Drinks

Desi Liquors We Bet You Didn’t Know Or Sipped On

Meghna · July 9, 2020

Chadi mujhe yaari teri aisi ….. Jaise Daru Desi!!!! When it comes to liquors, India is the place to be …. Yes, as the land of Desi Daru a.k.a. local liquors we are no less than any other country in this world. From rice to apples to even flowers – India offers a huge variety of locally fermented desi beer and liquor you may love and enjoy sipping on. And with this new trend of going ‘Vocal For Local’ Daru/liquors can be a must try.

With the pledge to go vocal for local only, here we bring for you Desi Liquors from different parts of our country. Trust me, these desi liquor options are a must try.

8 Desi Liquors From India You Must Explore

Photo of ‘Indian countryside liquor with local nibbles‘ by Human3015 under CC BY-SA 4.0

Waving from various parts of India, these are 8 desi liquors you should delve into.

1. Bangla

Just as the name suggests, Bangla belongs to West Bengal. This desi liquor is made with starch that is fermented, hence has that super strong taste. And yes, if you are concerned about the alcohol content – Its really High!

2. Mahua

This liquor is made of chhowa gud and Mahua flowers and is a must try. Mahua is incredibly popular across the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar.

3. Lugdi

You would have heard of this one in the movie Jawaani Hai Deewani; Ranbir Kapoor had mentioned it. Lugdi is a crude beer that is made of fermented barley or rice; it is an age-old liquor in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Lugdi is also known as Chaang. Another interesting thing when this liquor is distilled its end-product is known as Arak.

4. Cholai

Yet another gem from Amar Sonar Bangla, Cholai! Like Mahua this one is also made using mahua flowers but also has rice as an added ingredient. Cholai can be called rice beer, it has a very distinct taste.

5. Desi Daru

This is one of the most extremely popular drinks made using the byproducts of molasses, sugarcane, etc. Desi Daru is also an ethnic tribal drink and is a very common drink in the villages of India.

6. Toddy

Here is one from down south, this palm wine beverage has a very mild taste. Toddy is the extracted sap of the palmyra trees. Once the sap is extracted it is left to ferment. The alcohol content in this desi liquor is very mild. While the drink is very popular in south, it is more prevalent in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

7. Handia

Handia is one of the most popular drinks in India, yes many of you would have probably heard about it before. This lovely desi daru is made of herbal tablets and boiled rice which is fermented over a period of time. It is extremely popular in the states of Odhisa, Jharkhand, Bihar, and in some parts of West Bengal. Another interesting thing about this drink is that it is offered by tribal people to please their Gods, and also it is consumed during festivals.

7. Kesar Kasturi

Kesar Kasturi is the drink of the Royal’s; you may ask why, well it is because it uses Kesar in it along with nineteen other ingredients. Did you know, Kesar Kastuti has been featured in a James Bond movie? Check it out.

Other popular Desi Liquors In India

Along with the top 8, below mentioned are few more gems in the Desi Daru treasure that our country is proud of:

Feni, Goa – it is made of Cashew or Coconut
Arak, Ladakh – made from grapevines
Kiad Um, Meghalaya – Rice forms the main ingredient
Zawlaidi grape wine, Mizoram
Zutho, Nagaland – Made from rice
Sekmai Yu – an Indian Sake made in Manipur

Final Words….

We hope you enjoyed reading this intoxicating listicle. If you think I missed out adding something here, do drop a message in the comments section below.

And until we meet next!

Drink Hard, Party Harder!

Featured Photo of ‘Factory made legal desi daru.jpg‘ by Human3015 under CC BY-SA 4.0

United Coffee House Is Still Young, Bright, And Beautiful

Madhurima · June 4, 2020

Who would’ve ever thought that a blend of AC and deep freezing tech would rule the world of cafes at one point in time? At least, in the 1950s, when everything was purely luxury, people would never believe that this two will be integrals in cafes. Actually, no! There was (read is) one place in Delhi which had both, and the best part is it still remains young forever and for always. United Coffee House has stood out its art with wonderful décor.

