Sunday, August 12, 2012

'sinFonia rOmaNticA'


In scorching heat when the mercury crosses 40 Celsius, one needs an instant energy booster; staying cool in the summer is more a necessity than just about comfort! 

Fruits are a great option to beat the heat.You can have them in bite size pieces or have them pureed to a smooth, revitalizing juice. In my quest to have my own signature mocktail, I created this zingy 'Sinfonia Romantica'....

In mocktails, presentation is the key that contributes fundamentally to the success, so use of correct glasses and appropriate garnishes is the perfect way to add pizzazz to the drink. I have taken particular delight in preparing this drink for Indian Bloggers League. Just added a smack of hot minty chutney, sweetened lime juice cordial, watermelon/ marsh melon balls, a tinge of cayenne pepper to the old-fashioned, boring fruity mocktail! This spicy drink is  surely going to tickle the Indian palate. Hope IBL Team will be quick to rally to my labor of love…:p

So friends, let's make a toast to celebrate IBL...and enjoy sipping the mocktail. Laze around with a glass of Sinfonia in your garden, swing with it in your hammock or simply entertain your friends with this delectable, delicious and revitalizing Romantica...

The candy glaze, color, interplay of flavors and the crunch make this mocktail divine! Allow the natural fruit-sugars to do their magic.....!! Go ahead, and indulge....

Create an ambiance with Beethovan's Violin Romance~ Birds --courtesey youtube

I have used freshly squeezed juices of pineapple, melons, pear, green apple and orange. Red apples have been used for garnishing only and you'll see some floating on top of the glass! VITAL STATISTICS: The juice of this combination is rich in Potassium, pectin, Vitamins and natural healing enzymes...
Cut the fruits into small cubes, pour lemon juice along with two teaspoons of Sweet Lime cordial Juice. Put it in the refrigerator till you are ready to serve...!
Added two tablespoons of Sweet Lime juice with a can of soda water to the drink finally....
MULTI-PURPOSE MELON BALLS
I keep these frozen Melon balls (watermelon/marsh melon) in the freezer and use them for a variety of drinks, desserts, raitas. You may serve them as a cocktail accompaniment also! Or, just drop a few balls in a cool-drink, it enhances the visual appeal instantly. The recipe is simple: Scoop out the melons, add dried mint leaves, toss well and freeze! They stay for months....
Peudo servir amor! ( I serve with love)

Ingredients: (For two glasses)


One fourth cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
One fourth cup of fresh pineapple juice
One fourth cup of freshly pressed green apple and pear juice
Freshly squeezed juice of two lemons ( leave the lemons outside the fridge for at least half an hour before squeezing)
Reserve orange and lemon zest
1tbsp of lime juice cordial
Soda water to top
Make a paste of fresh mint with a small portion of a green chilli (de-seeded). Add a tsp of brown sugar to the paste while grinding. Keep it aside.
A pinch of cayenne paper.


Method of Preparation:

1. Chop the fruits, pour sweetened lime juice cordial and lemon juice immediately. keep the fruits refrigerated till you are ready to serve.
2. Put all the above ingredients in a ice-filled shaker. Add the melon balls. Shake it vigorously.
3. Add the mint paste and cayenne pepper; shake it again.
4. Strain the mix over crushed ice, and add the zest of orange and lemon. The zest gradually flavor the juice.
4. Top it with Soda water, stir gently.
5. Pour into chilled tall glasses.
6. Add cubed fruits liberally....
7. Garnish with wedges of apple and mint sprig.
8. Serve with a stirring-rod and straws.
At work....
*** IF YOU ARE MAKING IT FOR A KID'S PARTY---Omit Green Chillies and Cayenne Pepper..
A mocktail is a cocktail without alcohol...but this delicious drink is going to cast a spell...♥
A very romantic Non-alcoholic Sundowner...© panchali


My Chrome Shaker...
I use different combinations for making mocktails/cocktails, even as diverse as caramelized fruits, jellies, crystallized chocolates, cloves et al.

Summertime makes the whole world livid, inflamed and the orange haze of this drink is more reminiscent of a setting sun in the summer sky….a real sundowner!

