Jallab: A Simple and Refreshing Ramadan Beverage

Jallab is a summertime beverage popular in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Sweet and floral, the refresher is often served during Ramadan after sunset, when Muslims break their day-long fast from food and drink.

The beverage is made with syrup or molasses made from dates, although some people use sweeteners sourced from grapes or carob. It’s accented with a touch of rose water, topped with ice, and garnished with pine nuts or slivered almonds. Many people also add golden raisins to the garnish.

In some places, the rosy, caramel-colored drink is smoked with Arabic incense to give it a rich, musky aroma.

A Simple Recipe for Jallab

Try making the recipe below! You can purchase pre-mixed jallab syrup, but we recommend you make this simple, fragrant beverage from scratch.

You’ll need a bottle of rosewater and either date syrup or date molasses, both of which can be purchased at your local Middle Eastern market or online. You can also use syrup or molasses made from grapes or carob.

Make the beverage with friends or family, then take a moment to pray for Muslims to seek lasting refreshment in the Word of God and encounter the aroma of Christ in Frontiers workers.

Jallab Drink Recipe

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons date molasses or date syrup (or use grape or carob molasses)
• 1 teaspoon rose water
• Chilled water
• Ice, preferably crushed
• 1 tablespoon pine nuts or slivered almonds
• optional: 1 tablespoon golden raisins

Directions

In a tall glass, add molasses, rose water, and about 3/4 cup of chilled water. For a less sweet beverage, add more water.

Add ice and stir well. Top with pine nuts or slivered almonds and golden raisins.

Serve and enjoy!