PANAKAM

Panakam is  a Traditional South Indian Sweet Drink.
Panakam, a Sanskrit word meaning “sweet drink,” is a traditional South Indian beverage made with jaggery, black pepper, cardamoms, and water. This simple yet flavorful drink is known as Panakam in Telugu, Panaka in Kannada, and Panagam in Tamil.
In South Indian temples, large pots of panakam are offered to Lord Sri Rama during Sri Rama Navami, which falls on the 9th day of the Chaitra Masa every year. This day marks the birth of the Hindu Lord Shree Rama.

*Preparation Time:* 5 minutes
*Cooking Time:* None
*Serves:* 4 glasses

*Ingredients:*

– 4 glasses water

– 1/4 tsp saffron

– 2 tbsp jaggery

– 1 tbsp lemon juice

– 1 tbsp ginger juice

– 1 tsp black pepper powder

– Few Tulsi patra/Holy Basil leaves

*Method:*

1. Add one glass of water to an earthen pot.

2. Add all ingredients except three glasses of water and tulsi patra.

3. Mix well until the jaggery melts completely.

4. Add three glasses of water, mix, cover, and let it rest for some time to allow the flavors to infuse and the drink to cool naturally.

5. At the time of serving, add tulsi patra to each glass and serve.

*Note:*

– You can use any vessel if you don’t have an earthen pot.

– Traditionally, a little edible camphor is added, but it’s been skipped in this recipe.