One of the food memories this drink evokes for me is the classic Raj Kapoor film Sangam, where Radha (played by the stunning Vyjayanthimala) watches her mother prepare a pitcher of Gulab ka sherbat or rose syrup drink. Her face directly in front of the pitcher is infused with rose colour; a full-blooded lady in bloom courted by 2 suitors. Perhaps it was traditionally served taping into the aphrodisiac properties of roses; their colour, fragrance, and sensuality expressing passion, love, poetry…being with the beloved forever no matter whether the path brings soft petals or thorns.
Rose Syrup soda (Gulab ka sherbat)
serves 2
Ingredients
• 6 tablespoons of rose syrup – I like an intense rose flavour hit so adjust to your taste as desired
• 1 lime
• 1 bottle sparkling mineral water, chilled
• Rose or any other edible petals to decorate
Method
1. Add 3 tablespoons of rose syrup to each glass
2. Squeeze some lime juice or add a slice
3. Add ice
4. Top off with some sparkling water