This refreshing nectar offers instant relief when runnels of sweat have dehydrated the body. Strengthened with natural sugar, Vitamin A, C and E, potassium, it boosts energy promptly. Fresh fruits are essential for immunity, healthy-skin and eyesight. And mint is a natural antibiotic that heals indigestion, and stomach infections...hence, I recommend. 


Disclaimer: The title has been borrowed from Beethoven's composition....7th symphony!

"This post has been published by me as a part of IBL; the Battle of Blogs, sponsored by WriteupCafe.com. Join us at our official website and facebook page.




59 comments:

  1. Very interesting. Thanks for the recipe. We are in the midst of summer here. This comes in handy.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, SG for being the first one to comment on this contest post. A good beginning, I am sure :)
      Give it a shot...it's easy and tastes really really good :))
      Add a spot of tequila if you care...makes a wonderful cocktail..:D
      So good to have you here. Do visit again..please:)

      Delete
  2. That's nice! Really apt for summer.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot, Abhinav...:)Good to have you here.

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  3. Nice mocktail recipe! Will try to make it some day. Thank you for sharing :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Anjali. Welcome to my space:) Give it a shot, it's easy and tastes so different.:))

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  4. You have out done yourself. Loved the melon button size bites. All the best dear Panchalidi. Waiting to drink this at your place some time soon :)

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    Replies
    1. Aah, Ghaz...Coming from you, that's a huge compliment. I am thrilled by your words...:)))xoxo
      Thanks a bunch!

      Delete
  5. Ah... the name sounds like the name of a beautiful musical composition. Lovely

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    Replies
    1. Welcome thatandthisinmumbai ..:)
      Yes, of course it is from Beethovan's 7th Symphony! You didn't read the last line!
      Thanks for being here, and I hope to see you more :)

      Delete
  6. An apt healthy appetizer drink for the humid weather conditions right now. Wish I could have a sip right now! :)

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    Replies
    1. Awww..wish you were living next door, Arti. Make it..it's a tested recipe. My guests loved it this weekend :)
      Thanks a bunch!

      Delete
  7. This is truly refreshing.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a ton, Rajesh....:)) It is refreshing..do try it.

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  8. Slurrrp... Slurrrrp...

    Ooops that's just me trying to not let myself drool all over the place.

    Truly Mouth watering!

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    Replies
    1. Debdatta...hahhaha...!Stop drooling and come over to my place :D
      Thanks!

      Delete
  9. What a title to the post! I love the new look of your blog too. The green is soothing. And, it does seems like a great concoction that you have invented. All in all, a winner ;-).

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Rachna...Happy you liked the make-over. Green is life, abundant in nature, brings a cooling effect and freshness to the environment...so I thought this would create a perfect setting for the contest....:))
      The mocktail is soothing...do give it a try!
      Thanks for being here :)

      Delete
  10. Wow, The name is super dooper...I am sure the taste would have been too :)

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    1. Thanks Jayashree, Thank you for the appreciation and the visit... :)))))Yeah..it's delicious. Try it!:)

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  11. oh my god I want I want I WANTTTTTTTTTTTT :)

    Bikram's

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    Replies
    1. :-)))
      Bikram!! You have an open invitation to come over to my place and taste the drink..:D.
      I won't mind adding a shot of tequila too, if you please..:p!..tell me when are you coming??!!LOL...

      Delete
    2. oooooooohhhh I like that ... and tequilla is very inviting yummmy ... I will definitely let you know when i am on my way ... you see a punjabi will never say no to a few shots :) he he he he

      Bikram's

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    3. No problem...By virtue of growing up in Delhi,I'm more of a Punjabi than a Bengali....:))
      tusi ayo te sahi ...LOL...

      Delete
  12. Feels refreshing even by the mere reading of the recipe!

    www.anucreations.blogspot.in

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    Replies
    1. Anupama, Thanks a lot for the visit.. and the lovely comment. You made me feel good... :)))))

      Delete
  13. Alipurduar Junction Latest wallpaper,videos,Music etc alipurduar-junction.blogspot.com
    http://alipurduar-junction.blogspot.in/

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  14. Fortunately it is raining a bit in Delhi. Else, the summer was too hot and no amount of cool drinks could bring down the heat. :) The receipe looks nice.

