Traditional Ramadan Drinks from Around the World

Ramadan is an important time for Muslims worldwide, during which they fast from dawn to dusk. They break their fast with a ritual meal called Iftar and also have a pre-dawn meal known as Suhour. Traditional Ramadan drinks are an essential part of this time as they offer both refreshment and nourishment.

These drinks are made from local ingredients and they are intended to prepare the body, mind, and soul for Iftar foods, which can be quite heavy, and to provide nourishment during the day's fast.

Get to Know Some of the Traditional Ramadan Drinks from Around the World

Qamar Al-Din

Qamar Al-Din is a popular Middle Eastern drink that is consumed during the holy month of Ramadan. It is made from dried apricot paste, water, sugar, and mint leaves. The drink is very refreshing and nutritious, making it a perfect Iftar drink during the hot summer months in the Middle East and North Africa. Dried apricot is an essential ingredient in the drink and is highly valued in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Jallab

Jallab is a refreshing summer drink that is widely popular in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and is traditionally consumed during Ramadan. It is made by mixing a paste of dates and grape molasses with rose water, ice, and soaked almonds. The drink is not only hydrating and energizing but also provides nourishment to the body. Jallab is a common household drink during Ramadan and is enjoyed by many in the region.

Tamar Hindi

Tamarind is known as Tamr Hindi in Middle Eastern countries, which translates to Indian dates. Tamar Hindi is a popular sour drink consumed during the holy month of Ramadan in the UAE and throughout the Middle East. The drink is made by soaking tamarind and mixing it with sugar and water to create a refreshing and tangy beverage that is typically consumed during Iftar.

Karkadeh

Karkadeh is a sweet infusion made from hibiscus flowers and is known for its intense flavor and deep color. It can be enjoyed hot or cold and is a popular Ramadan drink, as well as being served at weddings and other occasions. While the cold version of Karkadeh is preferred to accompany a hearty Iftar meal, the hot version is also enjoyed for its warming and comforting properties.

Sobia

Sobia is a starchy, milky drink popularly consumed across the Middle East and North Africa during Ramadan. It is made by fermenting rice with water, sugar, milk, and coconut milk overnight. It is especially popular in Saudi Arabia and Egypt where street vendors sell it in plastic bags during Ramadan.

Erk Sous

Erk sous is a popular cold drink that Arabs enjoy throughout the year, but it is especially popular during Ramadan in countries such as Egypt and the Levant. The drink is made from licorice root, giving it a slightly sweet and bitter taste, and is traditionally served in copper and glass containers to keep it cold.

Es Kopyor

Es Kopyor is a refreshing Iftar drink unique to Indonesia and the Philippines, made with a special coconut variety known as kopyor or macapuno mixed with orange juice or rose syrup, sugar, agar agar powder, and syrup of oranges or roses.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is an excellent option for people who feel dehydrated during Ramadan. It is all-natural, organic, and free from artificial additives. With a rich supply of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, coconut water is an effective way to replenish the body, without spiking sugar or insulin levels.

Sahlab

Sahlab is a thick, traditional Lebanese drink that is often eaten like pudding due to its consistency. It is made with hot milk, nutritious nuts, and cinnamon, and is also served cold or chilled during Ramadan. Sahlab is also popular in Syria, Jordan, and Palestine during the holy month.

Hilo Murr

Hilo Murr is a popular drink during Ramadan in Sudan, made from fermented maize, herbs, and spices. Its unique preparation involves cooking spiced and fermented batter into sheets, which are later soaked in water, mixed with sugar, and served. The drink has a strong scent and taste of cinnamon, ginger, and hibiscus.

Kharoub

Kharoub, also known as carob juice, is a thick drink made by boiling carob pods in water, popular in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries. It is consumed for its nutritional value and is an essential part of Iftar during Ramadan.

Noomi Basra

Noomi Basra is a popular Ramadan drink that originated from Basra, Iraq. It is made using dried lime and flavored with a small amount of rose water and ground cardamom, giving it a sour and lemony taste with an earthy and smoky flavor. The drink can be served hot or cold.

Vimto

Vimto Cordial is a popular Ramadan drink introduced in the GCC region in 1928, made up of berries, spices, and herbs. It has become a tradition for Qatari families to have Vimto at the Iftar table during Ramadan due to its soothing and hydrating effects on the body after a day of fasting.

Rooh Afza

The rose-petal-flavored, ruby-colored beverage that's an essential part of summer and Ramadan in Pakistan. A rose-red syrupy drink called Rooh Afza, or Soul Refresher, is the flavor of the holy month of Ramadan across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, quenching the thirst of devout Muslims during iftar at the height of scorching summer.

Saffron Tea

Saffron tea is a refreshing drink made with saffron that is popular in the Gulf region and suitable for Ramadan. It is a low-calorie drink that is easy to prepare and has an invigorating taste.