Indian Limeade aka fresh lime

The peak of summer in India is a carefree time, with mangoes, lychees and a plethora of summer fruits that rival each other with their colors and flavors. It is however also a very, very hot season, until there is relief from the monsoon rains. I realize we use the term #IndianSummer to suggest perfect and sunny weather, however, the mercury sometimes can be a tad higher than perfect. It is for those days, there are gallons and gallons of fresh limeade. The term for this drink, in colloqual speak is literally fresh lime and few words can sum up the simple purity of this drink better.

It is pristine in its simplicity, and brings memories of childhood with every clink of its pale and crisp being. As with most of my recipes, the emphasis is always on fresh, so it is important to use fresh limes for this drink. It is in this very basic form I can discern a small variation in taste between the lime and the lemon, and certainly a lot of difference in color. Traditionally, the basic formula is about freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar and water that is chilled and then served on the rocks. There is something magical about the beads of condensation of the sides of glass. Somehow, the delicate pale green color meshes in beautifull with the summer colors of India, which are usually pale pastel colors. Yes, just like the signature whites that we see here, the Indian summer landscape is usually dressed in crisp, cotton pale greens, yellows, pinks and of course white.

I am so relieved that school is over for the kids, although this does promise to be quite a busy summer, as I have so many events out and about, with the Spices and Seasons, cookbook. If you are around, I do hope you will stop by the farmers markets and come and say hi to me. You can find my schedule of events, here. This is something about the simplicity of this drink and the envigorating citrus flavors that will cheer you up. Interestingly enough, I find it most refreshing in its pristine form however if you do want to spike it up just a little bit, you can add a splash of vodka or coconut rum to mix it up a little. Also, if you like a touch of fizz, go ahead and make it with club soda, also offered as an option for cocktail parties, which only start later and last longer in the Indian summer months.