Jigarthanda (drink)
 Jigarthanda | |
| Type | Beverage |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | India |
| Region or state | Tamil Nadu |
| Serving temperature | Cold |
| Main ingredients | Milk, sugar, almond |
Jigarthanda is a cold beverage from the South Indian city of Madurai.[1] It translates to "cool heart" ("jigar" is a metaphor for heart in Persian, literally meaning "liver"; "thanda" means "cold") in English, implying that the drink’s cooling effect will be felt right down to one’s heart. It is generally prepared and served at roadside stalls as a refreshment during the Indian summer. The basic ingredients include milk, almond gum, sarsaparilla root syrup, sugar and ice cream.[2]
It is widely regarded as a signature drink of Madurai and his commonly sold at roadside stores throughout the city especially during the months of Summer.[3]
Etymology
[edit]Jigarthanda literally means "cold heart"[4] and can be interpreted as "cool liver" in Hindi.[5] Another take on the word defines jigar as bravery and thanda as captain or rower of a boat, referring to the customary use of sea algae gelatin in the drink.[5]
Key ingredients
[edit]The core preparation uses a blend of milk (full fat and condensed), khoya, sarsaparilla root syrup, and edible almond gum, providing the drink with a unique chewy texture.[4] Badam pisin and Katira gond are alternate names used to refer to the primary gelling agent in the drink, the almond gum.[4] Though the name is identified as Urdu and its nomenclature points to a North Indian origin, the drink is distinct from falooda by its absence of vermicelli and rooh afza.[6]
Cultural significance
[edit]Jigarthanda is a popular drink from Madurai, celebrated as the city's own, often marking the completion of the Aadi discount sale ritual.[6] Some Muslim families in the area believe this drink to be aphrodisiac.[6]
Popular culture
[edit]The 2014 Tamil-language film Jigarthanda by Karthik Subbaraj is named after this popular drink. The film takes place in Madurai, the origin of the drink.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "In search of Madurai Jigarthanda". The Hindu. 15 September 2012. Archived from the original on 16 October 2015. Retrieved 6 November 2016.
- ↑ "The legend of Jil Jil Jigarthanda". The Indian Express. 23 April 2016. Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ Kannadasan, Akila (7 May 2026). "Madurai jigarthanda: Tracing the origin of the iconic chilled dessert". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 19 September 2026. Retrieved 1 September 2026.
- 1 2 3 Kohli, Diya (16 March 2021). "Jil jil Jigarthanda: The drink from Madurai that cools the heart and warms the..." Condé Nast Traveller India. Archived from the original on 1 March 2025. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
- 1 2 "What to drink in your country?". BBC Online. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 22 January 2025. Retrieved 3 December 2025.
- 1 2 3 Kaveri, Megha (7 May 2021). "Madurai's jigarthanda: A confluence of taste and cultures in a glass tumbler". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 6 October 2025. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
- ↑ Ramachandran, Mythily. "'Pizza' fame Karthik Subbaraj is back with 'Jigarthanda'". Gulf News. Archived from the original on 3 April 2026. Retrieved 3 December 2025.
