Vetrilai Juice

Ingredients

• - betel leaf
• - 3 tablespoons palm jaggery or sweetener of choice
• - Spices as required
• - 4 cups water
• - Ice for cold drinks

Method

1. About this drink: South India has a wonderful tradition of functional beverages — designed to cool the body, aid digestion or boost immunity. This version features betel leaf. Famous in All Tamil Nadu. Traditional digestive drink used after heavy meals
2. Prepare betel leaf: Blend 10 tender betel leaves with water. Strain well.
3. Sweetener: Traditional South Indian drinks use palm jaggery, rock candy or regular sugar. Dissolve sweetener in 2 tablespoons warm water.
4. Blend or mix: Blend all components until smooth and homogeneous.
5. Add spice: Add traditional South Indian drink spices — dried ginger, cardamom, fennel seeds, pepper or medicinal herbs as appropriate.
6. Strain: Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids.
7. Add ice or chill: Add ice cubes or refrigerate 30 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust: Adjust sweetness, spice and consistency.
9. Garnish: Garnish with fresh mint, cardamom powder or a pinch of saffron.
10. Serve: Most South Indian drinks can be stored as concentrates in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.