It’s Ramazan again, and as the nights grow longer and colder, it’s time to indulge in a variety of refreshing beverages that will quench your thirst after the fast. This month’s recipes blend traditional flavors with modern twists, resulting in concoctions that are not only delicious but also energizing.
Ginger-Lemonade Refreshment
Ginger is a key ingredient in many Ramadan treats; its zesty kick helps cleanse and refresh the palate post-fast. Start by slicing a large piece of fresh ginger (about 3-4 inches), then grate it using just enough water to create a smooth paste. Strain the grated ginger into cheesecloth or a fine sieve, pressing gently until you’ve extracted about 2-3 tablespoons of fresh ginger juice.
Next, squeeze the freshly juiced lemons and strain out any seeds or pulp. In a large pitcher, combine the lemon and ginger juices with cold water; stir thoroughly to mix them well. To taste, add honey (or your preferred sweetener), stirring until it’s fully dissolved. For those seeking an extra tangy flavor, you can adjust the sweetness as desired.
Serve in glasses filled with ice cubes for a cool and crisp experience.
Carrot-Ginger-Thyme Juice
To kickstart the day, this vibrant blend of carrots, ginger, orange, and water offers an invigorating start. Peel and finely cut the carrots into bite-sized pieces; peel and thinly slice the ginger thumb. Slice the oranges but remove the seeds before deseeding them.
Bring a cup of water to a boil with the sliced ginger in it. After boiling for a couple of minutes, turn off the heat. Let the mixture steep for another ten minutes, then strain out the ginger slices.
Combine this with prepared carrots and add honey to taste. Mix well using a blender until smooth, garnished with thinly cut orange slices if desired.
Pomegranate Juice
For those who enjoy a sweeter kick, consider this tangy pomegranate concoction. Begin by cutting the pomegranate in half and tapping gently on its backside to release seeds. Once removed, whisk these through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl until smooth.
Juice two large limes (freshly squeezed) along with adding honey and orange slices if preferred. Mix all ingredients together and serve over ice cubes for an extra refreshing hit.
Beet Smoothie
This rich and creamy beet smoothie is both healthy and delicious. Cube the carrot and beet root into uniform pieces, then blend them in a blender with two-thirds of water until you have a paste-like consistency. Add milk to achieve your desired smoothness, stopping when it reaches the required texture.
Blend on high speed for best results and enjoy as an energizing beverage post-fast.
Citrusy Beverage
For those who prefer something lighter, this citrusy blend offers vitamin C packed in every sip. Squeeze out fresh juices from one pomelo, two oranges, and one lime. Mix all together; adding a little water if it’s too tangy or needs some dilution. Fresh mint leaves can be added for an extra burst of freshness.
Tamarind Water
For those looking to indulge in a sweet treat without the use of honey, tamarind offers a perfect alternative. Soak 150g of soaked tamarind in four cups of water overnight. Afterward, squeeze out the pulp and seeds, then strain through cheesecloth or fine sieve into a bowl.
Blend the strained mixture with sugar (adjust to taste) using a blender. Optionally, you can add lemon juice or rose water for an extra aroma and flavor profile. Store it in the fridge for at least 45 minutes before serving chilled.
Visuals
Cover photo courtesy of Collected / Tai’s Captures / Unsplash, part of The Daily Star, ANN’s partner with Dawn.
This story originally appeared on The Daily Star, a Dawn Partner.