Cardamom Sharbat

A refreshing Indian drink made with aromatic cardamom, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. This cooling beverage can be served with still or sparkling water for a perfectly balanced sweet and citrusy flavor.

4 servings
27 min

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon green cardamom pods
  • ½ cup lemon juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    With the flat side of a knife, crush the cardamom pods to reveal the black seeds inside. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the cardamom pods and seeds, lemon juice, and sugar to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to maintain a rapid simmer for 10 minutes. Don't allow the mixture to boil. After 10 minutes, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving the liquid and discarding the solids. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold and syrupy.

    25 min

  2. 2.

    Fill a glass with still or sparkling water. Stir in 1 tablespoon sharbat for each 1 cup water. Some syrup will settle at the bottom of the glass, so serve it with a spoon to allow for continued stirring or consider the last sip a sweet treat.

    2 min