Egyptian Beverages

Qasab (Sugarcane Juice):

Another very popular drink in Egypt is the Sugarcane Juice. You can find a lot of shops in Egypt, which are selling fresh made juice – especially the sugarcane is very famous. Sugarcane is planted all over the south of Egypt where temperatures and soils are perfect for it.

Karakadey (Hibiscus Juice):

Karkadey, is made of the dried Hibiscus flower. You can drink it as a tea, which is very good, when you have low blood pressure or in cold, which is very helpful by high blood pressure.

Qamar Al-Din (Stewed Apricot Juice)

One of the classic drinks served during Ramadan is Qamar El Deen, an apricot drink packed with sugar and thick enough to give you the kick start you need after a day of fasting. The name Qamar El Deen translates from Arabic to “the moon of religion”, referring to the crescent moon that symbolizes Islam and linking it eternally to the holy month of Ramadan. It is made from an apricot paste, soaked in warm water until completely dissolved and added sugar. The drink is served cold, and can be garnished with shredded coconut and various chopped nuts.

Sobia (Coconut with Milk):

A refreshingly cool sweet drink usually found in Ramadan at almost every dinner table. Kids love it. You can also get it year round at most juice shops. Sobia is made in different ways, depending on your taste. You can make it with brown bread and barley, soaked in water, boiled. Cinnamon and cardamom is added, and it is soaked for another day. Filter and add sugar. Another recipe includes cornstarch mixed with water, milk with full cream, coconut milk, sugar and shredded coconut, cinnamon and cardamom. Both recipes are served ice cold.

Tamrhindi (Tamarind Juice):

Tamrhindi is only served cold and is made from the flowers of the Tamarind tree. It is popular to drink Tamrhindi and Karakadey at dinner.

Mowz bil-Laban (Banana with Milk) / Jawafa bil-Laban (Guava with Milk):

Banana with Milk and Guava with Milk are served in cold and are very delicious drinks, which you can drink every time during the year.  

Kharoob (Carob Juice)

Kharoob is made from carobs and sugar. Carobs are soaked in water for 12 hours, and then boiled, drained and sugar is added. The juice can be served ice-cold in the summer, or hot in the winter.

Sahlab (Orchid – Orchis Mascula):

Saḥlab‎ is flour made from grinding the dried tubers of the orchid genus Orchis. It is mixed with milk, sugar, rosewater and cinnamon. It is very sweet and served hot, best way to warm up nice in the winter. It can be garnished with raisins and nuts

Strawberry Juice / Mango Juice:

Strawberry and Mango Juice are favored drinks in Egypt, because they are sweet and refreshing on sunny days.

Watermelon Juice / Cantaloupe Juice:

Watermelon juice and cantaloupe juice are made from the respective melons, blended and mixed with sugar. Both very refreshing drinks, that is great on a hot summer day. Available when melons are in season.