What is Kokum, what are are the benefits of using Kokum?
Kokum Soda is a naturally cooling Summer Beverage which has medicinal properties to cool the body, aid digestion and help prevent inflammation.
Garcinia indica, a plant in the mangosteen family, commonly known as kokum, is a fruit-bearing tree that has culinary, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses (Source - Wikipedia). The sun dried version is called Aamsul, Kokum or kokam. It is good for digestive health, prevents acidity and cools the body as well. A magical kitchen ingredient that's also anti-inflammatory and stimulates appetite as well. Another magical ingredient for Summers is Saunf / Fennel Seeds, which is used to make this Sugarfree Saunf Sherbet
Where is Kokum used?
Mostly used in the dried form, kokum is used as a souring agent in cooking along the Western coast of India - Goan , Maharashtrian, Kerala, Konkani, Gujarati cuisines. Dried Kokum is soaked in water to extract the pulp and it lends itself to a purplish pink colour, similar to extracting tamarind extract from soaked tamarind pulp. Kokum is used in tempering in Dals, added Usal, to make Solkadhi, Futi Kadi and other summer coolers.
Importance of the ingredients used
- Kokum - Coolant, digestive, anti-inflammatory
- Jeera / Cumin - helps fight flatulence and aids digestion
- Jaggery - natural coolant, unrefined sugar, calcium rich
- Fresh Mint - helps fight acidity, bloating
How to make Kokum Soda or Kokum Fizz?
Usually, Kokum Syrup is used to prepare this. But I have shown the recipe from scratch which helps you control the sugar as well other ingredients that go into this. It pretty much needs barely 4-5 ingredients and you can make this anytime, for a party or use it as a Summer Cooler.
Other Summer Coolers you may like:
- Sugarfree Badam Kesar Cooler
- Amrud ka Panna | Guava Punch
- Watermelon Lemonade
- Sugarfree Lemon Iced Tea
- Classic Jal Jeera
- Sugarfree Java Plum Chia Smoothie
PIN FOR LATER
What natural cooling beverage do you like? Do let me know in the comments below..
Ingredients needed for Kokum Soda:
- Dried Kokum - 30 grams
- Roasted Cumin Powder - 2 tsp
- Water - 3 cups
- Sprite or any Soda - 200 ml
- Crushed Mint leaves - 1 tsp
- Salt - a pinch (about ⅛ tsp)
- Grated Jaggery - 3 teaspoon (To make this drink completely refined Sugar free, simply use a combo of jaggery / stevia / any other refined sugar substitute along and use CLUB SODA in place of Sprite)
How to make Kokum Soda
Refer the video embedded here to check out how to make this.
Kokum Jeera Soda | Kokum Fizz
Equipment
- Bowl
- Wet Blender
- Sieve
Ingredients
- 30 grams Dried Kokum
- 2 teaspoon Roasted Cumin Powder
- 3 cup Water
- 200 ml Sprite Sub with Club Soda or Sparkling Water
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Mint leaves
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoon Grated Jaggery
Instructions
Check out the Video Embedded below for the detailed procedure and instructions
Video
Notes
- Use of Jaggery and Roasted Cumin powder are optional, but recommended.
- Jaggery is used in place of Sugar
- If using Club Soda, you may increase the sugar (jaggery / stevia / Refined sugar)
- If using ready made Kokum Syrup, skip all the sweeteners.
- Soak the dried kokum for at least 2 hours to get full extract.
- This beverage may be served as Futi Kadi (without soda) if preferred.
- To make this drink completely refined Sugar free, simply use a combo of jaggery / stevia / any other refined sugar substitute along and use CLUB SODA in place of Sprite.
Seema Sriram says
I loev kokum soda. My kids take after me, so it is our summer treat. So glad to see it on your blog.
Kalyani says
yay ! kokum for the win, right 🙂 ?
Mayuri Patel says
Hubby loves kokum drink but in the past have used ready made kokum syrup which tends to be too sweet. Have just ordered some kokum so will be trying out this delicious and cooling kokum soda this summer.
Kalyani says
that's awesome to know Mayuri. Undoubtedly, the homemade version is far healthier and tasty too!
Jayashree T.Rao says
I have not had kokum soda but would love to try it. Sounds interesting and ideal during summer.
Kalyani says
yes, tastes great anytime esp during summer
Sasmita Sahoo says
Kokum Soda is surely a cooling summer drink....... Good to get the recipe here, great to make during current time
Kalyani says
yes, thanks it surely is
Archana says
I make thekokum sharbat in regular water never tried carbonated water. This is something I must make.Thanks.
Kalyani says
do try arch, definitely is a must make for summers
Preethi Prasad says
Kokum soda sounds refreshing. I have heard a lot about kokum but never used it . I have to source it here to try this fabulous refreshing drink.
Kalyani says
thanks Preethi. Indeed refreshing, hope you find it at ur city
Priya Vj says
Kokum soda is yumm to gulp down on a hot afternoon. I have had it made from the concentrate but this recipe is a keeper to make it at home. Love this fizzy drink
Kalyani says
Thanks! prefer homemade compared to readymade syrups
Vaishali says
Very refreshing! Kalyani, I had it very recently at my friend's place and fell in love with it. Beautiful colour and such a amazing flavour. Sprite actually adds on to the flavour and makes it a nice fizzy drink.
Kalyani says
yes it surely is an amazing flavour, Vaishali
preeti garg says
this kokum jeera soda is perfect drink for summer season and love the color and taste.
Kalyani says
it sure is, thanks Preethi
Radha says
YUM! I am craving for it right now. I have some kokum left, and making this hokum soda right away.
Kalyani says
Awesome Radha!Do let me know how you liked it