New Delhi: This South Indian drink is just ideal for a super hot day. Panakam has a strong association with Ram Navami. This jaggery, dry ginger, and cardamom-based drink are made in huge numbers during Ram Navami. Also known as Panaka in Kannada, this drink is very easy to make and is also good for detox.
Ingredients:
- Jaggery – 150 gms
- Water – 600 ml (three glasses)
- Juice of three lemons (medium size)
- Dry ginger powder – half teaspoon (can be substituted with crushed ginger)
- A pinch of cooking camphor (optional)
 Method:
- Soak jaggery in the water till it melts completely
- Filter the water to remove any particles
- Add the lemon juice
- Add the powders and stir well
- Although it is refreshing at room temperature, it tastes even better when chilled.
- While it’s okay to substitute jaggery with palm sugar, the drink doesn’t work with sugar instead of jaggery.
- It’s not uncommon to use tamarind extract instead of lemon juice
