Panakam is a classic cooling beverage from South Indian cuisine, traditionally prepared during the festival of Sri Rama Navami. This simple drink combines jaggery, lemon juice, and a blend of spices, offering a naturally refreshing and soothing taste. Often first offered to the deities, panakam is then served as prasad, making it a cherished part of the festive celebrations.
This delightful drink is not only a festive favourite but also a natural way to beat the summer heat. Its ingredients make it fit for both kids and adults. The sweetness of jaggery is perfectly balanced by the tang of fresh lemon, while spices like dry ginger and cardamom add a subtle warmth and depth of flavour. Adding tulsi leaves enhances the aroma and brings a light herbal note, making the drink both flavourful and soothing for digestion.
Panakam is incredibly easy to prepare at home, requiring no cooking and only a few simple steps. It can be enjoyed anytime as a healthy refreshment or served alongside light South Indian snacks like sundal or murukku. With its combination of traditional flavours and natural ingredients, this homemade drink is not just a beverage; it’s a taste of South Indian heritage in every sip.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
½ cupJaggery (powdered)
1Lemon
2 podsCardamom
¼ teaspoonDry ginger powder
1 inchEdible camphor
1 inchSalt
2 cupsWater
few leavesHoly basil leaves (tulsi) (optional)
1 pinchNutmeg powder (optional)
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients needed. Powder the jaggery if it is in chunks. Crush the cardamom pods into a fine powder.
Description - Step 2
Dissolve the Jaggery
Take a bowl and add 2 cups of water. Add the powdered jaggery and mix well until it completely dissolves. Stir thoroughly so there are no lumps left.
Description - Step 3
Add Flavours and Spices
Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the jaggery water. Add powdered cardamom, dry ginger powder, edible camphor, salt, and nutmeg powder if using. Mix everything well so the flavours blend nicely.
Description - Step 4
Strain the Drink
Using a strainer, filter the mixture into another bowl or jug to remove any undissolved particles.
Description - Step 5
Final Touch
Add fresh tulsi leaves if you like for a traditional flavour. You can also drop in the cardamom skins for extra aroma. Give it a gentle stir before serving.
Panakam, also called Panagam in Tamil and Panaka in Kannada, is a traditional South Indian cooling drink, especially prepared during the festival of Ram Navami.
Panakam recipe is made of jaggery, lemon juice, water, and aromatic spices like cardamom, dry ginger, and a pinch of edible camphor. Tulsi leaves are often added for flavour.
Yes. Panakam is commonly offered to deities and then served as prasad. It symbolises purity, devotion, and is a sweet, cooling drink enjoyed by devotees during festivals.
Absolutely! Panakam is a safe and refreshing beverage for children. The natural sweetness from jaggery, tangy lemon, and mild spices make it an enjoyable and healthy homemade drink.