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Authentic Qamar al-Din Recipe The Classic Apricot Juice for Ramadan
Ravi Sharma

Qamar al-Din (Apricot Juice) Recipe

A traditional Middle Eastern drink made from dried apricot paste, soaked, blended, and sweetened. Served cold, it is a staple beverage during Ramadan Iftar.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Cool Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Dubai-Inspired, Mediterranean
Calories: 135
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Step 1: The Night Before (The Soak)
  1. 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
Step 2: The Magic Blend
  1. 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)
Step 3: Sweeten and Scent
  1. 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
Step 4: Strain (Optional)
  1. For a pulp-free juice, pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher. Use a spoon to push the liquid through.
Step 5: The Chill
  1. 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
Step 6: Serve with Love
  1. 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.