Jallab (Lebanese Date and Rosewater Drink)

Jallab is a deep-red Lebanese drink made from date molasses, rosewater, and grape molasses, served over ice and topped with pine nuts and raisins. It’s a favorite way to break the fast during Ramadan and cool down on hot summer days across the Levant.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup date molasses
• 2 tbsp grape molasses (or extra date molasses)
• 1 tbsp rosewater
• 1 tbsp orange blossom water
• 4 cups cold water, plus ice
• 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
• 2 tbsp raisins
• Crushed ice, for serving

Instructions

1. Mix the syrup
   In a pitcher, whisk together date molasses, grape molasses, rosewater, and orange blossom water until combined.
2. Dilute with water
   Stir in the cold water until the syrup is evenly distributed; taste and adjust sweetness.
3. Chill the mixture
   Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until very cold.
4. Prepare the garnish
   Toast pine nuts in a dry pan over low heat until golden, watching closely.
5. Serve over ice
   Fill glasses with crushed ice, pour the jallab over the top, and sprinkle with pine nuts and raisins.

For an authentic touch, serve jallab in tall glasses with extra ice, the drink should be enjoyed very cold.