As the sun beats down and the summer heat rises, there’s nothing quite like a chilled, revitalizing drink to bring the temperature—and your stress levels—down. While modern mocktails and smoothies have their place, sometimes the most satisfying refreshment comes from timeless traditional recipes. One such gem is Nannari Sarbath, a herbal cooler that’s deeply rooted in South Indian culture.
Made from the roots of the Nannari (Indian Sarsaparilla) plant, this syrup-based drink is beloved not just for its unique earthy sweetness, but also for its natural cooling properties. It’s the kind of drink that brings back memories of roadside shops, terracotta tumblers, and the scent of crushed lime.
If you’re searching for traditional South Indian summer drinks or want to explore easy herbal drinks for body heat, this recipe is your perfect introduction. It’s simple, nostalgic, and can be customized in delightful ways—plus, it’s a great conversation starter for any summer gathering.
Ingredients List:
🍹 For One Glass of Nannari Sarbath:
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2 tablespoons Nannari syrup (store-bought or homemade)
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Juice of half a fresh lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
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1 cup cold water or soda (as preferred)
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Ice cubes (4–6, or as needed)
Optional Additions/Substitutes:
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Crushed ice for a slushy texture
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Sparkling soda for a fizzy twist
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Basil seeds (sabja) soaked for 10 minutes (1 teaspoon)
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Honey instead of sugar (if using homemade syrup)
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Mint leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions (Prep Time: 5–7 minutes)
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Soak Sabja Seeds (Optional)
If using basil seeds, soak 1 teaspoon in water for 10–15 minutes until they bloom and become gelatinous. Drain and set aside. -
Prepare Your Glass
Choose a tall glass and add ice cubes or crushed ice to fill halfway. -
Add the Nannari Syrup
Pour 2 tablespoons of Nannari syrup into the glass. -
Squeeze in the Lemon Juice
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to balance the sweetness with a bright citrusy note. -
Add Soaked Sabja Seeds (Optional)
These seeds add texture, visual appeal, and cooling properties—perfect for summer. -
Top with Chilled Water or Soda
Pour chilled still water or soda over the mix and stir gently with a long spoon. -
Garnish and Serve
Add a sprig of mint or a thin lemon slice for presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy the herbal burst of coolness.
Creative Twist ✨: “Sarbath with a Memory”
Let’s elevate this humble sarbath with a nostalgic, luxurious twist. Imagine sipping this in a brass tumbler, as they do in rural Tamil Nadu. Add saffron threads and crushed cardamom to the syrup mix for a regal aroma. Or go visual with floral ice cubes: freeze edible rose petals in water and add them to the drink for a stunning look and subtle floral notes.
Here’s a memory from my childhood: Every summer, during temple festivals in Palakkad, vendors would hand out Nannari sarbath in reusable steel glasses. The drink, cool from terracotta pots, would leave a trail of earthy sweetness and lemon zest on the tongue. It wasn’t just a drink—it was tradition in a glass.
Try recreating that memory with earthenware cups or by using jaggery-based homemade syrup for an earthy undertone. This transforms the sarbath from a drink into an experience.
Serving Tips & Variations:
🧊 Presentation & Glassware:
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Use a clear tall glass to show off the layers and basil seeds.
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Garnish with mint leaves or a slice of lime for color contrast.
💧 Still vs Carbonated:
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For a traditional version, use chilled still water.
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For a party version, opt for club soda or sparkling lemon water.
👶 Kid-Friendly and Diet Tips:
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Use honey or jaggery syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
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Skip basil seeds if serving very young children.
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Great option for vegan and gluten-free diets.
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Make a spicy version by adding a hint of ginger juice or black salt.
This drink also works wonders as a natural summer energy drink—especially for those fasting during Ramadan or spending long hours in the sun.
Nutritional & Cultural Insights:
🍃 Cooling and Digestive Benefits:
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Nannari root is known in Ayurveda for its cooling effects on the body and is used to prevent dehydration and heat strokes.
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Lemon adds vitamin C and aids digestion.
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Sabja seeds are rich in fiber and act as a natural coolant.
🌍 Regional Relevance:
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Popular in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, Nannari Sarbath is a staple street drink sold in summer by roadside vendors and juice shops.
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Often consumed during temple festivals, Ramadan iftars, and traditional summer gatherings in South India.
📊 Ingredient Calorie Chart:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Nannari Syrup | 2 tbsp | 90 kcal |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp | 4 kcal |
| Soaked Sabja Seeds | 1 tsp | 10 kcal |
| Soda/Water | 1 cup | 0–20 kcal |
| Ice Cubes | – | 0 kcal |
| Total (Approx.) | – | 100–120 kcal |
Do you want to try this Authentic Nannari Sarbath?
There you have it—a beautifully balanced, deeply refreshing, and culturally rich summer drink that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you prefer it still or sparkling, with basil seeds or saffron, the Nannari Sarbath offers endless ways to enjoy a time-tested tradition.
Did you make your own twist? Snap a pic and tag us on Instagram or drop your variation in the comments. We love hearing your stories and memories around traditional summer drinks!
This post is part of our Summer Drinks Recipe Series. Stay tuned for our next refreshing recipe: “ Refreshing Lemonade with Basil Seeds”—a crisp detox drink with spa vibes and hydrating benefits.
Until then, keep sipping and stay cool! 🌿🍹