History behind the making of United Coffee House in Delhi

When India was almost to touch the realm of freedom, Lala Hans Raj Kalra visited a grocery store which was up for sale. Let’s remind you that it was a time when Mahatma Gandhi heralded Quit India Movement, which resulted in people’s uncertainty of owning shops and doing business. Raj Kalra was informed that some of the shops were up for sale. Being an owner of ‘24*7’ restaurant named ‘Esplanade’; he went to a grocery, where he stopped and could not resist himself from feeling amazed.

No sooner than later, his dream of opening the first cafe in Delhi got real. He bought the grocery which earlier catered to families who presided over steel frame of British Raj. The new place was his latest addition to his reputation; he was not only the manufacturer of country liquor, owner of a booze shop located in Chandni Chowk, but also the owner of Esplanade.

United Coffee House is Still Young, Bright, and Beautiful: Read More — _{Photo of ‘United Coffee House’ by MsAnthea under CC BY-ND 2.0}

Esplanade vs. UCH: Which is better?

When Esplanade served mainly the American cuisines with live music, UCH in Delhi sang high praises of Indian delights. Of course, Esplanade used to be a paradise before setting your life in battlefields. Remember, it is a restaurant of the time when the Burma-China war took away lives of many. Just to get set go, GIs took their Indian Girlfriends and enjoyed last day of comfort at Esplanade. Anyone visiting Delhi during this time would certainly not believe the fact that the world was entirely at war.

On the other side of the coin, there is the UCH – the outcome of shattered India right after Quit India Movement. As already said, because the businessmen were all in utter confusion, they all aimed at selling their shops. In this manner, UCH came into being. It was much more a refreshing experience a gala time in the midst of AC and deep cooling equipment.

Introducing the menu card

The 3,500sqft cafe no sooner than later won praises for the quality of cheese balls it delivers to customers. The keema samosa was another must-try platter that any Indian would love pampering their taste buds with! Other options included Nargisi koftas, railway mutton curry, and more!

Attracting an eclectic mob, it was a united hub where artists, writers, journalists, to actors and actress came under one umbrella. It was a time in Delhi where people considered that ‘Marriages were made at UCH in Delhi’ and not in heaven! The menu got a continental touch after Gandharv Kuma (his son) introduced Chicken Pepper Steak. After returning from Britain for his higher studies, He also added a range of sizzlers in different styles.

Meet the new owner –

Meet Akash Kalra, the grandson of late Lala Hans Raj. They say tragedy happens to teach us something. Maybe, that is the reason why he could not go abroad for higher studies. Lala Hans Raj’s legacy was given to his son, who passed away 7 years after his father. 17-year old Akash Kalra ended up carrying huge burdensome responsibilities.

But, in a way, he liked it too! Even now, he likes starting off his day by visiting the café and ending his day there and returning home. He prides in calling the café the first to house AC in Delhi alongside deep cooling equipment. He has recently opened two more counterparts – one in DLF Mall and other in Cyber Hub (Gurgaon). So, when are you visiting the United Coffee House in Delhi?

_{Featured Photo of ‘United Coffee House’ by MsAnthea under CC BY-ND 2.0}

Tonique – Asia’s Largest Liquor Store In Bengaluru

kuntala · May 28, 2020

“Tonique”, the phenomenal liquor brand of India, had been conquering the city of Hyderabad since 2017. Last year in 2019, the liquor giant ventured into a historic leap in inaugurating Asia’s largest liquor store in Bengaluru.

Anith Reddy, a Hyderabad based entrepreneur and the proud owner of Tonique, had a dream of educating people on the ease and safety of purchasing alcohol. With this objective in mind, he and his team set up the liquor boutique in Bengaluru hosting about 1000 labels of wine and almost 50 labels of beer and single malt whiskey.

