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The Indian street food scene is currently obsessed with a vibrant new creation. A viral reel featuring a local sugar cane vendor has taken the internet by storm, showing him tossing fresh strawberries directly into the heavy metal rollers of his crushing machine. As the stalks and berries are pressed together, a stunning, pastel pink juice flows into the glass. This trend is perfectly timed for the Indian winter, as January marks the peak of the strawberry harvest in regions like Mahabaleshwar. Combining the deep, earthy sweetness of fresh sugar cane with the tart, floral brightness of winter strawberries creates a beverage that is both visually arresting and incredibly refreshing. While most of us do not have an industrial crusher at home, you can easily replicate this viral sensation using a standard kitchen mixer.
Why This Combination Works
The popularity of this drink lies in the balance of flavours. Sugar cane juice provides a heavy, syrupy sweetness that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Strawberries introduce a necessary acidity and a light berry aroma that cuts through the sugar. When processed together, the strawberry pigments dye the white sugar cane fibres, resulting in a consistent rose pink hue that is far more appealing than the standard murky green of plain ganna juice.
Image credit: Pexels
Essential Ingredients For Your Kitchen
Since it is currently strawberry season across India, you can find high quality produce at your local market. Here is what you will need for two large servings:
• Fresh Sugar Cane: Two stalks, peeled and chopped into half inch cubes.
• Ripe Strawberries: Eight to ten large berries, hulled and washed.
• Fresh Ginger: A small half inch piece to add a winter warmth.
• Lemon Juice: The juice of one large lemon to prevent oxidation.
• Kala Namak: A generous pinch of black salt for that authentic street taste.
• Chilled Water: Half a cup to assist the blending process.
• Fresh Mint: Three or four leaves for a fragrant finish.
Image credit: Pexels
Step By Step Preparation
1. Prepare The Sugar Cane
Ensure the outer woody bark is completely removed. Chop the inner pale pith into tiny cubes. Using small pieces is vital to protect the blades of your domestic blender.
2. The Initial Blend
Place the sugar cane cubes and chilled water into the blender. Pulse several times until the cane is broken down into a coarse, shredded pulp.
3. Add The Winter Fruits
Add the fresh strawberries, ginger, and mint to the blender. Run the machine on high speed for sixty seconds. The mixture will transform from a dull green to a bright, frothy pink slurry.
4. The Extraction
Place a fine muslin cloth or a clean cotton dupatta over a bowl. Pour the pulp into the cloth, gather the edges, and squeeze firmly. The liquid that filters through is your smooth, pink strawberry sugar cane juice.
5. Final Seasoning
Stir in the lemon juice and kala namak. The lemon juice is essential as it acts as a natural preservative, keeping the pink colour vibrant and preventing it from turning brown.
Image credit: Pexels
Tips For The Perfect Glass
To achieve the exact look and taste seen in the viral video, follow these professional touches:
• Temperature Control: Always use chilled water and cold strawberries. Heat from the blender blades can slightly cook the juice, dulling the flavour and colour.
• The Froth Factor: To get the thick foam seen on street carts, pour the juice from a height of at least twelve inches into your serving glass.
• Balancing The Pink: If your strawberries are very red, you might need fewer berries to achieve the pastel rose look. Aim for a ratio that keeps the drink translucent rather than opaque like a smoothie.
• Serve Immediately: Fresh sugar cane juice fermenting quickly. Drink it within ten minutes of extraction for the best nutritional benefits and taste.
Image credit: Pexels
Health Benefits Of This Seasonal Treat
This viral drink is more than just a social media trend; it is a nutritional powerhouse for the winter months. Sugar cane juice is rich in minerals like iron and magnesium, providing a natural energy boost. Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining a strong immune system during the colder season. The addition of ginger and lemon aids digestion, making this a wholesome alternative to carbonated soft drinks. Recreating this viral strawberry ganna juice at home allows you to enjoy a hygienic, gourmet version of India’s favourite street side refresher. It is a beautiful way to celebrate the bounty of the Indian winter while impressing your guests with a drink that looks as good as it tastes.
