Due to the geographical location of the Arab countries, summers are mostly extremely hot and dehydrating. To beat this, BTW went around to find out a bit more about the traditional summer coolers that are popular during the Holy month of Ramadan too.
All of the following are traditional Ramadan drinks that can keep you hydrated.
Dates & Milk
Dates & Milk are traditionally eaten right after the sunset call to prayer, when Muslims break the fast.
Muslims begin their Iftar by consuming the dried dates, which are put in milk overnight, in adherence to the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, who also broke his fast this way.
While plain dates and a simple glass of milk are certainly traditional, it is also common to spice things up a bit by making fun and delicious recipes like with stuffed dates.
Amar al din
Probably the most popular Ramadan drink, Amar al Din, can be consumed during Iftar or Suhoor.
It is a perfect way to start Iftar as it contains enough sugar to boost the digestive system without over stimulating it.
Made from either rolled dried apricot or dried apricot paste, Amar al din contains digestive aids, metabolism regulators, vitamins, and other useful properties.
Khoshaf
The ‘fruit salad’ drink, which is made of dried apricots, figs, dates, raisins, and prunes, is soaked in water and sugar overnight to form a delicious sauce that makes this salad sweet.
Khoshaf is typically served in small portions, just to break the fast before sunset prayers and then the sit-down meal.
Sobia
Made by lightly fermenting brown bread, barley, spices and sugar, Sobia can be white or dyed red.
Very popular in Saudi Arabia, the drink is often sold in plastic bags by street vendors during the Holy month.
Karkadeh
Refreshing hot or cold with a color that is as intense as the flavor, Karkadeh is a sweet infusion made from hibiscus flower.
Karkadeh, which is a typical Ramadan drink can, is also served for other occasions such as weddings.
With a hearty Iftar meal the cold version is preferred.
Liquorice Drink, or Erk sous
This is another popular drink in Arab countries, especially Egypt and Syria.
Erk-sous is a black, mildly sweet and slightly bitter beverage made from the licorice root.
Although not to everyone’s taste, Erk-sous or liquorice drink, is better known in the form of candy than as a drink.
Tamarind or Tamer Hindi
This is another popular drink in Arab countries, especially Egypt and Syria. Tamarind also known in Arabic as “Tamr Hendi/Tamer Hindi” or Indian date is very popular in Arabic countries.
Despite its name, Tamer Hindi is a very sour drink that is considered as the twin of Hibiscus as it is made almost in the same way.
It is made of tamarind fruit mixed with sugar and water.
Jallab
Jallab is a popular drink around the Middle East, especially in Syria, Palestine and Lebanon.
The drink is made by dates, grape molasses and rose water and served with lots of ice and topped with pine nuts and raisins.