Make Mallika Basu's muddled mint, rose and lemon cooler

 This fresh and fragrant Indian-inspired cooler – also known as Gulab Sharbat – is the perfect antidote for a hot summer's day

Mallika Basu's muddled mint, rose and lemon cooler; photography Issy Croker

Makes 4

Preparation time 5 mins

Cooking time 0 mins

"Sharbat usually has a tooth-tingling sweetness," writes Mallika Basu in her cookbook Masala. "In this cooler, I have saved your teeth somewhat. You can also try it with tonic water, if you fancy a change."

Ingredients

  • 2 lemons, halved
  • 8-10 mint leaves
  • 5-6 tbsp Indian rose syrup
  • Ice
  • 300ml soda water or water

Method

  1. Place the halved lemons in a glass jug or jar with the mint leaves. With the bottom of a thick rolling pin or wooden spoon, press down on the lemons to extract their juice and fragrant oils from the zest.
  2. Now add the rose syrup and leave this to sit covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
  3. To serve, strain equal quantities into four glasses filled with ice. Top with soda water or water and stir carefully.

From Masala by Mallika Basu; photography Issy Croker. Published by Bloomsbury.

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