The Survey and Research

The team of Tonique had conducted an extensive survey and research throughout the city of Bengaluru to understand the mindset and knowledge of different kinds of individuals. They interviewed students, professionals in different industries, doctors and medical practitioners, educationists and many more to record their thoughts and need for a good liquor shop or facilities within the city. The survey also included the preferred brands of individuals.

The Liquor Store

Spread across an area of 30,000 square feet, the building was originally occupied by Jewels De Paragon. Located at the intersection corner of MG Road and the Chinnaswamy stadium, it is one of the iconic landmarks of Bengaluru. The building was originally a 2-storeyed one which further expanded to a 4-storeyed building under the supervision and futuristic vision of Anith Reddy.

The interiors of the building are embellished by fine wooden floors, mild lighting for a perfect serene mood and aroma oil diffusers to create an enchanting atmosphere. One of the floors is specially dedicated to wines where one can swing into a delightful feeling among the numerous brands and flavours. Innumerable labels of wine, champagne, beer, whiskey from different countries like India, Australia, France, New Zealand, Japan, Italy and many others fill up the racks in all the floors. You will seldom experience the dearth of any brands within the boutique.

The ground floor is also one of the happening places in the entire building. You will be greeted with a spread of about 300 varieties of spirits from India and abroad. Whiskey, gin, vodka, cognac and beer are stocked up in huge quantities, leaving none disappointed. Almost 30 different types of champagnes and 55 brands of whiskies can be found at this huge liquor retail shop.

The manager and the staff are appropriately trained, possessing an educational qualification in hotel management. They have adequate knowledge about liquor and the history behind each of them. The customers are conveniently guided by the staff across the floors and the different counters and racks to locate their choicest drinks.

Unique Experience at the Liquor Boutique

Special efforts have been made to provide a unique feeling to the wine lovers and liquor admirers inside the boutique. Scanning through the racks and purchasing are basically monotonous activities. But housing wine tasting events and interactions with expert brewmasters, create a different experience for the buyers. Even trained sommeliers are present at the shop to guide you in selecting the correct brand for the perfect experience with family and friends.

The Other Attractions at the Shop

Along with its huge collection of liquor varieties, the shop offers a bakery section at one of its floors. You can enjoy buying some wine chocolates, delicious bakery eats, and cheese products. These team up with your choicest drink to create a perfect intoxicating feeling.

The shop closes at 10:30 PM at night and is well connected with different parts of the city. You can hire a cab, drive your vehicle or board the public and private buses to reach the majestic liquor parlour. The people of Bengaluru have now been gifted with an ideal place to spend their happy hours both during weekdays and weekends. They can now enjoy their favourite brands and flavours within a single campus.

The building is charmingly attractive with its grandeur and elegancy. Its beauty further enhances at night as the lights create a sparkling effect around it. Wine lovers and liquor admirers of the city are allured to indulge into its wide array of vintage collection of liquors. Not only you quench your drink desire with the best of liquor brands, but you are also equipped with the intricacies of selecting the right one as per the weather, season, the mood and the taste.

Featured Photo of ‘Liquor, 1AM.’ by Kurt Bauschardt under CC BY-SA 2.0

Lembu Chai Or Lemon Tea – The Refreshing Beverage of India

kuntala · February 24, 2020

Its relaxing effect creates a sensational experience, refreshing the mind of anxieties and worries. In almost every city of India you would find street side vendors and tea stalls selling Lembu Chai or Lemon Tea. It has turned out to be a preferred beverage among many Indians.

Adding lemon juice to lukewarm water and consuming it, is commonly prescribed by dietitians for reducing weight and for detoxification. Alternately lemon tea has achieved prominence in the weight loss regime for many individuals. The benefits of lemon are multiple due to its high content of vitamin C and other plant compounds.

The Essence of Lembu Chai

Lembu Chai is known by various names in India, Nimbu Chai or Lemon Tea or even Lebu Cha. The tangy taste of lemon imparts a special flavor to the tea. Mixed with spices like black pepper or crushed ginger, the taste further enhances creating a spicy effect. Drink one cup of lemon tea in the morning, you will soon realize its astonishing influence on your health.

