“Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun”
Noel Cowards
The origin of that expression is from Rudyard Kipling who once described the delirium produced by the sun in India, observing that only “mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun”. We fitted in right with it when we went out in the afternoon yesterday. Was it hot, or was it hot? Mr PAB, who is just recovering from a bad bout of tummy virus, dehydration and subsequent hospitalisation, had some urgent pending work, so yours truly volunteered to play chauffeur! What kept me going was the thought of getting back home to some chilled ale!
Ouf!! We’ve had a hot summer, and when I say hot, I mean HOT! The temperatures have consistently stayed in the mid 40C’s and there has been little respite. This is the peak of the North Indian summer, which is known for being as treacherous and unrelenting as can be. It’s customary for folk like me to wake up each morning and whiff the morning air for any hint of rain coming our way. ZILCH! Day after day we are faced with heat and dust, and power-cuts of course!
What makes the heat bearable and often enjoyable is refreshing posts like thisoneby Aran Goyoaga of Canelle et Vanille, an award winning blogger who continues to amaze and inspire me with her posts. The minute I saw the ginger ale, the mixology and the bubbles, I knew it was going to be a happy summer. Suddenly life seemed so much more bearable and worthwhile! Summer is for ginger ale! YES! I truly loved Aran’s post at Design Sponge, characteristic of her aesthetic photographs and her evocative writing. The advent of fresh ginger this season had me longing for ale. A simple and fun recipe, with ‘mixology’ thrown in, something for everyone… what more could we want this summer?
The glasses I’ve served the bubbly in are typically the sort found across India, and are used to serve tea in road-side tea stalls. They’ve been around for as long as I can remember. I remember seeing them when we used to travel by train as kids. It was either these or little terracotta cups, but they form a part of the essence of India. I had gone into the heart of the old city a few days go on work, and found an old lady selling tea in these. Of course I immediately asked her if I could buy a set. She pleaded with her rather unrelenting old man, eventually persuading him into agreeing, then happily packed them off with me. Her only question was what I would do with these? Sweet lady!
The bottles in the background are also part of our cultural heritage if I may say so. Summer in North India is not complete without crates of these available at every street corner. They are filled with lime juice and sealed with a marble on top, offering a thirst quencher for the man on the street. They are called called ‘bunta-bottle’ in the local lingo, bunta meaning marble. I love the shape of the bottle and the heaviness of the glass too. Though I am now very iffy about the source of water that fills the bottle, I bought them for their rustic charm!
To get to the mixology stage, with strawberries being from a season gone by, my next best bet for a consommé lay in peaches.Yes, indeed, stone fruits – the other thing that makes summer so much fun. Googling didn’t throw up anything, so I did what I thought was best, and made a consommé of peaches. Since it was less potent than strawberry consommé, I had to use more than 1 tbsp, and it lent a subtle hint of peachiness to the ale. This ale is a wonderful addition to summer!
Homemade Ginger Ale:
Adapted from Aran Goyoaga’s recipe posted @ Design Sponge
25g fresh ginger, grated
1 cup raw sugar
½ cup water
Juice of 2 limes
1/8 tsp active dry yeast
7 cups water Method:
In a small saucepan, add the grated ginger, raw sugar and ½ cup water. Bring to a boil and let sugar dissolve. Remove pan from heat and let the syrup steep and cool for about 30 minutes.
Strain the syrup through a fine sieve. Mix with the lime juice, yeast and 7 cups of water. Whisk together and using a funnel, pour into a plastic bottle. Screw the cap on the bottle. Make sure it is a plastic bottle and not glass as the gases from the fermentation can crack the glass jar.
Let it ferment at room temperature for about 2 days until carbonation forms. Make sure to refrigerate after it starts to carbonate.
Peach Consommé:
{Aran made a sweet strawberry consommé}
1 lb fresh peaches, peeled, pitted & chopped
½ cup sugar Method:
In a bowl, toss together the peaches and sugar. Cover the bowl and let them macerate for 2-3 hours, and puree.
Strain through a coffee filter and leave to stand undisturbed for 4-5 hours. Do not press as we only want to collect the clear juice.
