The holy month of Ramadan has come and is already half way done. From Suhoor (before the break of dawn) to Iftar (the sunset), Muslims all over the world and especially in Lebanon and Jordan have to avoid drinking and eating. This is an obligatory observation for Muslims if they don’t have any health issues. What makes Ramadan challenging this year is it has come during the hottest part of the year. Various South Asian and Middle Eastern countries are experiencing the hottest heat wave at this time of the year. Temperatures in Beirut or Amman for example are recording historical highs. Hunger is of only secondary importance, it is thirst and dehydration that have become the real challenges for most Muslims.
Ask a fasting person and they will tell you how their Iftar time is all about gulping one glass of water after another. It’s the best time to treat the fasting Muslims with some delicious, thirst-quenching, and soul-satisfying Ramadan drinks. Here are three of the best.
The Top Three Ramadan Drinks Recipes
1. Jallab
It is one of the most popular summer drinks in the Middle East, and also one of the most satisfying ones. The main ingredient in the drink is molasses obtained from grapes. Combine that with chilled water, some ice cubes, and dates, and you have the perfect jallab drink ready for drinking. Here is the complete recipe.
Ingredients
• Jallab Syrup (three tablespoons)
• Pine nuts (one tablespoon)
• Golden raisins (one tablespoon)
• Crushed ice (as much as you like)
Method
Take a big glass of water and put jallab syrup in it. Fill the glass with water until it is nearly full. Mix the two ingredients so their tastes blend. Once you have mixed water and jallab syrup, add crushed ice. Use as much ice as satisfied you, but be sure not to dilute the drink so much that it tastes bland. After putting in crushed ice, add pine nuts and raisins on top of the drink. Take sips from the glass at Iftar time and thank God for the amazing flavors.
Note: The ingredients are suitable for one glass of jallab. Preparation should only take five minutes at maximum. You can also add a few drops of rose water to the drink for some more fragrance and refreshing effect.
2. Amar el Din
This is yet another delicious summer drink that becomes more common in Jordan and Lebanon during the month of Ramadan. It is made from fresh apricots so it has a thick texture. Not only is it delicious to drink but the fresh ingredients and fruits in it making it highly nutrient and energetic as well.
Ingredients
• Dried apricot paste (200 grams)
• White sugar (three tablespoons)
• Water (two cups)
• Orange blossom water (half teaspoon)
• Pure orange juice (one cup)
Method
Make long strips from the dried apricot paste using a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. Cut them even more to get very small pieces. This will make it easy to dissolve them when preparing the drink. Put the small pieces of dried apricot paste in a deep bowl. Mix sugar and water with the paste and start warming on the stove. Keep the heat to medium level at first while mixing the ingredients. Once the ingredients are in, let the mix boil. Keep up with stirring while the mixture boils to make sure every flavor blends perfectly.
Take out the juice in a pitcher to refrigerate it or you can strain it first to get thin nectar. It tastes best if you do not strain it and keep the thick grainy texture intact. Put the juice in the refrigerator for some time for it to taste its best. To make the drink more refreshing and relishing the essence of Ramadan, mix a few drops of rosewater while serving. You can also add a few tablespoons of orange juice at the time of serving to add a new dimension to the taste of the juice.
Note: Traditionally, there is not much garnishing and decoration required. If you want to make the drink presentable, just place a few leaves of mint on top.
3. Tamer Hindi
This is yet another refreshing drink that Lebanese and Jordanians love to enjoy during summers, and more specifically during Ramadan. You are going to love this drink due to the fact that tamarind has a unique refreshing quality.
Ingredients
• Tamarind Paste (around 200 grams)
• Water (up to six cups)
• Sugar (around one and a half cup)
Method
Take six cups of water, put tamarind in it and leave it overnight. Add sugar to the paste the next day and set it on stove for up to five minutes. Scoop out any foam that forms during the boiling process. Take it off the stove and give half an hour for it to cool down. Use a fine piece of cloth to strain the liquid in a bowl or jug. Store the nectar in refrigerator and mix water to taste every time you serve it. The more water you add, the less pungent the taste.
In the End
These are some of the most popular drinks in the Middle East and their popularity increases even more during Ramadan because they all have a refreshing taste. The good thing is that you can prepare these drinks even if you don’t live in lebanon or in Jordan because there are no rare ingredients used in their making. Now that you know how to prepare Tamer Hindi, Amer el Din, and Jallab, treat your family with one of them when you still have a few days of Ramadan at hand.
