Shorbot with Saudagar: The man redefining ramadan refreshments

It all started with a father who refused to eat fruits.

In Ramadan 2020, while the world was in lockdown, Imran Ahmed Saudagar was on a mission. His father, a diabetic, and a stubborn one at that, wouldn't touch fruits. So, Imran decided to get creative, turning fresh fruits into juices to help his father consume them in a way he couldn't resist.

To Imran's surprise, his father loved every glass. "He would enjoy every juice I made. That's when I realised I should share these recipes with the world,"  Imran recalled.  And just like that, Shorbot with Saudagar was born.

Photo: TBS

What started as a simple experiment turned into an internet sensation. Imran began filming his juice-making process and uploading them online. His unique recipes, combined with his fun and quirky naming style, quickly gained traction.

By Ramadan 2021, he had committed to a 30-day challenge and brought 30 unique juice recipes in 30 days. The series became a hit, creating massive engagement on social media. His signature juice names—Melon Mela, Cool Tetul, Hello with Aloe, Angurfol Talk, Pina-shpati and Guaveryberry—became fan favourites.

Imran's juices are a blend of local and imported seasonal fruits, often with unexpected pairings. His approach is simple: balance citrus fruits with naturally sweet ones to eliminate the need for artificial sweeteners.

"Sometimes, a little lemon or mint can elevate the entire drink," he said. "It's all about finding the right balance."

Despite having a full-time corporate job and working as a freelance model, Imran dedicates his Ramadan evenings to his passion project. After office hours, he personally selects and buys the fruits, makes the juices before iftar and spends the night editing videos till sehri.

Since his marriage, his wife has joined the process, helping with filming and brainstorming unique recipes.

"Not every idea works out. We only film the ones that truly pass our taste test," he admitted. 

Since its launch, Shorbot with Saudagar has become a Ramadan staple for his followers. Over the years, he has uploaded more than 70 recipes, with some videos surpassing two million views. Goa Lemon was one such juice that was widely appreciated.

"I think I made it better than actual Goa Lemon," he said with a smile.

However, as a father of two, creating a juice a day is no longer feasible. Instead, he now commits to producing 10 to 15 recipes each Ramadan.

Interestingly, his journey into juice-making has changed his perception of store-bought drinks. When asked about his favourite juice bar in town, he hesitated. "I've completely stopped buying juices from restaurants," he said. While he appreciates how local restaurants are innovating with new juice recipes, he believes that homemade is simply better.

"The fruit-to-water ratio is often off, and they use too much sugar syrup to maintain taste and consistency," he explained. "But if you use a generous portion of real fruit, you don't need extra sugar at all."

This Ramadan, Imran is back again, ready to serve another round of Shorbot with Saudagar—one refreshing sip at a time.

Recipes 

Lemon Masala 

Ingredients:

• 1 large lemon 
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon coriander powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black salt
• 2 cups cold water
• Ice cubes 

Instructions:

In a glass or mixing bowl, add lemon juice, mint leaves, cumin powder, coriander powder, black pepper, sugar, salt, and black salt. Muddle the mint leaves slightly to release their flavour.

Pour in cold water and stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Strain the mixture into serving glasses filled with ice cubes.

Garnish with a few mint leaves and a lemon slice. Serve chilled and enjoy! 

Passionate Aam

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango 
• 2 passion fruits 
• 1 lime 
• 1 cup cold water 
• Ice cubes 
• Himalayan salt 

Instructions:

Scoop out the mango flesh and blend it using a hand mixer. Add cold water and blend again until you get your desired consistency. Take two glasses and fill them with ice cubes. Scoop the passion fruit pulp and pour it over the ice in each glass. 

Add fresh lime juice, followed by the blended mango. Sprinkle Himalayan salt as per taste.

Serve cold and enjoy 

Kiwi Rosh 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple 
• 2 kiwis 
• ½ cup water 
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• Ice cubes 

Instructions:

Juice the chopped pineapple using a juicer and set it aside. In a separate container, add the scooped kiwi and a bit of water. Blend it using a hand blender. Add more water as needed and blend again until smooth.

Take two glasses and fill them with ice cubes. Pour in the simple syrup, followed by the pineapple juice and blended kiwi.

Stir well and enjoy 

Guaveryberry 

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe guava 
• ½ cup grapes 
• 3–4 strawberries
• 5–6 fresh mint leaves
• 1 lime 
• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes 

Instructions:

Add chopped guava and grapes to a juicer and extract the juice. Take two glasses and place the strawberries and mint leaves inside. Crush them gently using a muddler.

Pour the fresh guava and grape juice into the glass. Add lime juice, followed by sugar and ice cubes as needed.

Stir well, and enjoy