Can I make Khubani (Apricot) Slush with dried apricots?

Yes, dried apricots work beautifully! Just soak them in warm water for a couple of hours to rehydrate before blending. It's a great way to use local Kumaoni dried khubani during off-season months.

Is homemade apricot slush healthier than packaged summer drinks?

Absolutely. Homemade Khubani Slush has no preservatives, less sugar, and offers natural hydration with vitamins from real fruit, unlike store-bought colas or sugary drinks.

What are the benefits of apricot slush in hot weather?

Apricots are naturally hydrating and rich in Vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants—making Khubani Slush ideal for cooling the body, soothing digestion, and keeping kids and adults refreshed during intense summer heat.

Can kids enjoy this apricot summer drink instead of soda?

Yes, kids love it! You can adjust the sweetness naturally and even serve it as frozen pops or in fun glasses to make it as appealing as market drinks.

How long does homemade apricot slush last in the fridge?

For best taste and texture, consume it fresh. But you can refrigerate Khubani Slush for up to 24 hours. Just stir or blend again before serving.

Can I use this recipe for making apricot popsicles?

Definitely! Just pour the slush into popsicle molds and freeze. It makes a perfect fruity frozen treat for kids and a great alternative to sugar-heavy ice creams.

Where can I find apricots in the Kumaon region for this recipe?

You can find fresh apricots in local fruit mandis during summer or use sun-dried khubani from Almora, Bageshwar, or local village markets where they're available almost year-round.

How to Make Khubani (Apricot) Slush at Home This Summer – So Easy!

Himalayan Inc
Apr 29
3 min read

Hot afternoons in the hills carry a different kind of weight. The fan hums lazily, kids get restless, and somehow, nothing in the fridge feels quite right. That’s exactly what happened one summer afternoon in Almora last year. My nephew, who is usually glued to his cola bottle, was whining for something “like Frooti but cooler.” We didn’t have store-bought options, but we did have something better — a jar of home-dried khubani from Bageshwar.

So, I took a chance.Crushed the apricots, added a few everyday kitchen ingredients, blended with ice — and handed him a glass. He took one sip, blinked in surprise, and then — asked for another. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a slush. It was a summer fix. A Kumaoni-style rebellion against over-sugared, synthetic drinks.

In this article, you will learn…

How to make Khubani (Apricot) Slush using both fresh and dried apricots
Why this is a healthier, cheaper, and tastier option than market drinks
Kid-approved tweaks to make it fun and flavorful
A quick ingredient-cost comparison table
Bonus: Tips to balance sweetness naturally without refined sugar

Kumaoni local khumani drink served in wooden table

Why Khubani (Apricot) Slush Works So Well in Summers

Apricots — or khubani, as we call them here in the Kumaon region — aren’t just a sweet fruit. They’re packed with hydration-friendly nutrients, vitamin A, and fiber. According to a 2023 research review by Healthline, apricots help boost skin health and digestion, both of which suffer during heat waves.

What makes khubani slush stand out is its dual nature — it’s energizing like a soft drink but calming like a fruit smoothie. It’s light, refreshing, and doesn’t make you feel bloated like heavy milkshakes or sugary sodas.

Ingredients and Cost Comparison (Home vs. Market)

Ingredient	Qty	Approx. Cost (INR)	Available in Kumaoni Kitchen?
Dried Apricots (or fresh if in season)	1 cup	₹40	✅
Lemon Juice	1 tbsp	₹3	✅
Rock Salt / Kala Namak	1/4 tsp	₹1	✅
Organic Honey / Gud / Brown Sugar	2 tbsp	₹5	✅
Ice Cubes	As needed	₹0	✅
Mint Leaves (Optional)	Few	₹2	✅

Total Homemade Cost: ₹50 – Makes 3 full glassesComparable Market Drink: ₹30-₹40 per bottle (loaded with artificial sugar + preservatives)

Simple Steps to Make the Perfect Khubani (Apricot) Slush

✅ With Dried Apricots

Soak 1 cup dried khubani in warm water for 1–2 hours (or overnight).
Once softened, remove seeds and blend with 1.5 cups of cold water.
Add lemon juice, salt, and sweetener of your choice.
Drop in 8–10 ice cubes and blend again for 30 seconds until slushy.
Garnish with mint and serve chilled.

✅ With Fresh Apricots

Wash and pit 6–8 ripe fresh apricots.
Blend them with 1.5 cups chilled water and a handful of ice.
Add lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and honey or brown sugar.
Blend until smooth and slushy.
Taste-test and serve fresh with a smile.

🍃 “Sometimes the best recipes are born not from luxury, but from the need to make someone smile.”

Why Kids (and Adults) Love It

We all know how picky children are. They’re drawn to bright packaging, fizz, and that familiar fake mango flavor. This slush? It brings in a similar tangy-sweet vibe, minus the additives.

To make it more fun:

Freeze it into popsicles
Add crushed mint for a mojito twist
Serve in funky glasses with paper umbrellas (presentation matters to kids!)

And for adults, just add a pinch of roasted cumin powder or a splash of soda to make it your go-to post-lunch cooler.

A Taste That Rivals the Market – Here’s the Honest Truth

Let’s face it — packaged drinks are convenient. But here’s what they don’t offer:

No preservatives
No refined sugar overload
No artificial flavors

When you taste this apricot slush, you get something real. Fruity, pulpy, slightly tangy, and deeply satisfying. It’s a Kumaoni answer to the mainstream. And when made fresh, the aroma alone can make you pause and take a deeper breath.

Final Sip: More Than Just a Summer Drink

You don’t need to hunt for imported fruits or expensive gadgets. You need a blender, some soaked khubani, and 10 minutes of your day.

What you’ll get in return?A moment of silence as your child sips quietly. A nod of approval from someone who usually buys sodas. And maybe, just maybe — the joy of rediscovering a local gem from your own hills.

So the next time the sun gets too harsh and your fridge looks uninspiring — reach for those apricots. They’ve waited all year to cool your summer.

Try it once, and this might just become your family’s favorite summer ritual.And if it does — don’t forget to share this recipe with a friend who’s still stuck in cola-land.

Summer’s already heating up — ready to slush it out Kumaoni style? 🍑🧊