Jallab Drink
Jallab, a Levantine drink, is built from syrup, cold water and rose, then topped with pine nuts, golden raisins and ice cubes. Five minutes of prep, no cooking, four servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 5 min
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
What you’ll need — tap to tick off as you go
- 120 ml
- 750 ml
- 1 tbsp
- 2 cups
- 2 tbsp
- 2 tbsp
Process
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In a large pitcher, combine 120 ml jallab syrup and 750 ml cold water. Stir well until the syrup is fully dissolved.
Add 1 tbsp rose water, if using, and stir to incorporate.
Fill four tall glasses with ice cubes. Pour the jallab mixture over the ice, dividing evenly.
Top each glass with toasted pine nuts and golden raisins. Serve immediately with a spoon or straw.
Kitchen notes
Kitchen notes
- The most common mistake is not stirring the syrup thoroughly before adding ice; undissolved syrup sinks to the bottom and makes the first sip overly sweet and the last watery.
- Taste the drink before serving: if it is too sweet, add a splash more cold water; if too mild, stir in a little extra jallab syrup.
- Toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden brings out their nutty flavor and keeps them crunchy.
- For a more authentic texture, soak the golden raisins in cold water for 10 minutes before garnishing; they plump up and soften.
Substitutions
- jallab syrup→1 cup grape molasses mixed with 1 tbsp rose water and 1 tbsp sugar
- pine nuts→sliced almonds or chopped pistachios
- golden raisins→dried cherries or chopped dates
- rose water→orange blossom water
Storage & reheating
Jallab drink is best served fresh, but you can store the mixed drink (without ice and garnishes) in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving over fresh ice. The toasted pine nuts and raisins can be kept in separate airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 week. Do not freeze the drink as it will separate.
FAQ
The questions we get asked most
What is jallab syrup and where can I buy it?
Jallab syrup is a sweet, dark syrup made from dates, grape molasses, and rose water, commonly used in Middle Eastern drinks. You can find it in Middle Eastern grocery stores or online. If unavailable, you can make a substitute with grape molasses, rose water, and a little sugar.
Can I make jallab drink ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the jallab syrup and water up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, add the ice and garnishes just before serving to keep the drink cold and the nuts crunchy.
Why did my jallab drink turn out too sweet?
The sweetness depends on the brand of jallab syrup and your personal taste. Start with less syrup (e.g., 80 ml) and add more after tasting. You can also dilute with more cold water or add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Can I use a different type of nuts or dried fruit for garnish?
Absolutely. Traditional garnishes are pine nuts and golden raisins, but you can use sliced almonds, chopped pistachios, or walnuts. For dried fruit, try dried cherries, chopped dates, or apricots. Adjust quantities to your liking.
Is jallab drink gluten-free and vegan?
Jallab syrup is typically made from dates, grape molasses, and rose water, so it is naturally vegan and gluten-free. However, always check the label to ensure no additives like gluten or animal products are included. The garnishes (pine nuts and raisins) are also vegan and gluten-free.
How do I keep the pine nuts from sinking to the bottom?
Toasted pine nuts will float initially but may sink as they absorb liquid. To keep them afloat, serve the drink in glasses with crushed ice, which provides a surface for the nuts to rest on. Alternatively, float a few nuts on top just before serving.
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