This Sweet, Cold Apricot Drink for Ramadan Is the Perfect Way to Refresh After Fasting

Sara Ali
Sara Ali
Sara is a full-time food photographer and the founder of Moment to Graze, a Halal charcuterie business based in NYC. Growing up in an Egyptian household, she was surrounded by big family gatherings where food and cooking were at the heart of them. After studying nutrition in college, she found a love for food photography which allowed her to express her creativity and led her to incorporate her two favorite things — food and photography. What started as a pandemic hobby led to Sara launching her Halal charcuterie business, bringing her community an opportunity to try locally-sourced spreads, and offering a unique way of gift-giving.
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published Apr 26, 2022
ramadan
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Qamar Al-Din Recipe

Qamar Al-Din is an apricot drink that is very popular in the Middle East, particularly during the month of Ramadan.

Serves12

Makes3 1/2 quarts

Prep10 minutes

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Qamar Al-Din apricot beverage
Credit: Sara Ali

Qamar Al-Din is an apricot drink popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa, especially in Egypt and Syria. It’s usually prepared during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset. The drink is typically served with Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at the end of the day. 

I have fond memories of making this early in my childhood with my family in Egypt, where I grew up. I would sneak in a bite of the sweet dried apricot when no one was looking. We would break our fast with a cup of Qamar Al-Din at Iftar alongside a cup of milk and a date. Since Qamar Al-Din is every bit a staple of Ramadan as dates with milk, we prep the drink the day before Ramadan begins to ensure there is plenty of it to go around. 

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To make Qamar Al-Din, dried apricot paste is rehydrated in warm water and sweetened with sugar. With its sweet aroma and tart flavor, you’ll want seconds (and thirds) of this delicious drink. Make this ahead of time to enjoy for a couple of days, as this lasts well in the fridge. This drink is served cold, and makes for a light, refreshing drink after a long day of fasting.

 

Credit: Sara Ali
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Qamar Al-Din Recipe

Qamar Al-Din is an apricot drink that is very popular in the Middle East, particularly during the month of Ramadan.

Prep time 10 minutes

Makes3 1/2 quarts

Serves12

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1

    (approximately 14-ounce) package Qamar Al-Din (dried apricot paste)

  • 6 cups

    warm water

  • 1/4 cup

    granulated sugar

  • 6 cups

    cold water

  • Ice

  • 12

    fresh mint sprigs

Instructions

  1. Cut dried apricot paste into 2-inch squares. Transfer to a blender and add 6 cups warm water. Cover and let soak until softened, about 4 hours.

  2. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and blend until smooth.

  3. Fit a fine-mesh strainer over a 3 1/2-quart or larger pitcher, or over a large bowl (if you don’t have a pitcher that large). Pour the apricot mixture through the strainer and press on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible; discard the contents of the strainer. Add 6 cups cold water to the strained mixture and stir to combine.

  4. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.

Filed in:
Beverages
Drinks
vegan
vegetarian
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