What are sabja seeds and where can I find them?

Sabja seeds, also called sweet basil seeds or tukmaria, are different from chia seeds. Find them at Indian grocery stores, health food stores, or online. They're essential for authentic texture and flavor.

Can I substitute chia seeds for sabja seeds?

While both create gel-like textures when soaked, they have different flavors and properties. Sabja seeds have superior cooling effects and a more neutral taste that works better in this traditional recipe.

Is gond katira really necessary?

Gond katira provides unique cooling properties and texture that make this drink special. While you can make the drink without it, the traditional benefits and mouthfeel won't be the same.

How long does soaked gond katira last?

Properly stored in the refrigerator, soaked gond katira stays fresh for 2-3 days. Keep it in clean water and change the water daily for best results.

Can children drink this?

Yes! This is a healthy, natural drink perfect for children. The cooling properties help during hot weather, and the natural ingredients provide good nutrition.

Why use rock sugar instead of regular sugar?

Rock sugar (mishri) is less processed and believed to have cooling properties that complement the drink's purpose. It also dissolves more easily in cold liquids.

Sabja Drink Recipe: Traditional Sweet Basil Lemonade (Cooling & Healthy)

Sabja Drink Recipe – Sweet Basil Lemonade

Print Recipe

A traditional Indian summer drink that combines cooling sabja (sweet basil) seeds and gond katira (tragacanth gum) with mint, lime, and natural rock sugar. This hydrating and energizing beverage is perfect for scorching hot days and offers a refreshing, nutrient-rich alternative to commercial drinks.

Author: Alexandra Roa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Indian Traditional

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon tragacanth gum (gond katira)
1 teaspoon sabja seeds (sweet basil seeds)
2 tablespoons powdered rock sugar (mishri)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 lime, sliced for garnish
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
2 glasses chilled water
Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions

Soak gond katira in water for 2–3 hours or overnight until translucent and jelly-like. Refrigerate if making ahead.
Soak sabja seeds in 1/2 cup water for 15 minutes until they form gel-like coatings.
In a pitcher, add 4–5 tablespoons soaked gond katira and 3–4 tablespoons soaked sabja seeds.
Add powdered mishri and fresh lime juice. Gently crush half of the mint leaves to release oils, then add all mint to the pitcher.
Pour in 2 glasses of chilled water and stir gently to combine. Add ice cubes if desired.
Garnish with lime slices and extra mint. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Soak ingredients in advance for convenience. Chill all components before combining for optimal refreshment. Adjust quantities for desired consistency. Gond katira can be pre-soaked and stored for 2–3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 60
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: sabja drink, sweet basil lemonade, gond katira, cooling summer drink, Indian beverage, hydration

Find it online: https://alexandrarecipes.com/sabja-drink-recipe/