The tea stalls and the street side vendors sell lemon tea in almost same quantities as Masala tea. This proves the significant growth of customers relishing the tea not only because of its taste but the difference it creates within the human body.

The Preparation

Lemon tea can be consumed hot or cold. The hot one is an instant relief from cold, cough, lung and throat infections. Cold lemon tea topped with ice cubes consumed on hot summer days creates a chilling and soothing effect within. You can add some Indian spices or fruit juices and syrups for the added flavor and aroma.

First boil water in a pan or a tea kettle for some time. There are various ways to prepare Lembu Chai. You can pour the boiled water in cups and dip black tea bags into it. If you are not a lover of black tea then you can dip in green tea bags as well. Prepare juice by squeezing a lemon by the hand crusher. Pour the juice into the tea and stir it well. Add honey for the sweetened taste. You can cut a round shaped lemon slice and add for garnishing. Serve the tea hot.

The other option is to use tea leaves in the boiling water. Stain the leaves once the desired color is achieved and then add lemon juice and honey as per the taste. Some people add crushed ginger, cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks too inside the boiling water with the soaked tea leaves. Once the mixture is stained, add lemon juice and honey to prepare the tea.

If you want to prepare iced lemon tea then you need to add ice cubes into the tea with lemon and honey and refrigerate. Once it becomes sufficiently cold, serve it with additional ice cubes and a slice of lemon.

The Benefits of Lemon Tea

Lemon tea is beneficial for the human body especially since its main ingredient is lemon. Lemon contains vitamin C, plant compounds and fiber capable of creating a protective cover against cold, cough and flue. It reduces chances of lung congestion and throat infections to a considerable extent.

Lemon tea controls the blood cholesterol levels significantly, preventing heart ailments and respiratory disorders to a great extent. Researchers have proved that citrus fiber lowers the risk of heart attacks.

Weight control is the major benefit of consuming lemon tea. It burns the calories and extra fats inside the body thus reducing weight significantly. The presence of plant compounds in lemon contributes in preventing weight gain.

The pectin fiber in lemon enhances the digestive capacity of the body by increasing the metabolism rate. This in turn has a significant positive impact on the digestive system of the human body.

Anemia is a common phenomenon occurring in many individuals due to the deficiency of iron in the body. Lemon Tea can assist in increasing the iron content of the body simple because it expands the human body capacity to absorb the iron from edible plant sources. The absorption capacity enhancement is increased mainly because of the presence of vitamin C and citric acid in lemons.

And the Conclusion…

Now when you know the extraordinary benefits of lemon tea, do not wait to include it in your morning routine diet. Once you start consuming it, you will be marveled with its magic and its excellent effect on your body. It will keep you refreshed and energetic throughout the day. You will experience a new zeal and enthusiasm in your professional and personal lives. Your body immunity will be enhanced, preventing the attacks from harmful bacteria and germs.

Your heart condition will be improved which is very important for a healthy life. Your mind will be relieved from tensions and mental stress. Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels will remain under control, keeping you fresh and active. You will live a life with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Featured Photo of ‘3/365’ by Victor Semionov under CC BY 2.0

Explore The Immense Benefits Of Tulsi Tea

kuntala · February 23, 2020

Tulsi or holy basil is an auspicious plant in India, worshipped by many as a reflection of the Lord almighty. Almost all Indian households prefer to maintain a tulsi plant bed as a symbol of prosperity and goodwill. Additionally it is said to purify the air, beneficial for the human health. The leaves are consumed in different ways for reaping its’ amazing benefits within the human body. The popular among them are the tea prepared from the tulsi leaves.

What are the different types of Tulsi Tea?

Essentially, Tulsi Tea is prepared from the leaves of three key types of Tulsi plants. The Rama Tulsi with green coloured leaves and light purple flowers, spreading an aroma similar to the fragrance of cloves. Krishna Tulsi or Shyama Tulsi is the second variety with a peppery flavor and clove like aroma. Its leaves are purple coloured. The third type is Vana Tulsi whose leaves are bright green and imparts a lemon fragrance and flavor.

