If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful Indian beverage to beat the summer heat, Paan ka Sharbat (Betel Leaf Drink) is a traditional, aromatic, and refreshing option. With its cooling properties, digestive benefits, and a burst of sweet and minty flavor, this vibrant green drink has carved a special place in Indian households.
Table of Contents
🌿 What is Paan Ka Sharbat?
Paan ka Sharbat is a sweet, cooling drink made from betel leaves, also known as paan in Hindi. Betel leaves are often used in Indian traditions as a mouth freshener or digestive aid, typically after meals. But when blended with ingredients like gulkand (rose petal jam), fennel seeds, cardamom, and milk or water, it transforms into a luxurious and soothing drink.
Perfect for summer, paan sharbat is not only refreshing but also has many medicinal and digestive benefits.
🧊 Health Benefits of Paan Sharbat
While betel leaves are mostly known for their cultural significance, they also offer several health benefits:
✔️ Aids Digestion
Paan contains compounds that stimulate digestive enzymes. It can relieve constipation and improve gut health.
✔️ Natural Coolant
This drink helps regulate body temperature during extreme summer heat, making it a natural coolant.
✔️ Improves Oral Health
Betel leaves have antibacterial properties that fight bad breath and oral infections.
✔️ Rich in Antioxidants
Ingredients like gulkand and fennel are rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and promote glowing skin.
✔️ Boosts Metabolism
Consuming paan in controlled amounts can boost metabolism and may even help in weight management.
🥄 Ingredients Used in Paan Ka Sharbat
The beauty of this drink lies in its ingredients — each bringing its own flavor and health benefits:
| Ingredient | Purpose / Flavor Profile |
| Betel Leaves (Paan) | Minty, aromatic base |
| Gulkand | Sweet, rose-flavored jam; cooling effect |
| Fennel Seeds | Refreshing, aids digestion |
| Desiccated Coconut | Adds texture and nutty flavor |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) | Warm, aromatic spice |
| Clove (optional) | Slight spiciness and warmth |
| Sugar or Honey | Sweetness (can be adjusted) |
| Milk or Water | Liquid base (dairy or vegan) |
| Ice Cubes | For serving chilled |
| Edible Green Color | For the vibrant green hue (optional) |
| Vanilla Ice Cream | For a rich and creamy version (optional) |
🧾 Paan Ka Sharbat Recipe – Step-by-Step
🍹 Servings: 3-4 glasses
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🧊 Chilling Time: 10 minutes
### 🛒 Ingredients:
- 15 betel leaves (sweet paan variety, cleaned and de-veined)
- 1.5 tbsp fennel seeds
- 4 tbsp desiccated coconut
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- 8-10 ice cubes
- 4 tbsp gulkand (rose petal preserve)
- A few drops of edible green food color (optional)
- ¾ cup sugar (or as per taste)
- 3 cups chilled milk (or water for vegan version)
- 3 tbsp fresh cream (optional)
- 1 cup vanilla or butterscotch ice cream (optional)
- Chopped pistachios for garnish
🥣 Instructions:
- Prepare the Paan Paste:
- Wash and dry the betel leaves thoroughly.
- Remove the thick stems and roughly chop the leaves.
- In a blender, add the chopped leaves, fennel seeds, coconut, cardamom powder, gulkand, and sugar. Add a few ice cubes and blend to a smooth paste.
- Add edible green color if you desire that signature bright green look.
- Create the Sharbat Base:
- In a mixing bowl or jug, combine 3-4 tablespoons of the paan paste with chilled milk.
- Stir in the cream and ice cream (if using) for a richer texture.
- Chill and Serve:
- Pour the sharbat into tall glasses.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios or rose petals.
- Serve immediately with more ice cubes.
📝 Tip: The paan paste can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. Just mix it with milk or water as needed.
🧠 FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Paan Sharbat
Is Paan Ka Sharbat safe for kids?
Yes, it is safe when consumed in moderation. Avoid giving it to children in large quantities or with strong betel varieties.
Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely! Replace milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and skip the ice cream or use a vegan alternative.
Does Paan Sharbat contain tobacco?
No. This drink is made using sweet paan leaves without any tobacco or supari. It is completely non-addictive and safe.
Can I store the paan paste?
Yes. The paan paste can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. Just make sure it’s in a clean, airtight glass jar.
Is it okay to drink it daily?
Occasional consumption is fine and even beneficial, but due to its sweet and rich ingredients, it’s best enjoyed a few times a week.
PAAN KA SHARBAT
Ingredients
- 15 betel leaves paan
- – 1.5 tbsp fennel seeds
- – 4 tbsp desiccated coconut
- – 1 tsp cardamom powder
- – 4 tbsp gulkand
- – ¾ cup sugar adjust to taste
- – Ice cubes
- – Green food color optional
- – 3 cups chilled milk or water
- – 3 tbsp cream optional
- – 1 cup vanilla ice cream optional
- – Pistachios or rose petals for garnish
Instructions
- Blend paan, fennel seeds, coconut, cardamom, gulkand, sugar & ice into a fine paste.
- Mix 3-4 tbsp of this paste with chilled milk.
- Add cream and ice cream if using.
- Pour into glasses, garnish with pistachios.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
💡 Final Thoughts
Paan Ka Sharbat is more than just a drink — it’s an experience. It brings together the aromatic charm of betel leaves, the cooling essence of gulkand, and the digestive benefits of fennel, all in one glass. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or looking to add something desi and delightful to your menu, this sharbat is sure to impress.
Nutritional Chart
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
| Betel Leaves (Paan) | 3-4 leaves | 5 |
| Gulkand | 1 tbsp | 60 |
| Fennel Seeds | ½ tbsp | 10 |
| Desiccated Coconut | 1 tbsp | 35 |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp | 90 |
| Milk (Full Fat) | ¾ cup (~180ml) | 120 |
| Cream (Optional) | 1 tbsp | 52 |
| Vanilla Ice Cream (Optional) | ¼ cup | 110 |
| Total (With Ice Cream) | 480–500 kcal | |
| Total (Without Ice Cream) | 350–370 kcal |