Panak: A Traditional Indian Beverage

Panak is a traditional Indian drink that is made with a blend of spices, herbs, and sweeteners. It is commonly served during festive occasions and is known for its refreshing and cooling properties. The drink is also popularly known as 'panakam' or 'panagam' and is particularly popular in the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

CategoryDifficultyBeginner

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time5 minsTotal Time5 mins

 600 ml Water
 1 cup Jaggery
 ½ tsp Cardamom Powder
 ½ tsp Pepper Powder
 2 tbsp Ginger Juice
 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
 6 Ice cubes

1

Add water to a mixing bowl.

2

Mix and melt Jaggery into the water.

3

Add Cardamom powder, Pepper powder, and Ginger Juice. Mix all of this together.

4

Pour the mixture into a glass and squeeze some lemon. Serve Panak with ice cubes.

Panak

Ingredients

 600 ml Water
 1 cup Jaggery
 ½ tsp Cardamom Powder
 ½ tsp Pepper Powder
 2 tbsp Ginger Juice
 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
 6 Ice cubes

Directions

1

Add water to a mixing bowl.

2

Mix and melt Jaggery into the water.

3

Add Cardamom powder, Pepper powder, and Ginger Juice. Mix all of this together.

4

Pour the mixture into a glass and squeeze some lemon. Serve Panak with ice cubes.

Panak: A Traditional Indian Beverage

Many believe that Panak has several health benefits, particularly during the hot and humid summer months. It is known to cool the body and can help quench thirst and replenish fluids lost through sweating. The ginger in the drink is also believed to aid digestion and improve immunity.

In addition to its health benefits, people of all ages enjoy Panak as a delicious and refreshing drink. It is often served during festivals like Ram Navami, Krishna Janmashtami, and Navaratri, as well as during special occasions like weddings and birthdays. Panak enthusiasts serve it chilled or at room temperature, making it a popular alternative to carbonated drinks and sugary sodas.

Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh and good quality ingredients to ensure the best taste and flavor of the drink.
  • Adjust the sweetness: Adjust the sweetness level of the Panak by adding more or less jaggery according to your preference.
  • Add spices according to taste: The combination and quantity of spices used in the recipe can be adjusted according to personal preference.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste and flavor.
  • Let the flavors blend: Allow the Panak to sit for a few hours to let the flavors blend and develop.
  • Strain the mixture: Strain the mixture to remove any pulp or large pieces of spices before serving.
  • Serve chilled: Chill the Panak in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
  • Experiment with variations: Experiment with different variations of Panak by adding other ingredients like mint leaves or basil for a unique twist.
  • Use natural sweeteners: Substitute the jaggery with other natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if desired.
  • Store properly: Store any leftover Panak in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. Shake well before serving.

FAQs

Q: What is jaggery and where can I find it?
A: Jaggery is an unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It is commonly used in Indian cooking and can be found in most Indian grocery stores or online.

Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of jaggery?
A: Yes, you can use other natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar instead of jaggery. Adjust the sweetness level to your liking.

Q: How long can I store Panak?
A: You can store Panak in the refrigerator for up to two days in an airtight container. Shake well before serving.

Q: Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices?
A: Yes, you can use ground spices instead of whole spices. However, whole spices are preferred as they give a more intense flavor to the drink.

Q: Can I add mint leaves to Panak?
A: Yes, you can add mint leaves or other herbs like basil to Panak for a refreshing twist.

Q: Can I make Panak ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Panak ahead of time and allow it to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors blend and develop.

Q: Is Panak a healthy drink?
A: Yes, Panak is a healthy drink as it is made with natural sweeteners and contains spices like ginger and cardamom which have numerous health benefits.

Q: Can I adjust the spice level of Panak?
A: Yes, you can adjust the spice level of Panak according to your preference by adding more or less of the spices used in the recipe.

Q: Can I make Panak without lemon juice?
A: Yes, you can make Panak without lemon juice if desired. You can substitute it with other acidic ingredients like tamarind paste.

Recipe Suggestions

Have you tried this recipe?

Mention us @satyamskitchen and tag #satyamskitchenrecipes

Skip to content