Lebanese Fruit Drink

Ingredients

• 4lemons or oranges
• 100 gsugar
• 1 Lwater
• as neededice

Method

1. Begin by preparing the citrus fruits. Choose either 4 lemons or 4 oranges, depending on your preference. Roll each fruit firmly on the countertop to loosen the juices inside. Cut them in half and use a juicer to extract the juice, ensuring you have approximately 250 ml of fresh juice. Strain the juice through a fine sieve into a large bowl to remove any seeds and pulp, leaving a smooth liquid.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 100 g of sugar with 1 L of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves. You will know the sugar is dissolved when the water turns clear and no granules are visible at the bottom of the pan. This creates a simple syrup that will sweeten the drink.
3. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial as adding hot syrup to the citrus juice can alter the flavor balance. Cooling ensures that the aromas and freshness of the juice are preserved.
4. After the syrup has cooled, gently mix it with the citrus juice in the large bowl. Stir slowly to combine, taking care not to introduce too much air into the mixture, which can cause the aromas to dissipate. The goal is a harmonious blend where the sweetness of the syrup complements the tartness of the juice.
5. Prepare a serving pitcher by filling it halfway with ice. Pour the combined juice and syrup mixture over the ice, allowing it to chill further and dilute slightly, enhancing the refreshing quality of the drink. The ice should be visible and clinking against the glass as you pour.
6. Serve the Lebanese Fruit Drink immediately in traditional glassware, such as small tumblers or ornate glasses. This ensures that the drink is enjoyed at its freshest and most aromatic, embodying the spirit of Lebanese hospitality and sharing.