lemon juice. Add ice cubes and garnish with mint leaves.
Jamun Masala Cooler
How about making a jamun mocktail with chaat masala? It is perfect to pair with a lightweight meal or meat-based snacks. Deseed fresh black plums and blend the pulp into a paste. Take a pitcher and mull the Indian blackberry puree, roasted cumin powder, honey, a pinch of salt, lemon juice, and chaat masala. It will remind you of savouring kala khatta gola as a child.
Lychee-Jamun Mocktail
Since lychee is also available in plenty during monsoon, combine it with jamun and prepare a delicious mocktail. Start by deseeding the fruits and blending them to make smooth pastes. Combine the pastes with sugar, water, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice in a pitcher. Top it with soda water and pour the mocktail into glasses topped with ice cubes. Garnish the mocktail with fresh lemon wedges and mint leaves before serving.