There’s something magical about a drink that’s not just served, but shaken. Enter Kulukki Sharbath, Kerala’s bold, buzzy summer cooler that’s tangy, spicy, sweet, and utterly refreshing. If a lemonade and a mojito had a mischievous little sibling, this would be it.
This drink isn’t just about flavor—it’s a performance. Street vendors across Kerala shake it up in rhythm, often with flair, pouring the drink back and forth between glasses until it’s perfectly mixed and chilled. That signature shake isn’t just for drama—it helps every bold flavor shine through
What Makes It So Special?
What really sets Kulukki Sharbath apart is the addition of a green chilli—yes, you read that right. Not for heat, but for its peppery zing that elevates the otherwise sweet and citrusy profile. Add to that soaked sabja seeds (which bloom into little jelly pearls), a squeeze of fresh lemon, a pinch of salt and sugar, and some mint if you’re feeling fancy—and you’ve got a drink that’s got everything: taste, texture, and total refreshment.
It’s hydrating, naturally cooling, and good for digestion—which makes it the perfect antidote to sweltering summer days.
Ideal For
- Scorching afternoons when water just won’t cut it.
- Iftars and summer parties where you want something different but traditional.
- Anyone with a sense of adventure—this isn’t your average lemonade.
- Kids & teens (just skip the chilli!) and adults who love a bit of flair in their glass.
How It Comes Together
First, the sabja seeds are soaked until they puff up and turn delightfully squishy—think chia, but way more fun. Meanwhile, a lemon is sliced and juiced, and a green chilli is carefully slit so it infuses the drink without turning it into a fireball.
Everything is layered into a tall glass—lemon juice, the soaked seeds, sugar, a pinch of salt, that sneaky chilli, some mint leaves, and loads of ice. Then comes the kulukki moment—a second glass is sealed on top, and the whole thing is shaken with flair.
What you get is a slightly frothy, wildly aromatic drink with bursts of citrus, peppery notes from the chilli, and the floral, cooling texture of sabja seeds.
How to Serve It
Serve immediately after shaking—ideally in a tall glass, maybe with a salted rim for extra drama. A sprig of mint or a slice of lemon makes it Insta-worthy too. It pairs well with spicy snacks, deep-fried bajjis, or can totally steal the show on its own.
Can You Pack It?
While it’s best enjoyed freshly shaken, you can totally prep the soaked sabja seeds and lemon-chilli-sugar mix ahead. Just add water and shake when ready to serve.
Kulukki Sarbath
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep Work
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Soak the seeds
Place sabja seeds in water and let them soak for 5 minutes.
-
Slice the lemon
Cut a thin slice from the lemon. -
Slit the chili
Make a lengthwise slit in the green chili.
Method
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Layer the lemon
Put the lemon slice into the bottom of a tall glass.
-
Add the mix ingredients
Drop in salt, sugar, lemon juice, soaked sabja seeds, slit chili, mint, and ice one by one.
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Top with water
Pour in water until the glass is almost full like 80% of the glass. -
Seal and shake
Cover the glass with another and give it a gentle shake to blend flavors.
-
Serve immediately
Open, garnish if you like, and enjoy right away.
Equipment
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 40kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1g2%
- Sodium 100mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 0.5g1%
- Vitamin C 30 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.