Basil Seed Drink With Rose & Lime – Shahzadi Devje, RD CDE MSc | Healthy Indian Recipes

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An image of 3 glasses filled with ice, water and basil seeds with sprigs of mint in each.

It’s got the texture of a slushy, but you can still sip it. Cool, floral, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat—this rose and basil seed drink takes 5 minutes, start to finish.

What looks like tiny black seeds transform into soft, cooling pearls—basil seeds are the quiet powerhouse of this drink, adding texture and a gentle gut-soothing effect that’s been trusted for generations.

If your Eid table is already spoken for—biryanis in the works, desserts queued, seviyan soaking—this is for everything in between. A refreshing drink that cools you down, takes no time, and asks for nothing more than a blender and a moment.

You’ve probably seen basil seeds (or sabja) floating in tall glasses of falooda. But this isn’t that. No milk. No noodles. No sticky syrups. Just rose water, lime juice, a touch of maple, and crushed ice. Light, floral, calming. It’s what I sip on barefoot in the kitchen while the rice rests and the kids raid the mithai tray.

An image of 3 glasses filled with ice, water and basil seeds with sprigs of mint in each.

And those seeds? They’re not just for texture. Soaked sabja seeds bloom into soft little pearls that have been used for generations in South Asian cuisine to cool the body—especially after a heavy meal or on hot, long days. They’re rich in soluble fiber and quietly grounding when the day’s been anything but.

Rose water lifts it with a gentle floral note, while lime cuts through to keep it fresh—not perfumey. That balance is what makes it work.

Simple. Fast. Unfussy. This rose drink is exactly what I reach for when I need a pause that feels like a treat.

This is How I Make it

An image of food ingredients including maple syrup, lime, rose water and mint leaves styled on a silver tray with a bowl of crushed ice and a jug of water nearby.
This recipe moves quickly once the ice is crushed—so get all the ingredients prepped first.
An image of 2 ramekins; one with dry basil seeds and the other with soaked basil seeds.
Some basil seeds swell fast. Others take their sweet time. Start soaking early so your drink isn’t left waiting.
An image of a measuring jug filled with pale coloured liquid.
Not all rose waters are equal. Taste yours first—if it’s too strong, start with ½ tablespoon and adjust. You want floral, not perfume.
An image of 3 glasses with crushed ice.
Use more ice if your blender can handle it. The thicker the slush, the slower it melts—and the better the texture. I prefer it snowy soft!
An image of 3 glasses with crushed ice and soaked basil seeds on top.
Layer the soaked basil seeds over the crushed ice before pouring the rose mixture—this helps them disperse evenly.
A close-up image of 3 glasses filled with ice, water and basil seeds with sprigs of mint in each.
Fresh lime juice matters here. Bottled won’t give you that clean cut through the rose.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Share your rating, leave a comment, and be sure to tag me on Instagram @DesiliciousRD! Seeing your creations truly makes my day!

Desi~liciously Yours, Shahzadi

RD Approved Badge - Anti Inflammatory

An image of 3 glasses filled with ice, water and basil seeds with sprigs of mint in each.

Get the Recipe:

Basil Seed Drink With Rose & Lime

It’s got the texture of a slushy, but you can still sip it. Cool, floral, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat—this rose and basil seed drink takes 5 minutes, start to finish.

  • 2 tsp basil seeds, sabja
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1½ cups ice cubes
  • 1 tbsp rose water
  • 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tsp maple syrup, adjust to taste
  • Optional: pomegranate arils or fresh mint, for garnish

  • Soak the basil seeds in ¼ cup water for 15–20 minutes, until they swell and develop a jelly-like coating.

  • In a jug or mason jar, mix the rose water, lime juice, maple syrup, and 1¾ cups cold water. Stir well and refrigerate while you prep the rest.

  • Crush the ice in a high-speed blender until you get a fine slush. Divide the crushed ice among 3 small glasses.

  • Spoon the soaked basil seeds over the ice, then pour the rose mixture on top. Garnish with fresh mint if you like, and serve immediately while icy.

Tips

  • Don’t over-sweeten. The slush gets more intense as it melts. Start with 1 tsp, then taste and adjust.
  • Add the soaked basil seeds after blending—never before. Blending breaks them down, and you lose that signature texture.
  • Want to dress it up? Crushed pistachios or a few pomegranate arils add colour and crunch—especially lovely for Eid.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 23kcal (1%)Carbohydrates: 6g (2%)Protein: 0.1gFat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 33mg (1%)Fiber: 0.1gSugar: 4g (4%)Vitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 5mg (6%)Calcium: 15mg (2%)Iron: 0.03mg

Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by evesfit.
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