Mixology:
1/2 cup homemade ginger ale
2 Tbs peach consommé
1 Tbs vodka to taste (optional)
Fresh lemon slices
Peaches
In a rocks glass mix the ingredients. Add ice to chill. Squeeze a fresh lemon to taste and garnish with fresh lemon and strawberry slices. Serve and enjoy!
As I sign off, just a reminder for a giveaway I am hosting courtesy of CSN Stores. On offer is a one-time-use $80 gift certificate for one lucky winner to use as they wish on any of the CSN websites. Do leave a comment HERE if you wish to take part.
About me: I am a freelance food writer, recipe developer and photographer. Food is my passion - baking, cooking, developing recipes, making recipes healthier, using fresh seasonal produce and local products, keeping a check on my carbon footprint and being a responsible foodie! I enjoy food styling, food photography, recipe development and product reviews. I express this through my food photographs which I style and the recipes I blog. My strength lies in 'Doing Food From Scratch'; it must taste as good as it looks, and be healthy too. Baking in India, often my biggest challenge is the non-availability of baking ingredients, and this has now become a platform to get creative on. I enjoy cooking immensely as well.
Deeba love this..reminds of our childhood summer days in india..we used to the local sodas as goli soda i south…and then the roadside chai in those cups…I miss it all..surely gonna try this…lovely post and lovely pics…
what a delightful post and fabulous pictures deeba…in our part of the world, we refer to the soda as goli soda (goli meaning marble in telugu) those chai glasses and stands are much in vogue now
The must be tasting divine they look yummy. Wow I have not seen those soda bottles with marble for a while. I remember when I was younger ( ages ago 🙂 the soda water came in these bottles with the marble. Happy to know Mr PAB is recovering.
Ginger ale is one of my favorite treats in the world! I am lucky enough to have an at home carbonatoe, so I may try this minus the 2 day wait period which in my book would be sheer torture!
Sorry to hear about Mr PAB. That is one delighfully refreshing drink and love the glasses and the bottles.
Thsi is the second time this week I've seen a recipe for making a drink and using yeast to create bubbles (first was in my favourite food mag). Never thought to do that before. Must be a sign to give it a go 🙂
Bunta!! Oh you reminded me of the drink I would so look forward to each time we would step out of the house in the summer. If you happen to go to Chandigarh, go to Sector 22 – there is a bhelpuri stall who sells the most awesome bhel and next to him is a bunta-vala! 2 of the best street foods I have had!! Along with the jalebi and kulfi 😀 Why don't you do a post on kulfi also? Provided the power cuts allow the kulfi to set 🙂
Awesome! One of mu aunts used to make wine at home like this, I've never tried it though..I also love those bottles, they are called 'goli soda' in south India, and 'goli' stands for marble…You bring back childhood memories!
next time i come to delhi i'll FB you. you seem to know all those little shops that sell amazing stuff. i love the tea glass carrier… so pretty and so truly indian.
It's so nice to be able to visit you again. I missed you so much. I'll really have to go visit some day. The pictures are getting better and better everything I look at your blog. Talk to you soon. xx
Making homemade ginger ale sounds like a lot of fun! The peach flavor sounds great with it too. We're climbing toward 40C here in Austin, but it's just in the mid-30s so far. This is a perfect drink for the heat!
Making your own gingerale sounds like a fantastic ideab Deeba. Gingerale, as I know it, was first manufactured in Oshawa, Ontario by John McLaughlin in 1907 for the public as Canada Dry. My daughter was born there and we used to visit his home(which is now a museum) often.
Hope your hubby feels better. This summer soother looks fabulous! I had to go check out this Aran's space just because she has my son's name. I went over there expecting to see a he but I was surprised it was a she. Beautiful pictures.
Did teh glasses come with the quaint wire rack? They are beautful together. The bottles are gorgeous too…I love evrything you have displayed on ur blog Deeba. Just the things I would love myself.ginger ale certainly sounds refreshing :)n ur pretty daughter is too!
The glass set and bottles are so beautiful and unique! The drinks they hold are refreshing bonuses. 😎 A ginger drink always makes me feel so much better when I have an upset tummy – I hope Mr. PAB is well on the the way to recovery!
I love this story, Deeba! And the wire holder is adorable as are the bottles! Just perfect for this drink! I do love Aran's blog too…and Design Sponge is a delight!
