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Pakistani Fruit Drink

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages, Ramadan

Pakistani Fruit Drink

In the bustling cities of Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad, the Pakistani Fruit Drink is a staple refreshment, especially during the sweltering summer months. It's a beloved choice for breaking fasts during Ramadan, offering a cooling reprieve from the day's heat. This recipe captures the essence of home-style preparation, where each step is guided by intuition and tradition, with salt and fat used freely and a table always set for communal sharing.

The drink offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, with the citrusy notes of lemons or oranges lifting the spirits. The sugar dissolves into the mix, providing just the right hint of sweetness without overpowering the natural zestiness. Served chilled over ice, it should feel invigorating and refreshing, a simple yet satisfying pleasure for any occasion.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the citrus fruits. If using lemons, cut them in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl, ensuring no seeds fall into the juice. If using oranges, peel them and separate the segments before squeezing the juice. You should have about 250 ml of fresh juice, which will be the base of your drink.
  2. In a medium-sized pot, combine 100 g of sugar with 1 L of water. Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. The liquid should become clear, indicating that the sugar has fully integrated into the water.
  3. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Add the freshly squeezed citrus juice to the sugar water. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the citrus aroma is preserved and not lost to vigorous mixing.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a large jug or pitcher. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld together, creating a refreshing and balanced drink.
  5. When ready to serve, fill each glass with ice as needed. Pour the chilled fruit drink over the ice, filling the glass to the brim. This immediate serving ensures the drink is enjoyed at its most refreshing temperature.
  6. Serve the Pakistani Fruit Drink in traditional glassware if available, to enhance the cultural experience. This drink is best enjoyed fresh, with its vibrant citrus flavor and subtle sweetness, perfect for sharing around the table.
Cover of Authentic Pakistani Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Pakistani Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Pakistani Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Pakistani volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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