Rooh Afza is the age-old favorite and a quick escape from the heat of summer. The drink needs no introduction, its red color and refreshing taste are a summer memory most to cherish.

Who doesn’t crave cold, soothing drinks during the scorching heat of summer, especially North Indians? As soon as we hit the month of March, we start stocking up on either homemade or ready-made thandai, aam panna and Rooh Afza.

These three are essential beverages for any respectable North Indian. :) Sadly coke, fanta, and numerous other fizzy drinks have taken over as soft drinks but the old and middle-aged like me still prefer the joy of these delicious refreshing coolers.

It seemed so apt that I present this quintessential drink in a vintage pitcher and glass collection of my grandmother. I just rediscovered these. It’s not that I have never seen these beauties but when you have something you forget to appreciate it. Food blogging has made me appreciate vintage cutlery, and crockery and brought me closer to my roots in the literal sense.

When I saw these in one corner of the glass cabinet, I knew I had to shoot something in them before I left for Pune and so I did. Nothing suits it better than the grandmother’s drink for all summer woes – Rooh Afza!!

Rooh Afza essentially speaking is rose-flavored sugar syrup, which initially was created to replace the homemade refreshing and all-natural rose-water drinks. Honestly speaking a glass of Rooh Afza requires no recipe. You just add chilled water and the syrup as per your taste to enjoy it one lazy summer afternoon.

The proportion of water and Rooh Afza is totally based on your preference. Some like it more sweeter than others. The more syrup you add, the drink will be sweeter with stronger flavor.

I will be sharing the recipe which usually works for most people but if you like more sweet or more mild, then feel free to change the proportion.