Let’s learn how to prepare this refreshing rose syrup / gulab sharbat at home that can beat summer heat and thirst! This is excellent during peak summer. Even if you travel in the scorching sun, this drink protects you from the intense heat and thirst. It is suitable for children and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- Rose petals / Gulab ki Pankhudiyan (गुलाब की पंखुड़ियाँ) / Gulabi Rekhulu (గులాబీ రేకులు)[Buy Online at Amazon India / US] – 60 g
- Candy sugar / Mishri (मिश्री) / Nagubothu (నగుబోతు) [Buy Online at Amazon India / US / Canada / UK] – 250 g
- Water – 2 litres
Preparation:
First, take fresh rose flowers, separate the petals, and spread them on a plate. Dry them in the shade in a well-ventilated place. After a few days, the petals will dry nicely.
Take 60 grams of these dried rose petals and put them in a vessel. Add 2 litres of good clean drinking water (roughly four big glasses – one glass is about ½ litre). Gently squeeze and mash the petals with clean hands so they mix well with the water and become soft.
Now place the vessel on the stove and boil it. Reduce the 2 litres of water to 1 litre of Kashayam (decoction) on medium flame. Once it reduces to 1 litre, turn off the flame. Carefully strain the kashayam into another vessel. Now, to this 1 litre of rose kashayam, add ¼ kg (250 grams) of rock sugar/mishri.
Put it back on the stove on a low flame and boil it while stirring continuously. The water will slowly evaporate and a soft pakam (syrup consistency) will form from the sugar candy. Tip to check the consistency: Keep a small bowl of water nearby. Drop a little bit of the syrup into the water. If it forms a soft ball and holds shape, the soft pakam is ready. Once the soft syrup is ready, turn off the stove. Carefully bring the vessel down and let it cool a bit in the air.
After it cools slightly, transfer this beautiful rose-coloured syrup into a clean, dry glass bottle and store it.
Usage:
If it becomes a bit thick, you can eat small pieces directly like a candy. Or, take a little bit of this gulabi pakam, mix it in a glass of cold water, and drink it. It gives instant cooling and refreshment.
Watch the below video for instructions in Telugu: