Qamar al-Din (Syrian Apricot Nectar Drink)

Qamar al-Din is the thick, tangy apricot drink that appears on Syrian and Lebanese tables the moment Ramadan begins, made from sheets of dried apricot paste soaked until silky. It is rehydrating, fruity, and unlike anything else in the pantry.

Ingredients

• 8 oz dried apricot paste sheets (qamar al-din), torn into pieces
• 4 cups water, divided
• 2-3 tbsp sugar, to taste (optional)
• 1 tbsp orange blossom water
• Ice, for serving
• Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Soak the apricot sheets
   Tear the apricot paste into pieces and soak in 2 cups of warm water for at least 1 hour, or until softened.
2. Blend until smooth
   Transfer the soaked apricot and its soaking liquid to a blender. Add the remaining 2 cups of water and blend until completely smooth.
3. Sweeten and flavor
   Taste and add sugar if needed, then stir in the orange blossom water.
4. Chill and strain
   Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a silkier texture, then refrigerate until cold.
5. Serve
   Pour over ice and garnish with a few toasted nuts if desired.

Keep a jar in the fridge during Ramadan, it is the first thing that should hit the table at iftar.