    Sabyasachi

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    Replies
    1. Oh, this is blog is part of IBL contest, Sabyasachi...hence, have posted the mocktail recipe. Kolkata is still sultry, though its been raining...:-)
      Thanks for being here again.

      Delete
  15. Wow! That looks so good! It must be very tasty too! Ummm... will surely try... in Chennai you need them!

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    Replies
    1. Rajrupa ! Good to see you ...always!:))
      It is really tasty, give it a try. Oh, so you are in Chennai.Enjoy the drink and do give me a feedback please.
      Ah, even we need them all thru the year in Kolkata..!
      Thanks :))

      Delete
  16. Enjoyed your photos, didn't focus so much on the recipe.

    I like it served, not so much into the making bit.

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    Replies
    1. Jayadevm...Aah! ....that was a candid confession!:)"I like it served."- Oh dear me... you are truly blessed!!LOL...
      Thanks so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it... :)


      Delete
  17. It looks very inviting.. I'll have to try it some day.. :)Can we replace Cayenne Pepper with normal pepper?

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    Replies
    1. Neenu, Yes! You must give it a try ..:)
      And please don't try to replace cayenne pepper with ordinary pepper....it would kill the other delicate flavors! cayenne pepper...is optional in any case!))
      Thanks... your visit always pleases me no end... :))))))

      Delete
  18. I so badly wanna drink this. :D Love it.
    All the very best, Ma'm. :)

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    Replies
    1. You comment has overwhelmed me with delight ,Akshay! Come over to my place, the drink is ready :D
      Thanks a bunch :)

      Delete
  19. Panchalidi it looks so tempting and easy to prepare too..also love the new look of ur blog..

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    Replies
    1. Ranita! Good to see you...always:)) Thanks for the words of appreciation... :)))

      Delete
  20. Hmm...that does sound interesting. :)
    All the best for the contest.

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    Replies
    1. :)) Thank you for the visit, Divya...
      And Oh, so sweet...for your wishes. :))))

      Delete
  21. panchali Mam its so Tempting and refreshing gonna try for sure., "cheers" :D :D

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    Replies
    1. Cheers Vinisha for that heartwarming comment! Do give it a try and don't forget to give me a feedback...:))

      Delete
  22. This is just awesome. I never imagined a recipe post could be made so creatively and recipe itself is also so elaborate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TF,

      Your comment has made me truly happy... thank you for adding the brightness of your sunny words to my space... :)))) Thanks a ton!!

      Delete
  23. Cheers! I will try my hands at the recipe. :)

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    Replies
    1. Cheers!Do try...you won't regret:))Thanks Saru...!:)

      Delete
  24. This is real torture posting such delicious pictures,,,hoping to ask my mom to make one of these ...
    nice one,,'_gunjan kumar

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    Replies
    1. Gunjan...I laughed out aloud reading your comment! Indeed...it is always a torture to look at such delicious pics of food/drinks:(
      Pass on the recipe to Mom...she'll make it for you, but, don't forget the feedback!!:D
      Thanks so much:)

      Delete
  25. Dear Panchali

    Now!!!
    Now !!!

    SORRRY for this delay lots of LITTLE problems at home from LITTLE ones knowing about your culinary expertise I know this mocktail has to be delicious will give it a try as soon as I get free time to drink water when thirsty hahahah yes that how busy I am LOL
    thanks a lot for this recipe
    love
    rajni

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rajni,

      Thanks for coming by... doesn't matter if you are late... :))))))Hope you could install the things you wanted to add.
      :))Take care of the l'il one...
      XOXO

      Delete
  26. Impressive images of your delicacy and well-written IBL post. In btw, I understood what you meant about the Lakme logo only after visiting your page :)
    Cheers!!!

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    Replies
    1. Uma!!

      Mighty pleased to see you here... :)))I think this is your first visit to my space...so, a warm welcome ... and I hope you will keep coming...!!
      Thank God, the use of Logo didn't annoy you...You are such a sweetheart..! :))Thanks Uma.
      Cheers!!

      Delete
  27. Spam!! Please refrain from advertising here, Atif...Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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