Nutritive Mocktails - By Kaustav Dutta

National Nutrition Week was initiated in March 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the USA to promote nutritional awareness and the profession of dietetics. In 1982, the Central Government of India began celebrating National Nutrition Week to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of healthy, sustainable lifestyles. Malnutrition is a significant challenge to the overall development of the country, making National Nutrition Week an essential observance.

This year's theme, "Nutritious Diets for Everyone," aligns with the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations, emphasizing diets that meet the nutritional needs of people at various life stages.

To acknowledge all nutritionists worldwide, the Department of F&B Service of Gurunanak IHM presents three classical nutritive drinks. These drinks, made with ingredients available year-round, are a tribute to health and taste.

Gooseberry Squash

Ingredients:

For Squash:

- Indian Gooseberry, Chopped into Small Slices - 10 Nos.

- Lemon Juice - 500 gms

- Ginger - 200 gms

- Sundried Citrus Wheels - 200 gms

- Cumin Seed - 5 gm (Roasted & Grounded)

For Shaking:

- Plum Sugar Syrup - 10 ml (2:1 ratio)

- Black Salt - 5 gm

- Amla Juice - 500 ml

- Natural Mineral Water - 1 litre (top up)

Method:

- Blend all ingredients to make the squash.

- Use 20 ml of squash and cold shake with plum sugar syrup, black salt, and amla juice.

- Double strain into a martini glass.

Garnish: Black Grapes and Amla Quarters.

Nutrition Facts (per 240 ml serving):

- Energy: 765.36 kcal

- Protein: 18.27 g

- Fat: 5.93 g

- Carbohydrates: 188.673 g

- Omega 6: Omega 3 Ratio: 1:1

Tulsi Tonic

Ingredients:

For Liquor:

-Tea Liquor - 1 cup (prepared by boiling whole garam masala, black cardamom, bay leaves, plum sugar/plum candy; turn off the flame and add Darjeeling tea leaves, let stand for 3 minutes, then cool)

For Muddling:

- Ginger - 200 gm (peeled and chopped into julienne)

- Holy Basil - 12 leaves

- Lemon Juice - 30 ml

- Rock Salt - 10 gm

- Plum Sugar Syrup - 10 ml

Method:

- Muddle all ingredients in a glass.

- Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice and top up with the tea liquor.

Garnish: Bay Leaf and Tulsi Manjuri (Basil Flower Bud)

Nutrition Facts (per 240 ml serving):

- Energy: 183.4 kcal

- Protein: 4.25 g

- Fat: 0.25 g

- Carbohydrates: 42.31 g

- Omega 6: Omega 3 Ratio: 1:3

Sparkling Pomegranate Punch

Ingredients:

- Fresh Pomegranate - 5 Nos.

- Honey - 10 ml

- Lemon Juice - 30 ml

- Crushed Ice

- Sweet Lime - 2 Nos. (roundels and dried)

- Pomegranate Juice - 60 ml

- Club Soda - 60 ml

Method:

- Rim the glass with castor sugar and grenadine.

- Muddle pomegranate seeds in a highball glass.

- Add honey and lemon juice to the glass. Stir until honey dissolves.

- Fill the glass with crushed ice.

- Add dried sweet lime wheels and top up with pomegranate juice.

- Give a gentle stir.

Garnish: Lemon Springs or Rosemary.

Nutrition Facts (per 350 ml serving):

- Energy: 625.78 kcal

- Protein: 4.25 g

- Fat: 0.258 g

- Carbohydrates: 137.038 g

- Omega 6: Omega 3 Ratio: 2:1

Enjoy these refreshing, healthful mocktails as part of National Nutrition Week 2024 and make every sip count towards a nutritious lifestyle!