Rose milk

I guess 'rose milk' is a typical Indian drink, and if you mention it to people here..they are like, rose what?? But it is a sight to behold and on a scorching Indian summer day, a perfect drink to cool you down. It was/is one of my favorites, whenever we went to the 'Juice corner' in Central Bus stand in Trichy, my native place, rose milk was my drink of choice. My dad would crib that it is not as healthy as fruit juices. I had never been too fond of fruits growing up(even now),but would be adamant in getting this pinky pink glass and downing it. It tasted delicious - perhaps the satisfaction of a rebellious win over parent advice ? :)

Now the days of childhood are past, and no one really says eat this, or don't eat this, and although it kinda sounds wierd, I do miss those days. In memory of those times, I decided to make rose milk. All you need is rose milk syrup, milk and sugar. I have use store bought rose milk syrup, although you can make it at home.

Remove petals of a rose(wash), simmer with 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tsp of rose water and 1/2 tsp of red food coloring. Simmer gently until all the sugar is dissolved and the syrup has thickened a bit, about 15 minutes. Let this cool and strain the petals off. Reserve this syrup and store in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator.

Blend all the ingredients together, serve chilled. I made it more festive, by adding cocktail umbrella.

Verdict: Sweet, pink, cold and refreshing, it feels like you are in floral heaven. DH says it has to be atleast 80 degrees outside for you to be able to relish this drink truly. Seattle is still struggling to hit 70, but this drink makes up for it.

Sending this to 'Food Palette - Pink' . I am also sending the following two archived entries to this event.

Pretty in Pink - Coconut Ladoo

and Strawberry Shrikhand

Also sending this pink drink to 'Fun n Sun' @ Tickling palates and to 'Seasonal Indlugence - Summer coolers'. Also to 'Mocktails and Coolers' event and to 'Show me your Summer coolers' event.