By Aditi Saraswat
May 17, 2026
Gud ka sharbat has long been a summer staple in many Indian homes, particularly when the heatwaves feel intense. Prepared with jaggery or gud, lemon and cooling spices, this traditional summer drink feels refreshing and surprisingly energising after spending afternoons outdoors.
½ cup grated jaggery 3 cups chilled water 1 tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp roasted cumin powder ¼ tsp black salt 8–10 mint leaves Ice cubes as needed Lemon slices for garnish
In a jug filled with chilled water, add some grated jaggery and stir until it dissolves totally. Strain it once to remove impurities, if any, or undissolved particles remaining.
To this, now mix in lemon juice, roasted cumin powder and black salt and stir again.
Take some mint leaves and lightly crush them between your palms before adding them.
Keep the sharbat inside the refrigerator for at least half an hour so the jaggery, mint and spice flavours mix more smoothly.
Fill the glasses in which you have to pour the sharbat with ice cubes beforehand to make it even colder and more refreshing.
Pour the sharbat into the glass and top it with lemon slices and extra mint leaves.