If you’ve ever strolled through a traditional market in Lebanon, Syria, or the UAE during the summer or Ramadan evenings.
Chances are you’ve caught sight of someone sipping a dark, iced drink with floating pine nuts and golden raisins. That, my friend, is jallab — one of the most iconic Middle Eastern drinks you’ll ever taste.
Whether you’re trying to wow your friends at your next evening get-together or simply wish to have a new keep-it-around beverage to serve, the jallab drink is a definite must-try.
On to why this ancient Lebanese drink is fantastic — and how grossly easy it is to prepare at home.
Jallab – A Delicious Middle Eastern Date Drink
A Timeless Beverage With Roots So Deep
Jallab is a classic favorite beverage that is made of grape molasses or date syrup blended with fragrant floral waters served cold. It’s a scented, sweet beverage which has chilled people for centuries.
Pictured it as the Middle Eastern version of iced tea — but with far greater depth and history attached to it. It’s part of the molasses drinks group and has a characteristic rich color, sweet taste, and earthy aroma.
Although particularly cherished in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine, jallab juice is consumed throughout the rest of the Gulf states throughout Ramadan too.
It’s one of those Middle Eastern drinks found in nearly every household during warm seasons and religious festivals.
Ingredients That Make Jallab Stand Out
So what’s in this magical glass of water? Ingredients themselves are easy enough, but flavors certainly are not.
Main Ingredients
- Date Syrup or Molasses
Most reputable jallab recipe starts with date syrup — dark, rich, and sweet. All the rich caramel taste is condensed in here.
In a pinch, or if you just don’t have date syrup, grape molasses or even carob syrup can stand in. Some newer recipes even use all three for richness.
- Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water
Step aside, spices. Here comes the floral magic. A few pinches of rose water or orange blossom water and the drink goes from “yum” to “wow, what is this?”
- Grape Molasses or Carob Syrup (Optional)
These are occasionally mixed with date syrup in an attempt to counteract the flavor and sweetness. Grape molasses brings a tang, carob syrup brings depth.
- Honey: Optional for added sweetness
If you are a sweet tooth and want your drinks extra sweet then you can add honey for that extra kick of sugar rush that you were looking for.
Traditional Garnishes
- Pine Nuts
Be not afraid! Toasted or raw pine nuts float on top and provide you with little morsels of buttery flavor as you drink.
- Golden Rallians
These teeny gems puff up in the cold liquid and provide you with sweetness and texture.
- Crushed Ice or Ice Cubes
Jallab juice is best enjoyed chilled to the touch of ice, so serve crushed ice. It adds to the drink’s refreshment factor on a warm day.
Homemade Jallab Recipe
You don’t need to be a pro mixologist to gain expertise over the jallab recipe. Believe us, it’s boldly easy.
Jallab Recipe Step-by-Step
Combining the Syrups and Floral Waters
- In a jug or tall glass, combine:
- 2–3 tbsp jallab syrup (or date syrup/grape molasses mix)
- ½ tsp rose water
- ½ tsp orange blossom water
- 1–1.5 cups cold water
Stir everything together until well combined.
Adding Ice and Garnish
- Add ice cubes or crushed ice.
- Add golden raisins and a few pine nuts.
- Stir very well and chill in the refrigerator for one minute before serving.
Making Your Drink Your Own
- Reducing Sweetness Levels
Dislike overly sweet drinks? Reduce the syrup and pour in more water. You may even add a dash of lemon juice to counteract it if you prefer.
- Spiking Sparkling Water for a Twist
Tired of the same old thing in your jallab drink? Serve over sparkling water instead of flat water for a chilled, bubbly twist. Great if you are hosting it during a summer afternoon brunch or dinner party.
Why Everyone Loves Jallab
An airy, light, elegant drink, jallab juice isn’t dense, heavy, or too heavy — it’s floral, light, and easy to drink from a tall glass. Perfect to sip on your patio with your date (yes, even when your date is you and your cat).
Natural Sugars from Dates and Grapes
In contrast to sodas or artificially sweetened beverages, jallab syrup is taken from natural products like dates, grapes, and carob.
It’s a sweet liquid that won’t set off your guilt meter — just maybe don’t use too many pine nuts if calorie-counting!
Cultural Significance of Jallab
- Hydrating and Nourishing After Fasting
Jallab really is much sought after during Ramadan, especially at iftar. It’s refreshing, cold, and gives you a sweet energy drink after a day of fasting.
- Served at Parties and Celebrations
Providing jallab juice to guests in most Middle Eastern homes is a hospitality gesture. You can serve it at weddings, Eid celebrations, and parties — with a smile and pride.
Tips & Variations:
- Sweeter drink? Add a bit more syrup or a dash of honey.
- For an authentic touch: Use rose water or orange blossom water in place of the normal water for that kick of flavor.
- No jallab syrup? Heat molasses, dates, and carob with some rose water as a DIY alternative.
Suitable For:
- Ramadan Iftar
- Summer soirees
- A light, cooling drink
Jallab Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Jallab Syrup (found at Middle Eastern markets) (Date, carob, molasses, rose water)
- 3-4 Cups Cold Water
- Crushed ice or ice cubes
- 1/4 Cup Cup Golden Raisins (optional, soak in water for 20 minutes)
- 1/4 Cup Pine Nuts (optional, soaked in water for 20 minutes)
- Freshmint leaves (garnish– optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base:
- Mix jallab syrup and cold water together in a pitcher.
- Mix well until all mixed.
2. Add Ice & Garnish:
- Fill glasses with crushed ice.
- Pour jallab mixture over the ice.
- End with soaked pine nuts and raisins.
3. Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate the drink for 30 minutes (optional but strongly suggested).
- Garnish with mint leaves and serve.
Sip, Share, and Celebrate the Middle Eastern Spirit!
With a handful of ingredients — some of which you may already have in the form of storage space in your pantry — you can make a genuine jallab drink in a flash.
Whether a newcomer to molasses beverages or a Middle Eastern beverage aficionado, jallab is one beverage to hold dear.
Drink it yourself, serve it to your friends, or bring it to the next dinner party. We promise you — once you’ve tasted it, jallab will be your new summer go-to.
More Recipes:
