One of the most pleasurable cups of coffee I've ever sipped wasn't actually made from coffee beans at all – it was Lebanese "white coffee," a soothing tisane made from sweet-scented orange flower water.
The first time I had this beverage was at a Lebanese restaurant in Paris; everyone else at my table ordered coffee and when I declined, the waiter offered to bring me his favorite after-dinner drink. What he served was a warm cup of ahwah baida, also known as white coffee or café blanc. After a big meal, it tasted clean and relaxing and made a lovely caffeine-free alternative to coffee.
Invented in Beirut, this drink couldn't be simpler to make – just a splash of orange blossom water stirred into a cup of boiling water (a little can go a long way, so use a light hand). Some people add sugar or honey. Since that dinner in Paris, I have continued to make it at home, as a digestif or alongside afternoon snacks of dried fruit and nuts. On a hot day, it can also be poured over ice.
Get a recipe: Orange Blossom "white coffee" at Rose Water & Orange Blossoms
Related: Recipe: Lemon Verbena and Orange Blossom Fizz
(Images: Emily Ho)
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It seems very interesting. Orange blossom water?I would love to try that!
I had a whole book about beverages once that mentioned this drink. I'll have to see if I can find it!
Is orange flower water much like rose water? Because I hate the floral taste of rose water.
Orange blossom water has so many health benefits. It helps with insomnia, stomach upsets, headaches and it is also good for calming your nerves. It's really popular in Iran and to be honest it works wonders! You can make Orange Blossom Tea by boiling 10 grams of Orange Blossoms in one and a half cups of boiling water for twenty minutes. Afterwards, run it through a sieve and sweeten to taste with honey.
@Vintagejenta Orange flower water does have a perfume-y quality but I've met people who don't like rose water and still like this. If you want to give it a try, I recommend using a very tiny amount to start.
It sounds nice, but I don't really understand why this is called "white coffee", since it doesn't even have caffeine! I thought this article would be about "white" or "blonde" coffee (made from less roasted beans).
I like this too! It's a nice alternative, but you have to go light with the stuff...
This sounds right up my alley! I'm going to have to try it out--thanks!
I bought a bottle of orange flower water years ago for a recipe and the bottle has been languishing in my cabinet since as I've not known what to do with it. Thanks for the tip. I sure do hope it helps with insomnia...
I'm with OMORIALA here. While it sounds nice, it's a bit misleading to call this white coffee, especially when there is "white" coffee. Which, by the way, is delicious but has oodles of caffeine.