Arabic recipesDrinks
Qamar al-Din Drink: Chilled Damascene Apricot Nectar for Ramadan
Qamar al-Din drink is the quintessential Ramadan iftar beverage across the Levant and Egypt, made by steeping tangy sun-dried apricot leather sheets in water and blending them smooth with orange blossom water. Poured ice-cold into glasses, its velvety apricot body balances bright tartness and floral sweetness.
Also known as:Amardine apricot juiceSyrian Ramadan apricot drinkQamar el-Din nectar
Servings6
Prep time15 min
Cook time5 min
Ingredients
Add ingredients to cart- 400 g (1 full pack) Qamar al-Din dried apricot paste sheets
- 1.2 litres water (500 ml hot for soaking plus 700 ml chilled)
- 2 to 3 tbsp sugar, adjusted to the tartness of the apricot sheet
- 1 tbsp orange blossom water or rose water
- Ice cubes and 2 tbsp slivered peeled pistachios or soaked pine nuts to garnish
Preparation Steps
- 1Snip the apricot leather sheet into small squares with kitchen shears and place them in a heatproof jug or bowl.
- 2Pour 500 ml hot water over the pieces and soak for at least 2 hours (or overnight in cool water) until soft and pulpy.
- 3Transfer the softened apricot mixture and its soaking liquid to a blender, add sugar, orange blossom water, and 700 ml cold water, and blend until silky smooth.
- 4Adjust thickness with an extra splash of cold water if desired, then chill thoroughly in a sealed bottle for at least 2 hours.
- 5Shake gently to recombine, pour over ice cubes at sunset, and float a few pistachios or soaked pine nuts on top.
