Iftar's thirst quenchers
Sip it
Worldwide, traditional drinks form an important part of Iftar. In fact, the faithful are often advised to drink much more than eat after breaking the fast as it compensates for the water and nutrients lost during the day.
As such, iftar drinks are nothing extraordinary. They are the same drinks which can be prepared any time of the year; but it is the occasion which makes them special.
Different kinds of drinks are experimented with during Ramzan and the same are then sold or served on Iftar dining tables. Metrolife checks out some of the more
popular ones.
Drinks containing dates are the most favoured across the Muslim world. The reason being that Prophet Mohammad is said to have broken his fast with dates. Preparations like Crushed dates and water, Date Lemon Water, Honey Date Water, Dates in fruit drinks not only allow you to follow tradition but also replenish the need for sugar and lost water in your system.
It can be had with water or milk – a concoction that can beat a regular strawberry milkshake any day. Besides, the herbs in it cool down the starved fasting body and heal it in many ways.
Doodh ka zafrani sherbet is another traditional drink that is had during iftar.
The wholesome goodness of milk with sugar and dry fruits more than makes up for your day’s abstinence and the medicinal properties of saffron are an added health benefit.
Nothing like a glassful of thick Rabri faluda, with icecream, after a whole day’s fast. Especially loved by children, if had in more than one glassful, it can replace a whole iftar meal.
Also, tradition and season both call for a mango shake. Mangoes are an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, energizing carbohydrates and filling fibre for a fasting body. Besides, you can try out many different recipes with mangoes. It’s a chef’s delight.
Lastly, if you are not much of a milk person, you can rely on the good old lassi to break your fast.
Easy to make and tasty to have, you can try different varieties besides the sweet or namkeen or have some flavoured ones like rose, kewra, almond, masala and even mint lassi. Go ahead, take your pick.