Bunta reminds me of those thirsty days in Delhi…how I love masala bunta with extra lemon…
And those flowers, we had this whole big creeper growing from the ground floor of our house to the second floor terrace and how sweet it smelt, the lovely pink flowers we call Madhobi Lata…not sure what the Hindi/English name is…
Hi Deeba, just found your blog and buntaaaa! brings so many memories of delhi flooding back! —our bunta-wala used to mix it up with nimbu and chaat masala! yummmm! thanks!
I can relate to both "hottest summer ever" and your reluctance to drink the water offered in the street. Love the photos you took, the glasses and the bottles! I never thought I could actually make a carbonated beverage myself without a very impressive piece of equipment! Love that drink.
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49 Comments
Nithya
Wow.. that is truly refreshing. Traditional cum modern presentation of the drink is awesome as ever 🙂
Debugcooking
Deeba love this..reminds of our childhood summer days in india..we used to the local sodas as goli soda i south…and then the roadside chai in those cups…I miss it all..surely gonna try this…lovely post and lovely pics…
Trissa
Growing up in the Philippines, I do have a weakness for lovely cool drinks – the ginger in this dish would be lovely.
Faiza Ali
That looks refreshing and the presentation looks awesome.
arundati
what a delightful post and fabulous pictures deeba…in our part of the world, we refer to the soda as goli soda (goli meaning marble in telugu) those chai glasses and stands are much in vogue now
sulagna ™
oh bunta bottle!!! nostalgic Deeba 🙂
MeetaK
deeba my dear what a perfect summer cooler. i love the presentation. i love the wire bottle holder! lovely!
Mark @ Cafe Campana
Very cool looking bottles. I love anything with ginger, it is refreshing.
Jessica @ How Sweet
Your pictures are just so beautiful. That sounds incredible refreshing!
Ken
I could use one of these right about now. Perfect way to start the summer.
Sanjeeta kk
Lovely pictures and beautiful presentation. A perfect summer cooler to ward off the heat. Nice to be here.
Happy Cook
The must be tasting divine they look yummy.
Wow I have not seen those soda bottles with marble for a while. I remember when I was younger ( ages ago 🙂 the soda water came in these bottles with the marble.
Happy to know Mr PAB is recovering.
Rosa's Yummy Yums
Two great drinks! Refreshing and delightful!
Cheers,
Rosa
Heather
Ginger ale is one of my favorite treats in the world! I am lucky enough to have an at home carbonatoe, so I may try this minus the 2 day wait period which in my book would be sheer torture!
shaz
Sorry to hear about Mr PAB. That is one delighfully refreshing drink and love the glasses and the bottles.
Thsi is the second time this week I've seen a recipe for making a drink and using yeast to create bubbles (first was in my favourite food mag). Never thought to do that before. Must be a sign to give it a go 🙂
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SnacksGiving
Bunta!!
Oh you reminded me of the drink I would so look forward to each time we would step out of the house in the summer.
If you happen to go to Chandigarh, go to Sector 22 – there is a bhelpuri stall who sells the most awesome bhel and next to him is a bunta-vala! 2 of the best street foods I have had!! Along with the jalebi and kulfi 😀
Why don't you do a post on kulfi also? Provided the power cuts allow the kulfi to set 🙂
DelhiBound
I read you often, but don't comment.
THIS post though grabbed me … the recipes look divine and I love that you encouraged the woman to sell you a set! I may have to copy you 🙂
Looking forward to trying this in the coming HOT weeks in Delhi!
Asha @ FSK
Ah! the Indian Summer!!! We are experiencing some of it here in NY as well :((..
such a refreshing drink:) I keep bottles of fresh lemon juice in the fridge here.. Cudn't survive the heat otherwise :O
Ambika
Awesome! One of mu aunts used to make wine at home like this, I've never tried it though..I also love those bottles, they are called 'goli soda' in south India, and 'goli' stands for marble…You bring back childhood memories!
Malar Gandhi
Oh my my, pictures are amazing…very impressive work:) Oh yeah, its terribly hot…this refreshing drink looks comforting to me:)
Latha
Deeba,
next time i come to delhi i'll FB you. you seem to know all those little shops that sell amazing stuff. i love the tea glass carrier… so pretty and so truly indian.
Helene
It's so nice to be able to visit you again. I missed you so much. I'll really have to go visit some day. The pictures are getting better and better everything I look at your blog. Talk to you soon. xx
lisaiscooking
Making homemade ginger ale sounds like a lot of fun! The peach flavor sounds great with it too. We're climbing toward 40C here in Austin, but it's just in the mid-30s so far. This is a perfect drink for the heat!
bellini valli
Making your own gingerale sounds like a fantastic ideab Deeba. Gingerale, as I know it, was first manufactured in Oshawa, Ontario by John McLaughlin in 1907 for the public as Canada Dry. My daughter was born there and we used to visit his home(which is now a museum) often.
RamblingTart
SO fun, Deeba! I love this! Your photos are so refreshing and beautiful. I adore ginger ale and am excited to try making my own. 🙂
Mowie @ Mowielicious
Gorgeous Deeba, and looks so refreshing! Love the photos and the styling. BEAUTIFUL!
Cool Lassi(e)
Hope your hubby feels better. This summer soother looks fabulous! I had to go check out this Aran's space just because she has my son's name. I went over there expecting to see a he but I was surprised it was a she.
Beautiful pictures.
Cakelaw
What a gorgeous drink. And your photos are stunning, as ever.
Amanda
Love the story of the old woman in town and getting that fabulous crate! This sounds very refreshing Deeba!
zurin
Did teh glasses come with the quaint wire rack? They are beautful together. The bottles are gorgeous too…I love evrything you have displayed on ur blog Deeba. Just the things I would love myself.ginger ale certainly sounds refreshing :)n ur pretty daughter is too!
Madhuli
wow wow wow..wow for the recipe, wow for the photos and wow for reminding of my chilhood days!glad to know that all izz well 🙂
s
delightful post..those pics sure are beautiful…Ur zeal is awe inspiring..
Anh
Your food styling is getting better and better, Deeba!
Chocolate Shavings
Looks absolutely delicious!
Tangled Noodle
The glass set and bottles are so beautiful and unique! The drinks they hold are refreshing bonuses. 😎 A ginger drink always makes me feel so much better when I have an upset tummy – I hope Mr. PAB is well on the the way to recovery!
Barbara
I love this story, Deeba! And the wire holder is adorable as are the bottles! Just perfect for this drink!
I do love Aran's blog too…and Design Sponge is a delight!
This will be great fun to try…very refreshing.
Eliana
Now this is what I call a sophisticated drink 🙂
Arti
What a lovely post Deeba!!! I like the way you featured those glasses and Bunta-bottles!! Reminded me of my childhood days & HOT Indian summer 🙂
The Purple Foodie
Deeba this looks delicious! I love making gingerale but am a little petrified to use yeast in it. Does it stand out in the drink?
PreeOccupied
Bunta reminds me of those thirsty days in Delhi…how I love masala bunta with extra lemon…
And those flowers, we had this whole big creeper growing from the ground floor of our house to the second floor terrace and how sweet it smelt, the lovely pink flowers we call Madhobi Lata…not sure what the Hindi/English name is…
Beautiful post.
Kathy Gori
This looks so yummy and I love the way you've presented it also!A real must try for the summer weather.
GB
Hi Deeba, just found your blog and buntaaaa! brings so many memories of delhi flooding back! —our bunta-wala used to mix it up with nimbu and chaat masala! yummmm! thanks!
Sophia
Wow, great job here. Awesome picture too! You should really consider submitting this to Recipe4Living's Summertime Sipper Contest! It looks delicious!
Meatloaf Recipe
great posting! it's really helpful for me.
thanks for share this.
Sarah, Maison Cupcake
Ouf, I can't take the heat one bit. I would be like the wicked witch in Wizard of Oz crying "I'm melting" if I were in those temperatures!!!
It's pretty hot here this weekend (30c in London!) so I could do with some peachy refreshment.
Love Aran's pictures, she makes it look effortless doesn't she.
Jamie
Sweetie, just gorgeous and so refreshing! Just the pictures cool me down! Lovely!
Liz
Beautiful presentation! Question — can you taste the yeast in the ginger ale? I wouldn't have thought to use yeast in a soda.
tasteofbeirut
I can relate to both "hottest summer ever" and your reluctance to drink the water offered in the street. Love the photos you took, the glasses and the bottles! I never thought I could actually make a carbonated beverage myself without a very impressive piece of equipment! Love that drink.