Panakam

Panakam, also known as Panagam or Panaka is a South Indian speciality that is synonymous with Sri Ramnavami. This cooling and refreshing drink is perfect for summers and is widely prepared in the Southern states of India. The water is sweetened using jaggery, lemon adds a tang to it and the added tulsi leaves give a peculiar flavour to the drink.

Apart from this, dried ginger powder, salt, black pepper powder and cardamom powder are also added to the drink. You can also add crushed ice cubes to make a chilled drink. Offer Panakam to God first and then distribute it as prasad. Try this popular beverage this festival season and let us know how it turned out to be.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup jaggery

5 cup water

12 leaves basil

0 juice of 1 lemon as required

2 Pinches salt

1/2 teaspoon green cardamom

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried ginger powder

How to make Panakam

Step 1

In a pitcher, add jaggery along with 5 cups of water. Mix well and let the jaggery remained soaked for 20 minutes. Now stir well to ensure it is completely dissolved.

Step 2

Now add black pepper powder, cardamom powder, ginger powder and salt. Squeeze out the juice of one lemon in the pitcher and mix everything well.

Step 3

Lastly, add tulsi/basil leaves, stir gently and serve. You can refrigerate the drink before serving or also add some crushed ice cubes as per need.