Every few years, a forgotten recipe, dish, or even a drink finds its way back into conversation, not from our kitchens, but from our screens. This time, doodh soda is back, thanks to a moment in Ranveer Singh’s popular film.
The renewed interest in doodh soda did not come from food bloggers or chefs but from pop culture. A fleeting moment in the film Dhurandhar unexpectedly pushed the drink back into the spotlight.
In Dhurandhar, doodh soda appears during a key sequence set in Karachi’s Lyari. The scene introduces Gaurav Gera as Mohammad Aalam, a middle-aged juice vendor running a small stall in the market.
Disguised as a vendor, Mohammad Aalam is actually an Indian spy. His quirky presence instantly stands out, especially when he playfully markets doodh soda through an unusual rhyme that says, “Darling, Darling, Dil kyu toda. Peelo peelo, Aalam soda.”
The scene subtly suggests that ordinary places often hide extraordinary secrets. A simple doodh soda stall becomes the setting for espionage, making the drink an important part of Dhurandhar’s narrative arc.
For the uninitiated, doodh soda is simply chilled milk mixed with lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7 Up. Sometimes sugar is added, but the real magic lies in the method of preparation.
Milk and carbonation may sound like a risky combination, but when done right, doodh soda is smooth and refreshing. The carbonation lightens the milk’s density, making the drink feel less heavy and surprisingly easy to sip.
Street vendors are careful while preparing it. The soda is always poured slowly along the side of the glass, preventing curdling and preserving the drink’s creamy texture and fizz.
Traditionally consumed during peak summers, doodh soda is believed to cool the body quickly. It hydrates and provides protein and minerals from milk, while feeling milder than sugar-laden soft drinks.
The drink also holds cultural significance, especially during Ramadan. It has often been served at iftar to help restore energy and fluids after a long day of fasting.
Making doodh soda at home is simple. Use well-chilled milk, add sugar if needed, slowly pour soda down the glass side, stir once, and drink immediately while the bubbles stay light.
Today, in India, Doodh Soda is commonly enjoyed across parts of Punjab, Old Delhi, Amritsar, and in Pakistan’s Lahore and Karachi.
