As the seasons change, simple mocktails inspired by local products remain popular due to their combination of freshness, nostalgia, and comfort. These two cocktails, inspired by seaside tastes, combine familiar ingredients in new ways.
While summer gives way to the monsoon, some flavourslinger. There is something about sipping a cool drink by the coast that naturally slows the pace. The air feels heavier, the afternoons stretch longer, and the body instinctively reaches for something light, refreshing, and revitalising.
As seasons shift, simple mocktails inspired by local ingredients continue to remain popular for their balance of freshness, nostalgia, and comfort. These two drinks, inspired by coastal flavours, bring together familiar ingredients in refreshing ways.
Xandari Oasis
This cooler combines cucumber, mint, lemon, and jaggery to create a light, refreshing drink suited to humid weather. Served chilled with soda and ice, the flavour profile remains simple, clean, and soothing.
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Ingredients:
Fresh cucumber: 40 g Mint leaves: 8–10 leaves Fresh lemon juice: 25 ml Light jaggery syrup: 15 ml Chilled soda: 120 ml Ice cubes
Aamrit
Aamrit draws from flavours commonly associated with Indian summers, with raw mango at its centre. The drink combines familiar ingredients in a more layered format.
Made using curry leaves, green chilli, black salt, lemon juice, soda, and ice, it balances sweet, spicy, salty, and sour notes while maintaining a cooling finish.
Ingredients:
Raw mango: 50 g Curry leaves: 4–5 leaves Thin green chili slice: 1 slice Black salt: 1 pinch Regular salt: 1 pinch Lemon juice: 5–10 ml Chilled soda: 100 ml Ice cubes
What makes Aamrit distinctive is the balance between contrasting flavours. The spice remains subtle, the sourness stays controlled, and the saline touch adds another layer of refreshment. The result feels familiar, reminiscent of homemade summer coolers, while offering a slightly different experience.
As the weather turns cooler, these drinks reflect how traditional ingredients and familiar flavours continue to adapt across seasons.
Jyothish R, Manager – Dining Experience, Xandari Pearl Beach Resort, Mararikulam
