Cooling Ayur-ade

The name for this ultra-cooling drink ( a staple in my summer routine) is a bit misleading as this is not a true “-ade” because it does not involve watered down fruit juice and sugar, but it is an homage to my friend Kellen, a fellow Ayurvedic practitioner who used this name as she would whip batches up on hot dry days at retreats in Ojai many moons ago. This is indeed one of the best aids I can think of to help cool the body, with a stack of pitta-pacifying (heat reducing) whole food ingredients.

Prep time: 5 minutes | 1–2 servings

Ingredients:

1-¼ cup coconut water
¼ cup aloe vera juice (see note)
Juice of half a lime
1 teaspoon rosewater (see note)
Tiny pinch of sea salt or black salt (kala namak)
Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

Mix together all ingredients and adjust any flavors as you wish. Enjoy immediately. Any leftovers should be consumed within 24 hours ideally to avoid flavors from turning too bitter or sour.

Notes:

• Aloe vera juice can be generally be found in the supplement section of many grocery stores, not in the usual juice aisle, so have a peek there if you have issues locating it.

• Any pure rosewater will work in this recipe, although my favorite for intense rose flavor that isn’t too cloying is from Royal Sense.