Qamar al-Din (Apricot Juice) Recipe: There are some flavors that instantly transport you back in time. For millions around the world, the rich, velvety taste of Qamar al-Din is the official flavor of Ramadan. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a tradition. As the sun sets and the fast is broken, that first sip of sweet, tangy apricot nectar is like a hug for the soul. While you can buy it in cartons, nothing compares to making this classic Apricot Juice Recipe from the dried paste. It fills your home with a fruity aroma and connects you to generations past. Let’s bring this piece of heritage to your Iftar table.
Required Ingredients to make Apricot Juice or Qamar al-Din
The beauty of this authentic Qamar al-Din Recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few pure ingredients:
- 250 grams (about half a block) of dried Qamar al-Din (apricot paste/leather)
- 4 cups of cold water (for soaking)
- 3 to 4 cups of cold water (for blending)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar or honey (adjust based on how sweet your paste is)
- 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water or rose water (optional, but traditional)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Mint leaves and walnuts (for garnish, optional)
Step Wise Directions
Let’s break down this simple Apricot Juice Recipe so you can make it perfectly every time.
Step 1: The Night Before (The Soak)
Take your dried Qamar al-Din sheets and tear them into smaller pieces. Place them in a large bowl or pitcher. Pour 4 cups of cold water over them. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the hard paste to absorb the water and become soft.
Step 2: The Magic Blend
The next day, you’ll find the apricot has turned into a soft, pulpy mixture. Pour this mixture into a blender. Add 2 cups of fresh cold water to start. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.
Step 3: Sweeten and Scent
Taste your juice. Some Qamar al-Din brands are naturally very sweet, while others are more tart. Add sugar or honey to your liking. If you are using orange blossom water (which gives that classic Middle Eastern aroma), add it now. Blend again for just a few seconds to mix everything.
Step 4: Strain (Optional)
If you like your juice super smooth and pulp-free, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Use a spoon to push the liquid through, leaving any fibrous bits behind.
Step 5: The Chill
Add another cup or two of cold water to the pitcher to reach your desired consistency (it should be rich but drinkable). Stir well. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours until it is ice cold.
Step 6: Serve with Love
Pour the golden liquid into glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of crushed walnuts for that perfect Instagram-worthy Iftar moment.
Table of Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on the brand of apricot paste and amount of sugar added.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving (1 glass) | |
|---|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe | 6 | |
| Calories | 135 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 15 mg | 1% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34 g | 12% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 29 g | |
| Protein | 1.5 g | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 20 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 350 mg | 7% |
Final Thought
Making this Qamar al-Din Recipe at home is a small act of love. It turns a simple drink into a ritual. As you sip it this Ramadan, listening to the sounds of family and prayer, you’ll taste the sweetness of tradition. It’s refreshing, nourishing, and the perfect way to welcome a blessed evening.
Also Read: Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe: The Secret to Making It Moist at Home
FAQ’S (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Qamar al-Din made of?
Qamar al-Din is a dried apricot leather. It is traditionally made by cooking and pureeing apricots, then spreading them out to dry in the sun. It is the base for the famous Ramadan Apricot Juice Recipe.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes! Apricots are naturally high in sugar. If you buy a high-quality paste that is 100% apricot, you might find you don’t need any added sugar at all. Taste it first before adding sweeteners.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! While traditionalists prefer it pure, you can blend in a banana or some mango for a smoothie-like texture. However, for the authentic taste of this Apricot Juice Recipe, it’s best to keep it simple.
Qamar al-Din (Apricot Juice) Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Tear dried Qamar al-Din sheets into pieces. Place in a bowl with 4 cups cold water. Cover and refrigerate overnight.250 grams about half a block of dried Qamar al-Din (apricot paste/leather), 4 cups of cold water
- Pour the soft apricot mixture into a blender. Add 2 cups fresh cold water. Blend on high until completely smooth.250 grams about half a block of dried Qamar al-Din (apricot paste/leather)
- Taste the juice. Add sugar or honey to your liking. Add orange blossom water (optional). Blend for a few seconds to combine.2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar or honey, 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water or rose water
- For a pulp-free juice, pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher. Use a spoon to push the liquid through.
- Add 1-2 cups cold water to reach desired consistency. Stir well. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until ice cold.3 to 4 cups of cold water
- Pour into glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish with fresh mint or crushed walnuts. Enjoy your Iftar!Ice cubes, Mint leaves and walnuts
Notes
- Don’t skip the overnight soak! If you’re in a hurry, you can soak the apricot sheets in warm water for 2-3 hours, but the overnight method in the fridge yields a much deeper, smoother flavor.
- Also, remember that ice will melt and slightly dilute your drink.
- I recommend making your juice slightly stronger/concentrated than you’d like it to be, so when the ice melts, it’s absolutely perfect.
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