Watermelon Juice (Kaligadacha Sharbat) - Indian Style

Step 1: Prepare Watermelon

Take half of a medium-sized watermelon, peel it, and cut it into small cubes. Remove as many seeds as possible.

Step 2: Blend Ingredients

Transfer the watermelon cubes to a mixer jar. Add a handful of fresh mint leaves, 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste based on watermelon sweetness), the juice of one small lemon, 1/4 teaspoon of plain salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black salt, 4-5 ice cubes, 1/2 teaspoon of chaat masala, and 100 ml of chilled water. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Strain the Juice

Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pitcher. Use a spoon to press down and extract all the juice, leaving behind any remaining pulp or seeds.

Step 4: Prepare Glasses for Serving

In a small dish, mix 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of red chili powder. Take a serving glass, rub a lemon wedge around its rim, and then dip the rim into the sugar-salt-chili mixture to create a decorative coating.

Step 5: Assemble the Drink

Add a few small, finely diced watermelon pieces to the bottom of each prepared glass. Then, add 3-4 ice cubes to each glass. Pour the chilled watermelon juice into the glasses.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top each glass with a few more small watermelon pieces and garnish with a fresh mint sprig. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing watermelon juice.

• Use a sweet and red watermelon for the best flavor and color, which may reduce the need for extra sugar.

• Do not skip the chaat masala, as it significantly enhances the taste of the juice.

• Adding small watermelon pieces to the glass provides a pleasant texture while drinking.