Kesar Sharbat is a delightful saffron-flavored syrup that can be diluted with water or mixed with other beverages to create a refreshing drink. Here’s a simple recipe for making Kesar Sharbat:
Ingredients:
~ 1 cup sugar
~ 1 cup water
~ A pinch of saffron strands (kesar)
~ 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add a pinch of saffron strands to the sugar-water mixture. Stir well to ensure the saffron is evenly distributed.
3. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will help infuse the saffron flavor into the syrup.
4. Optionally, add lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Stir well.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the saffron sharbat syrup cool to room temperature.
6. Once the syrup has cooled, strain it to remove the saffron strands and any impurities.
7. Transfer the saffron sharbat syrup to a clean and dry bottle.
To Serve:
1. Dilute the saffron sharbat syrup with water. The ratio of syrup to water depends on your taste preferences, but a common ratio is 1 part syrup to 4 parts water.
2. Add ice cubes if desired for a chilled beverage.
3. Stir well and taste. Adjust the sweetness and concentration by adding more water or syrup as needed.
4. Optionally, garnish with a few saffron strands before serving.
5. Enjoy your homemade Kesar Sharbat as a refreshing and aromatic drink.
This saffron sharbat can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. You can experiment with the concentration and mix it with water, soda, or even use it as a topping for desserts like ice cream or falooda.