Jil Jil Jigarthanda is what your heart desires when you visit the divine part of India, a city in Tamil Nadu, Madurai. This drink is the sole purpose for some to visit Madurai as it brings immense joy and satisfaction. What attracts people the most is the name of the drink. The outlandish named Jil Jil Jigarthanda drink means ‘a cold heart’.

This lip-smacking summer drink is chock-full chilled basundi, cream, milk, ice cream, edible almond gum, china grass and sarsaparilla root syrup. If you are from Madurai or any part of Tamil Nadu, you exactly know that this drink sits under ‘popular’ beverage or dessert. The drink is compact with great health benefits. It helps to cool down the body heat and backs in the healing of several ailments and what is more pleasing than satiating your taste buds.

Where did it come from?

There is no history of where this drink has come from. Some say it’s either from Mughal emperors or from Muslim settlers. But there is no clue for sure. One thing is absolutely clear that Madurai was, is and will be the only best place to have this jigarthanda drink. This appetizing delight is sold with a saccharine rhyme “Jil Jil Jigarthanda”. Here this prefix ‘Jil Jil’ is probably a semantic devotion of ‘chilled’.

No occasion is an occasion without this cold-hearted drink

If on any occasion the menu has missed the favourite toothsome drink, then it’s not a celebration. Be it a wedding or a get-together, this drink is mandatory to be served. It is topped with the richness of almonds and sarsaparilla root.

Popular spots to hop on for Jigarthanda Drink

1. The Murugan Idli Shop, near the Meenakshi Amman Temple

2. Sastha’s, near the Meenakshi Amman temple

3. Famous Jigarthanda Shop ,East Marret Street

4. South Masi Street junction

Enjoy the richness of the drink with coolness in your heart.