On a hot summer day, it is important to refresh and replenish our bodies with some of the best summer beverages to beat the heat. How about drinking a fresh and chilled drink and how would you feel? When the drink refreshes with sweet citric and mint, cooling of basil seeds, it will not just refresh our body but also refreshes the soul. It is hard to find these types of drinks in Kerala. But it is quite common for the people in Thodupuzha, thanks to Meenakshi Kada, where one can try some hydrating and refreshing mocktails.
This shop is emerging as an identity of Thodupuzha. In summers, one can witness huge crowd in front of the Meenakshi Kada for quenching their thirst.
The main speciality of the shop is that all the mocktails are made in front of the guests with fresh and natural ingredients. And the most popular mocktail is their Meenakshi Mojito. The preparation of the mocktail itself is an eye-appealing one. In a barrel-shaped glass, a slice of lemon, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 2 cubes of pineapple, a touch of mint leaves are mixed well with lemon juice for one minute. After that one teaspoon of basil seeds is also added. Then it is mixed with chilled soda. When the drink is served to the guest, the sparkling soda will make a foam on the top of the drink.
When Shaji chettan (owner of the shop) passes the drink to each guest, he is passing a big experience of a refreshing drink. The drink not only just quenches our thirst but also the basil seeds cool our body, keeps us hydrated, and fill our heart too.
Meenakshi Kada also provides other mocktails like Spicey Lemon, Herd Lime, Bamboo Buttermilk. For all those who visit Thodupuzha, it’s a must-try item.
(Author Aravind S, a student of Marian College Kutikkanam, contributed the article and pictures.)