8 drinks to refresh you this Ramadan

By Dipti Nair

With Ramadan just around the corner, the anticipation for iftar - the time to break the fast - grows stronger. After a day of fasting, rehydration becomes essential, especially in Qatar’s heat. Muslims worldwide observe this sacred month, abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, focusing on prayer and reflection.

During this holy month, as we gather with loved ones and strengthen our faith, it's crucial to prioritize proper nutrition and hydration during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar. From traditional favorites to unique cultural concoctions, Ramadan offers a variety of drinks to replenish and revitalize.

Let's prepare to embrace the spirit of Ramadan with these 8 popular drinks:

Jallab

Ingredients: Date syrup, rose water, grape molasses, and pine nuts

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, provides a natural energy boost, helps in digestion, and keeps the body hydrated.

A beloved beverage in the Middle East, particularly Lebanon, Jallab is a floral and refreshing drink crafted from date molasses, a hint of rose water, and garnished with pine nuts over crushed ice. Widely enjoyed during Ramadan, Jallab is a cherished tradition in many households across Qatar, offering a hydrating respite from the heat. This popular drink, known for its low-calorie content and absence of artificial sweeteners, provides a smooth and delightful indulgence during the fasting period.

Tamar Hindi

Ingredients: Tamarind, sugar, water

Benefits: Refreshing and aids in digestion, relieves acidity, and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Particularly favored in Egypt, Tamar Hindi is a delightful blend of sour and sweet flavors derived from the juice of the tamarind tree. This refreshing beverage is prepared by boiling the pod-like fruit of the tamarind to extract its essence, sweetening it, and then chilling it. During Ramadan, Tamar Hindi shines as a popular choice for iftar, enjoyed by many households for its light and thirst-quenching qualities. To prepare this drink, tamarind fruit is soaked in water, strained to remove seeds, blended with chilled water, and sweetened with sugar.

Qamar al-Din

Ingredients: Apricot paste, water, sugar

Benefits: High in vitamin A and fiber, aids in digestion, boosts immunity, and provides natural sweetness.

Believed to have originated from Syria, Qamar al-Din is a cherished Ramadan drink made from dried apricots or apricot paste, renowned for its digestive benefits and metabolism regulation. Prepared by boiling apricots and sugar, then straining and sun-drying the mixture to form fruit rolls, this orange-hued beverage is derived from the rehydrated apricot leather combined with rosewater or orange blossom water. Served thick and cold, Qamar al-Din is the quintessential Ramadan drink across the Middle East, which only appears during the Holy Month.

Karkade

Ingredients: Roselle (Hibiscus) petals, water, sugar

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, helps in lowering blood pressure, aids in weight management, and promotes heart health.

A favorite in Egyptian and Sudanese cuisine, Karkade is a refreshing beverage made from the roselle (Hibiscus) flower, and has a tart, cranberry-like flavor. Enjoyed either hot or cold, this Hibiscus tea is particularly popular when served chilled during iftar. Renowned for its thirst-quenching properties, Karkade is a beloved Ramadan drink, providing a sweet and satisfying refreshment to break the fast.

Balah Bel Laban (Dates Milkshake)

Ingredients: Dates, milk, honey, and crushed nuts (optional)

Benefits: Replenishes energy levels, aids in digestion, and satisfies hunger

Inspired by the practices of Prophet Mohammed, Muslims worldwide break their fast with a traditional drink steeped in history: dates and milk. While some opt for the simplicity of plain dates paired with milk, many cultures enhance the experience by marinating dates in milk several hours before iftar. You can also add nuts and dried fruits, offering a nourishing start to the evening meal. Dates, consumed immediately after the sunset call to prayer, provide a gradual release of glucose, replenishing energy levels after a day of fasting.

Vimto

Ingredients: Mixed berries (grape, blackcurrant, raspberry), herbs, spices, and sugar

Benefits: Refreshing, high in vitamin C, boosts energy levels, and improves hydration.

Though relatively recent, Vimto has capitalized on the essence of Ramadan, with marketing campaigns emphasizing their role in breaking the fast. Vimto, known for its blend of forest fruits, has become an iconic flavor throughout the Middle East, experiencing a surge in sales during Ramadan. Particularly favored during iftar across households in Qatar, Vimto is a syrupy cordial mixed with cold water.

Rooh Afza

Ingredients: A blend of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and floral extracts (including rose and orange)

Benefits: Cooling and hydrating, aids in digestion, improves appetite, and provides a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

Rooh Afza, a cherished beverage in Asian households during Ramadan, is renowned for its ability to quench thirst effectively. This vibrantly colored syrup is a refreshing treat when mixed with cold water. Alternatively, it's relished in the form of 'falooda', where the syrup is combined with cold milk and embellished with an array of toppings, including flavored jelly, chia seeds, nuts, and ice cream, creating a delightful and indulgent Ramadan treat.

Laban

Ingredients: Yogurt, water, salt

Benefits: Rich in probiotics, aids in digestion, replenishes electrolytes, and cools the body during fasting hours.

Quench your thirst and nourish your body with a glass of laban, a traditional Middle Eastern yogurt drink that's as refreshing as it is nutritious. Crafted from a blend of yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt, laban is light, tangy, and incredibly hydrating. Packed with probiotics, laban supports digestion and promotes gut health, while its creamy texture provides a satisfying treat after a day of fasting. For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with fresh mint or cucumber slices for a burst of freshness and flavor.

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. 

Instagram - @qatarliving

X - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial