Refreshing Spiced Pineapple Drink

This delicious drink is a refreshing take on jaljeera with fresh pineapple. “Jaljeera” literally translates to “cumin water” - in Hindi, “Jal” means water, “Jeera” means cumin. The cumin-based spice mix is added to chilled water and served as a refreshing summer drink, an appetizer, or as an accompaniment to rich food, as cumin has digestive properties. I love to add seasonal fruits to the classic jaljeera to enhance the flavors and to add some natural sweetness.

You will find pre-made jaljeeraa mix at most South Asian stores. To make your own, the recipe is below.

To make the pineapple-mango jaljeera

Makes about 2 glasses

Ingredients

2 cups of fresh, ripe pineapple

1 cup of water 

Sweetener (optional) 

Fresh lime juice, as needed

Some ice cubes

2 Tbsp of “jaljeera” mix (or add according to your preference)

1/2 cup of fresh mango, diced 

Directions for the “pineapple jaljjeera”

1. In a blender, add pineapple, ginger, lemon juice, water, some ice cubes, and blend until smooth.

2. Add more water if needed

3. Add this to a tall glass with some ice cubes

4. Stir in 1-1 1/2 Tbsp of the “jaljeera” spice mix 

5. Top with fresh diced mango 

   Serve chilled

For the “jaljeera” mix

Cumin seeds, 2 tbsp

Pinch of salt

Black salt, to taste (“kala namak”)

Sugar, 1 tbsp

Ground ginger, 3/4 tbsp

Dried mint, 2 Tbsp 

Pinch of dry mango powder 

Black salt, 1 Tbsp

Dry mango powder, 1 Tbsp 

Dried mint, 2 tsp

Pinch of salt 

Ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp 

Directions for the “jaljeera” mix

1. Heat a small skillet to medium-high, roast the cumin seeds until they turn brown and fragrant, stirring often

2. Turn off heat and set aside to cool

3. Add the cumin seeds to a spice grinder or a mortar and powder them. 

4. Mix in the other ingredients listed under “jaljeera ingredients” 

5. Store in an air tight container and use as needed