Ramadan: Five thirst-quenching drinks from across the Middle East (2024)

Once a year, the monthRamadanruns for Muslims around the world who will fast every day and make a concerted effort to improve their character and reconnect with their faith.

Muslims wake up before dawn to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor. After this, they abstain from eating and drinking until after sunset, after which they break their fast with iftar, Arabic for a meal.

According to Islamic faith, the Prophet Muhammad traditionally broke his fast with milk or water and a date. Many like to imitate the deeds of the Prophet and also choose to break their fast in the same way

But over the years, a wide variety of delicious drinks full of health benefits have been associated with the holy month throughout the region.

After sunset, the streets come alive with lights and decorations, with vendors selling all kinds of tasty treats, including many of the region's main Ramadan drinks.

Often easily recognisable, dressed in their traditional attire and carrying a large copper pot full of their chosen drink, these iconic vendors roam the markets satisfying the thirst of their customers.

We take a look at some of the refreshing, thirst-quenching drinks associated with Ramadan from around the region.

1. Jallab

Jallab is a popular drink in the Levant region, among othersPalestineSyria,Lebanon,InJordan.

Often served in a sweat cup with ice, the deep red drink is made from a mixture of dates, grape molasses and rose water and finished with a garnish of both pine nuts and raisins.

The sweetness of the dates pairs perfectly with the grape molasses by offsetting the acidity, resulting in a refreshing, energizing drink needed after a long, thirsty day of fasting.

The drink is not only enjoyed for its unique taste, but also a lotrich in calories,great for those who struggle to get their calories in after fasting most of the day.

While many people still love iconic street vendors selling jallab, nowadays it can be easily prepared at home by adding water to the purchased jallab syrup.

2. Qamar al-Din

Qamar al-Din is a bright orange drink made from dried apricot fruit leather. It is believed to have originated in Syria, particularly in the Ghouta region, as the apricots most suitable for making the drink are produced in Syria and southwestern Turkey.

The thick smoothie-like drink is made from dried apricot leather, because it is thicker and has a stronger flavor than apricot alone.

People often add rose water or orange blossom water to enhance the qamar al-din, which is served ice cold and thick. Some also choose to add fresh or dried apricot pieces to their drink, depending on their preference.

Especially the drinksfavorablefor those who fast during Ramadan, as many believe its sweetness prevents headaches and fatigue and helps with energy and hydration.

Qamar al-din is also rich in dietary fiber – essential after many hours without food.

The origin of the drink's name – which translates as 'moon of religion' – is disputed. Some believe that the inventor of the drink was named Qamar al-Din. It is said that he was so handsome that his face looked like the moon.

Another theory suggests that the invention of the drink coincided with the sighting of the moon, which marked the beginning of Ramadan.

3. Tamarind

Tamarind juice, made from tamarind fruit, is a deliciously tart drink – think concentrated lemonade with a dash of sugar. It is made with ground tamarind, water, sugar and lemon juice are optional.

Like qamar al-din, tamarind juice has a lot of ithealth benefits. For example, it is anti-inflammatory and helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

To make the drink, known in the Middle East as "tamr-hindi", tamarind paste or fruit pieces are boiled in water with sugar to counteract the acidity. The contents are then strained and rose water may be added to improve the taste.

Street vendors carry a large copper pot full of juice on their backs, with many cups around their waste to serve the buyers roaming the streets. Some even carry two brass disks to clink together, creating a sound that announces their presence to the neighborhood.

4. Erk al-sous

Although licorice is most often associated with sweets, in the Middle East it is most commonly associated in the United StatesEgyptand Syria, a licorice drink called erk al-sous is widely enjoyed during Ramadan.

This sweet and slightly bitter drink is made from the root of the licorice plant and is served cold. It can be purchased at juice stands or from street vendors who carry it in a bag on their backs.

Not only is erk al-sous revitalizing after a day of fasting, but the health benefits associated with the drink are numerous.

It is believed that the juice becomes strongerimmune systemand reduces both heartburn and indigestion.

However, what sets er al-sous apart from other drinks is that it increases concentrationcortisolin the blood, which means it helps control anxiety and tension.

Moreover, licorice is also known as anatural antibioticwhich help treat respiratory infections, such as sore throats.

5. Carob juice

Carob juice, known in Arabic as "kharoub", is popular in...Lebanon,Palestine, and Egypt. It is made using the edible pods that come from the locust tree.

The carob tree is a flowering evergreen tree or shrub that grows naturally in the Upper Galilee region of modern-day Israel.

The drink has countlesshealth benefits- such as boosting the immune system - and is packed with fiber, protein and antioxidants, making it a great way to rebuild the body after several hours without nutrition.

If you can get your hands on a bottle of locust bean molasses, this drink is extremely easy to make.

To make the drink, a teaspoon of brown sugar can be added to a cup of water with a tablespoon of carob molasses in it. To finish it off, the drink is often garnished with pine nuts.

This article is available in French atMiddle East Eye French edition.