Fruit punch has became a necessary drink at every garden parties, today! How about looking into, bit of its history? The word ‘Punch’ comes from the word ‘Panch’. In Indian language (both Sanskrit and Hindi), the word ‘panch’ means ‘five’. The original recipe had five ingredients like, spirit, spices, fruit juice, palm sugar and water. To be specific, the authentic Indian punch is called ‘Paantsch’ by locals. There is an other hypothesis, claims it comes from the Parsi word ‘Panj’, which also means the same ‘five’. However, the root is ultimately traced to Sanskrit word!
During British Raj, recipe was soon adopted by every Anglo-Indian families and employees of East India company. They carried the recipe, back home. It is said that European countries started enjoying this drink as early as 17th century. Well, the term ‘punch’ was also recorded in British documents, it dates back to 1632, it was an alcoholic drink. Non-alcoholic fruit punch was developed in later years for the occasions, where alcohol was prohibited.
This classic Indian drink’s specialty is, their mixing bowls! The punch bowls could be of silver, ceramic or glass but definitely an elaborately decorated piece of article. Although ‘punch bowl’ concept is very modern invention in India, probably British donation! The whole ethnic set of punch bowls, serving cups, ladles and stirring spoons comes in decorative silver, copper and bronze!
In South India, there is still a tradition of offering ‘panakkam’ (drink) at the weddings and temples. Probably, this is one of the ancient living recipe of ‘fruit punch’ (paantasch). The term ‘Panakkam’, literally means ‘drink’. Interestingly this living recipe has exactly the same five ingredients in it. Citrus fruit juice, palm sugar, peppercorns, spirit and water. The drink is still popular in the villages. It is an excellant body coolant, offered widely by villagers and city dwellers during peak summer. Panakkam is prepared for special occasions like Ugadi(Telugu New Year) and at the Tamil Weddings. Generally accepted as refreshing drink.
Ancient Paantash
Ingredients
Peppercorns 1 teaspoon
Green and black cardamoms 3-6 crushed
Ginger powder
Jaggery/Brown sugar ¼ cup
Lemon juice ¼ cup
Water 2 cups.
Method
Heat quarter cup of water in a kettle, add the spices (first three ingredients) and filter the same.
Now to this concoction, add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Chill and serve to beat the heat.
Wow, interesting drink n like ur silver punch bowl n glasses.
hey..it was good to know the history of punch..nice pic with those silverware
Healthy and refreshing drink…
Malar,
Panakam looks really good, loved the presentation.
Wow… nice panakam… perfect for this summer.. nice clicks!!
Nice knowing its history,looks great in that beautiful bowl
wow…thx for sharing such a wonderful recipe, dear…nice collection of glasses
Nice description about the origin of panakam. I have never had it. Sounds like a great drink! Loved the pics too and that bowl!!
I like the last pic.. all pics sound like a traditional party-:)
Excellent recipe and Fantastic presentation
Malar very nice traditional recipe
Love to drink Panakam and Neer mor during summer and you remind me of those wonderful childhood days.
Left a comment Malar, not sure if it came thru.
Just love panakkam much..love ur vessels..looks great..
i love the silverware..and a delilicous drink..we make it during ramnavami…absolutely refreashing…
grt post dear..love ur presentation and the glasses….yummy drink
Thnaks fro sharing the history with us ..the drink looks very refreshing..
woww..is that real silver glasses?? superb presentation Malar..
Love your silverware!
WOW! wonderful Paanakam for quenching the thirst,this summer…thanx!
Dear Malar, you have a tag award waiting at my blog..
http://www.nithubala.com/2010/04/tag-award-from-latha.html
Wow I did not know the word ‘punch’ has such a history to it..
Very informative post..
Well I think I have to make this pantaash for my husband…He is much suffering from the heat …And it is not even summer yet
AWESOME look back at history…. Wonderfully ‘Punched’ historic PUNCH!!!!!! & those presentable pics makes it more interesting to take a peek of HIS-story……
Ash…..
(http://asha-oceanichope.blogspot.com/)
hi
panagam is my fav drink..u luk like kushboo(more better than her) in ur profile pic..collect the award from my blog
Nice read … Didnt know there was so much behind panakkam!!. Clicks are looking nice!.
Panakam looks very inviting dear. Like that profile picture very much da. So cute.
Interesting writeup! Love the silver cutlery, looks very elegant and punch sounds yummy too especially in this scorching heat!
That’s a refreshing drink .Like the way u have presented
I love Panakam and had this posted on my site for Ram Navami. Nice to see the write up on the roots to this drink.