Though all the types can be used for preparing tea, the most effective one is the Krishna Tulsi followed by Rama and Vana Tulsi.

How to prepare Tulsi Tea?

Tulsi tea can be prepared at home easily. It is better to use the fresh tea leaves from your own kitchen garden. Else you can buy it from the local flower vendors and stalls. Wash the leaves properly and keep them aside. It is recommended to prepare Tulsi tea with ginger, cardamom pods and lemon juice for the added health benefits and the additional aroma. For the sweetened taste, it is advisable to use honey and not sugar.

First boil water in a pan sufficiently. Add the tulsi leaves chopped into smaller pieces for extracting its fragrance and the juice. Add chopped ginger and cardamom pods or powder to the mixture. Boil the mix for almost 10 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and stain the tea. Add pinch of lemon juice and honey for the taste and serve it hot.

Tulsi Tea can also be consumed cold. You can cool the tea by topping it with ice cubes. The iced tea would create a chilling effect inside, soothing your nerves and brain.

The Health benefits of Tulsi Tea

The immense benefits of Tulsi Tea has made it one of the preferred drink among many Indians. It has proved to be extremely beneficial for curing cold, cough and lung congestion. The immunity power of the body is enhanced, protecting against the harmful flu virus and other germs causing throat and lung ailments. It is advisable to drink atleast 2 cups of Tulsi tea if you are prone to cold allergies. It serves an excellent antiseptic.

People suffering from irregularities in blood sugar levels are advised to consume Tulsi tea. It helps in controlling the blood sugar levels to a great extent. The metabolism rate of the body increases, dissolving the fats and carbs and utilizing the blood sugar from generating energy within the human body.

The anti-microbial properties of Tulsi Tea helps in maintaining an oral hygiene. It prevents the attack of harmful bacteria and germs inside our mouth. Our mouth remains fresh and free of any foul smell. Our teeth and gums are well protected by the antiseptic properties of Tulsi tea.

Consuming Tulsi Tea prevents the occurrence of respiratory issues especially because of its excellent quality to boost body immunity and capability to expel out phlegm. This provides a relief to your body respiratory system and also prevents heart related illnesses.

Human body undergoes mental stress owning to the variation of a hormone called Cortisol. Tulsi Tea possesses the magical benefit of reducing the level of Cortisol thus reducing the chances of anxieties and mental illnesses. The body and mind stay free from tensions and worries, creating a relaxing and refreshing effect inside.

How to preserve Tulsi leaves?

Maintaining and preserving a Tulsi plant in your kitchen garden is simple. You need to apply good organic fertilizer for proper growth. The plant should be kept in a place which receives the maximum sunlight and water it well to prevent the soil and roots from drying up. Tulsi plants can be regrown from the flowers. Pluck out the flowers to enable the plant to spread its stems and leaves. Spread the flowers on other soil beds for growing new seedlings.

In the absence of a garden you can buy Tulsi leaves from the local florists or street vendors. Preserve the leaves from drying by keeping them in a cool moist place. Use the leaves to prepare the tea.

Tulsi tea is an ideal way of boosting your health and ensure your body is refreshed throughout the day. It helps to create a protective cover around the body against harmful bacteria and germs. Tulsi aids people suffering from ortho related ailments, relieving them from pains. Its aroma is soothing and imparts a delicious flavor to the herbal tea. If you really want to improve your body immunity and stay healthy, Tulsi tea is the perfect solution for you. You can feel the difference once you inculcate the habit of consuming the tea daily. Health is wealth, a famous proverb which most of us are aware. Our happiness in professional and personal life largely depends on proper health. Hence it is very essential to maintain our body and prevent occurrence of any diseases and illnesses which results in deterioration. Tulsi tea will offer you a well packaged result if consumed diligently.

Featured Photo of ‘Bhustrna (Sanskrit: भुस्त्रैण)’ by Dinesh Valke under CC BY-SA 2.0